Friday's SmackDown winners and losers includes Braun Strowman getting a new challenger, a WrestleMania rematch, WWE celebrating 25 years of Triple H and the debut of a team from NXT.
On the first SmackDown after WrestleMania, the show opened with new Universal Champion Braun Strowman being interrupted and disrespected, it moved onto a WrestleMania rematch and gave fans another episode of The Dirt Sheet. From there, it added a few more surprises and set up the stage to make Jeff Hardy a major player on the brand.
Here are your winners and losers from Friday's SmackDown:
Loser: Kabuki Warriors
There's always going to be a WrestleMania rematch on the show following the biggest pay-per-view of the year. Unfortunately for The Kabuki Warriors, this is now two big losses in a row. Considering the speculation Asuka is going to get a singles push, are these two big losses indicative of the tag team splitting?
If so, it's hard to imagine what will happen with Kairi Sane who likely won't be the one who comes out on the winning end of this booking decision.
Winner: That's Good News Segment
The Dirt Sheet was back on SmackDown, as was The Miz who missed WrestleMania with the flu. It was good to have to him back and Miz and Morrison's chemistry is off the charts good. They then gave a live performance of their top-trending new theme song and it has to be asked, 'Is the Miz and Morrison rap so bad it's good?' We're starting to think so.
They were interrupted by the Usos who tried to drive a wedge between the champs. The Usos claimed Morrison was carrying the team when New Day's theme music kicked in. The rest of the promo then set the stage for the Triple Threat Match between those members of each team that didn't compete at WrestleMania. That will happen next week on a loaded SmackDown.
Winner: Forgotten Sons Debut
In the first proof SmackDown was taking part in the Superstar Shakeup, NXT faction The Forgotten Sons were announced as having arrived on the blue brand. It wasn't great news for Lucha House Party, but this is a big opportunity for the trio.
Labeled three of the most intense Superstars to step inside the ring, it appears WWE might actually give them a push. It was a strong showing for the group, namely Steve Cutler and Wesley Blake. The only concern here is that they could become the next version of Sanity who got quickly buried after making their debut in a similar fashion.
Loser: Sasha Banks
Bayley just sacrificed The Boss to Tamina for next week's show, teasing more friction between the champion and her best friend Sasha Banks. Bayley and Banks were close and extremely unified, but you could sense the concern on Banks' face that Bayley might not have her best interests in mind.
Chances are, Banks will narrowly escape Tamina next week, but if she doesn't Tamina will get a shot at Bayley on a future episode of SmackDown. Good for Tamina who is getting some television time.
Winner: Next Chapter For Jeff Hardy
WWE must be deciding Jeff Hardy is going to be one of the WWE Superstars they put a lot of focus on over the next few weeks. They showed the first in a series of videos looking at his career in WWE, this week starting with him getting into the business.
This is a smart way to fill content but it will also get people emotionally invested in Hardy's next steps. There were rumors WWE had considered Hardy instead of Braun Strowman for the Universal Title. Maybe this will eventually lead to a match with The Monster Among Men?
Loser: Braun Strowman
Strowman got a big win over Shinsuke Nakamura but there was enough time left in the show for Bray Wyatt to bring on another episode of The Firefly Fun House, this one targeting the new champion.
Wyatt said he was happy for Braun and Wyatt flashed back to their time as former partners in the Wyatt Family. Wyatt said Braun turned his back on his own creator and while the puppets didn't want to forgive him, all Wyatt wanted was an apology.
Strowman said he wasn't going to play Wyatt's games so Wyatt said he wanted back the Universal Title. "Since I brought you into this world, I'm going to have to take you out," Wyatt said. Strowman said, "Anytime you want, I'm willing to let you in."
Unfortunately for Strowman, this is likely going to be a short title run.