The biggest winners and losers from last night's SmackDown (January 28)

Last night's edition of SmackDown fell short of the high standards we've expected to come from the blue brand. This was a sagging episode, starting off on a high (but ominous) note and declining as it went on until the end. Several segments felt unnecessary and mistimed, with not enough time going to some important angles.

Truth be told, it wasn't a good way for the blue brand to get started in the home stretch to WrestleMania. Granted, since both Rumble challengers are going for Raw titles, there's work to be done.

Who took the most and least out of last night's show?

Loser: Becky Lynch

Becky Lynch emerged as a loser for only one reason - it appears that WWE is already getting started in shoehorning Charlotte Flair into the already-announced Becky Lynch vs. Ronda Rousey matchup, with Lynch's leg injury possibly being a selling point.

It's a terrible idea. It might have been palatable before, but after Monday night's magic, it's the wrong move. If this "new era" is supposedly about listening to fans, they made themselves clear on Raw. They want Lynch vs. Rousey one on one. It's more dramatic.

"Ronnie, you never came looking for me to prove that you're the baddest, so I've come looking for you to prove that you're not."

Charlotte Flair or a leg injury to Lynch isn't needed. That one, single line is all that you need on the road to WrestleMania.

Becky Lynch remains the most popular star in the company at the moment, but after last night, it appears that her moment is indeed going to be watered down because WWE is adamant that the perennial company favorite, Charlotte Flair, needs to take part in the match.

Let's hope they abandon this course. There's a better alternative.