The biggest winners and losers of last night's Raw (January 14)

Raw tried to shake up its usual, plodding formula last night. To an extent, it worked, as last night's show was a step above the three hours of mediocrity (at best), that plagued us throughout 2018.

But who managed to make the most out of last night's show with the Royal Rumble only two weeks away? Who got the least out of it? Let's take a look.

Winner/Loser: Braun Strowman

This was...strange. Let's just put it that way. After last week's horrible segment (an early contender for worst segment of the year), Braun Strowman kicked off the show and was taunted by Baron Corbin. After a backstage chase, Braun Strowman had a run-in with Vince McMahon and his limo.

On the one hand, this was Dumb Babyface Syndrome, which was the last thing Strowman needed after last week's horrendous segment. On the other, it appears that Strowman's injury rumors are true. That's actually the best thing for him because he could ill-afford yet another loss to Brock Lesnar. This storyline allowed him to get out of that match.

It was a tactical loss in exchange for a strategic victory for Strowman's career.

Winner: Sasha Banks

Yes, this match was nothing special. Yes, Sasha Banks has no chance of winning at the Royal Rumble. Yes, this was the usual tired formula of having pay per view opponents team up during the build to their match. All the same, it allowed Sasha Banks to look good heading into the contest, which was badly needed after over a year in the wilderness. It will also do her well in the long term when the women's tag team titles arrive on the scene.

Sasha Banks and Ronda Rousey began to bicker after the match was over to build up some more heat.