WWE SmackDown Results: Biggest Winners, Losers and Moments from June 23

For Seth Rollins, the June 23 episode of WWE SmackDown represented a return to form, but for Sami Zayn, it was an opportunity to prove himself against one of the best wrestlers on the planet.

On Thursday night, they delivered a dramatic and action-packed main event that left them both earning "biggest winner" statuses.

Without awkwardly attempting to play heel off Roman Reigns despite the usual chorus of boos greeting his former Shield teammate, Rollins was able to open up and be the loud, brash and obnoxious villain that he was born to be. There was no flirtation with popularity or any overwhelming sense that he was anything even remotely close to a hero.

No, Rollins was delightfully bad and proved to be the perfect opposition for consummate underdog Zayn, who he openly mocked upon the Canadian competitor's answer to his open challenge.

But The Underdog from the Underground was defiant in the face of mockery, allowing his actions between the ropes to speak for him. On a number of occasions, Zayn nearly pulled off the monumental upset over Rollins. Unfortunately, one ill-advised tope con hilo proved to be his downfall.

Sure, he hit the maneuver, but he rolled Rollins back into the ring first, allowing the former world champion to enjoy a moment of separation, which was all he needed to grab hold of Zayn and plant him with a Pedigree for the pinfall win.

The match, its setup and the performances of the Superstars involved provided SmackDown with a set of bookends that helped elevate the show past the funk it had settled into over the last month. Both men came out of the match looking even better than they did prior to it. That is, as it has always been in the wrestling industry, the telltale sign of a productive and effective night's work.

Loser: David Otunga

David Otunga is still finding his feet as a commentator, having just recently been named the full-time addition to the Superstars and Main Event broadcast teams, so it is understandable that he exuded nervousness Thursday night.

However, some of the nonsensical arguments he made while at the announce position were not so understandable—one in particular leading even the most casual viewers to wonder if he knew what he was talking about.

Otunga recalled training with Jimmy Uso during the days of FCW, proceeding to suggest he believed the former tag team champion could beat AJ Styles in singles competition.

It is always interesting to hear a commentator give a firsthand take on a given Superstar. When he was concentrated on being a quality commentator, John "Bradshaw" Layfield, used to do it all the time. It is another thing entirely to claim something so asinine that viewers instantly lose faith in one's ability to be objective.

Friend or no friend, Otunga had no business making an argument that a tag team wrestler like Uso could conceivably beat a Superstar like Styles, who has traveled the world and succeeded in every promotion he has worked as a singles competitor.

It was the wrong story to tell, and it took away from what was a solid match.

Otherwise, Otunga was decent, even if his presence was unnecessary with Mauro Ranallo and Byron Saxton at the table.

Winner: Charlotte

Credit: WWE.com

Aside from the constant interference that has plagued her matches, Charlotte has developed into an extraordinary wrestling villain, as evidenced by her performance Thursday night on SmackDown.

After Dana Brooke defeated Becky Lynch in singles competition only to be suplexed out of the ring by The Lass Kicker, Charlotte exploded across the squared circle with a big boot that put the Irish-born Superstar down. Then in a moment reeking of overinflated ego, she stood in the center of the ring and basked in the glory of her actions.

Yes, the villainous champion delivered a single kick and thought herself worthy of the adulation of the fans. She was cocky and arrogant, the look on her face exhibiting tremendous pride over her one contribution to the downing of the fiery, orange-haired competitor.

Then Sasha Banks' music played, and that confidence turned to fear. Charlotte wanted nothing to do with The Boss and fled from the ring the second Brooke intercepted the former NXT women's champion. Then the second-generation competitor watched from ringside as Banks tapped Brooke out, making no effort whatsoever to rescue her protege.

Sure, it was understated, but Charlotte's performances continue to feature the little things that separate good performers from great ones. 

Winner/Loser: Sheamus

Credit: WWE.com

The rivalry between The Celtic Warrior and young Apollo Crews carried over into SmackDown this week, as the Superstars battled in a rematch from their Money in the Bank encounter. There, Crews picked up the biggest win of his career, and on Thursday night, Sheamus was looking to avenge both the defeat and the humiliation that came with it.

He accomplished the first part, beating the NXT standout via count-out, but there was something about the way he celebrated that win that was even more humiliating for him than the loss on Sunday.

Sheamus is a former world heavyweight champion. It was not all that long ago that he was one of the elite stars in the company. Hell, he even carried SmackDown on his ghostly white back for well over a year. To see him so gleefully celebrating a count-out win over Crews, a Superstar he should have Brogue Kicked into oblivion weeks ago, is a bit embarrassing.

That is where the "loser" status comes in. On the other hand, that is an incredible narrative to tell, one that WWE Creative may be subtly hinting at.

If that is the case—and Ranallo's comments about Sheamus' role in Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Out of the Shadows taking his focus away from the squared circle is further proof that it may be—the Irishman could be gearing up for his most interesting and compelling story in years, making him a partial winner as well.