WWE SmackDown Results: Biggest Winners, Losers and Moments from July 26

The inaugural episode of SmackDown under Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan hit the USA Network on Tuesday and immediately demolished the expectations of fans everywhere, as Dolph Ziggler emerged from a gigantic Six-Pack Challenge match as the new No. 1 contender to the WWE Championship and the biggest winner of the night.

For two years, The Showoff has been lost in the shuffle, something he alluded to during a promo early in the SmackDown broadcast. He vowed to not only win the night's main event, but also make good on his latest opportunity. Then, in a humongous six-man battle, he defeated the likes of franchise star John Cena and WWE MVP AJ Styles to earn his way to SummerSlam and an opportunity to dethrone Dean Ambrose.

There is reason to be hesitant about labeling Ziggler a winner, particularly after so many of his pushes have ended with him right back in the same position, regardless of his stellar performances. There was something about Tuesday's win, though, that felt different. The company could have easily gone with Cena or Styles, or even Baron Corbin, who spent months bumping Ziggler around the squared circle in pay-per-view pre-show matches.

It could have even taken a bigger risk and went all-in on Apollo Crews.

Instead, it rewarded Ziggler for hard work and dedication despite not always experiencing the outcomes he would have liked. Just as he has done on countless occasions, most recently in the late 2014 push that put him in the cross hairs of The Authority, expect to see Ziggler rise to the occasion.

The only question that remains is whether WWE Creative will meet him there.

Winner: Heath Slater

Credit: WWE.com

Heath Slater hit the ring Tuesday night and referenced The Nexus, The Corre, his time as The One Man Rock Band and his leadership in groups such as 3MB and The Social Outcasts as he made the case for himself as the hottest free agent in pro wrestling.

Though he wound up on the receiving end of a Gore from Rhyno, the West Virginian may have a point.

For four years, Slater has proved himself a comedic genius and a selfless performer. He put everyone over and was part of some entertaining segments. Some of his best work came as JBL's nephew, Clem, on The JBL and Renee Show, which previously aired exclusively on YouTube.

Tuesday night, he spoke with great conviction and honesty, years of professional frustration bleeding over into an impassioned promo. He even managed to keep some of that trademark humor, screeching as he screamed injustice.

It was a refreshing take on Slater, a side of the performer fans have not often seen and one that should find a permanent spot on the blue brand.

Without a ton of depth behind the main event scene, the opportunity exists for Slater to emerge as a breakout star of sorts. Should Slater break out, it could not happen to a more deserving and altruistic star.

Loser: The Miz

Credit: WWE.com

While the intercontinental champion once again demonstrated the elements of his performance that make him one of the industry's greatest heels, it is impossible to ignore the manner in which he was booked once his match with Randy Orton began.

Some may argue that just being penciled in to face The Viper should earn him "winner" consideration, a match against a bona fide marquee Superstar being something dozens of guys yearn for, but as one of only two champions on the roster, The Hollywood A-Lister should be protected as much as possible. Instead, he had credibility stripped away as he was thoroughly dismantled by the SummerSlam headliner.

At a time when SmackDown is in the process of building up its roster, it needs every established star to contribute in a big way. Miz is one of those stars. He is a former WWE champion who has been with the company for 12 years in some form or fashion. Fans know him, dig his act and react to him no matter what arena the company rolls into.

Sacrificing him in favor of a guy perpetually over with audiences makes no sense whatsoever.

Winner: Eva Marie

Credit: WWE.com

Love her or hate her, Eva Marie will be the heel the SmackDown women's division is built around. Check out the reaction she received in the video above. Roman Reigns thinks that heat is a bit excessive.

For all of the criticism she faces for her perceived lack of in-ring skill, anyone watching her in NXT knows the progress she has made. She may not be the most classically trained wrestler, but she understands the performance aspect of the industry. She basks in the boos and is capable of telling a story between the ropes.

Most importantly, though, is that reaction she draws.

Regardless of whether she knows the value of a wrist lock versus that of a wrist watch is irrelevant. She generates a response, which is something the best workers in the company only wish they could do.

Her appearance at the end of the SmackDown segment involving the female Superstars suggests she will earn the attention of WWE Creative and could even find herself programmed against Becky Lynch at some point in the future.

Is Alexa Bliss a more complete performer and more deserving of the lead heel spot? Yes, but it is clear after Tuesday's show just who the company sees as the star of the division. For better or worse, Eva Marie makes people care about what she does.