What’s the story?
With 11 WWE Superstars from SmackDown LIVE moving over to Raw, it begs the question as to which superstars from Raw will be moving to SmackDown LIVE. Dave Meltzer on the Wrestling Observer Radio listed some of the names that will be shifting from Raw to SmackDown LIVE
In case you didn’t know...
On the Raw side of things, the moves made were The Miz(with Maryse), Dean Ambrose, Curt Hawkins, Bray Wyatt, Kalisto, Apollo Crews, Alexa Bliss, Mickie James, and Health Slater & Rhyno.
The Superstar Shake-up is a two-day event, with the first part being on Raw with the second part set to continue on SmackDown LIVE.
Just like the original draft, many people feel SmackDown LIVE was ripped off some of its top stars. However, hopefully, the blue brand manages to excel just like they did post-draft past July.
The heart of the matter
Meltzer speculated that Sasha Banks and Charlotte Flair will be moving from the female side
On the male singles side, United States Champion Kevin Owens is expected to move.
New Day is said to be a lock to be moving to SmackDown LIVE.
From the lower card, Jinder Mahal is one name expected to switch brands.
There was huge talk about AJ Styles moving to Raw, but Meltzer speculated that Bray Wyatt took AJ Styles’ place. As for the SmackDown LIVE WWE championship picture, Meltzer speculated that Randy Orton will retain over Bray Wyatt and that will lead to a program with AJ Styles.
New Day seemed to be done with Raw after losing to The Revival. They are reportedly expected to be the top tag team on the blue brand. Charlotte Flair as well was seemingly written out after losing to Nia Jax.
What’s next?
Day 2 of the superstar shake-up will take place on SmackDown LIVE and fans will see what the fate of the blue brand is and who they really get.
Author’s Take
Bray Wyatt, The Miz(with Maryse), and Dean Ambrose seemed like a last minute decision to be moved over to Raw. It is a shame because all 3 stars looked like they were benefitting far more from being on the blue brand. Now they are on the red brand which already has an overcrowded main event as it is.
From the look of things, it does not seem like SmackDown LIVE will be getting the fair end of the bargain in the males singles division. However, from what SmackDown LIVE has shown since July, a better creative and booking team can compensate for a weaker roster.
Send us news tips at [email protected]
How did Ric Flair spend $1500 at a pizza place? More details here
