WWE Superstar Shake Up: Who will rise, and who will flounder?

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So many roster changes will be a boon to some and a burden to others.

In what has become a tradition in WWE, the week after WrestleMania is time for a major roster change. At one time this was done with the draft lottery, but more recently the Superstar Shake-up has replaced the somewhat gimmicky old system.

This year, it seems more wrestlers have been shuffled about than ever before, leaving RAW and Smackdown with almost entirely new lineups. What this means for wrestling fans is a chance to see more varied matchups. What this means for wrestlers is an opportunity to shine on a new brand.

Some will shine, but sometimes a wrestler is harmed by the shuffling about of talent. Here are five wrestlers who will probably benefit from the Shake-Up, and five who might not be so lucky.


Rise: Jeff Hardy

Jeff Hardy
Jeff Hardy

Jeff Hardy's transition to the blue brand will likely be quite helpful to his career.

At one time, Jeff was considered the 'better' member of the Hardys, but times have changed. Multiple battles with drug addiction and one TNA performance against Sting he'd probably like to forget have harmed Jeff's stock somewhat.

Then there's the unparalleled success of broken/Woken Matt Hardy. Jeff was moved to Smackdown to get out of his brother's shadow, which is a first as Matt used to be considered the less marketable Hardy.

Jeff has already won the US Title, which rather spoiled his move to Smackdown, but he should put on some exciting matches with such luminaries as Shinsuke Nakamura and AJ Styles. The future looks bright for Jeff Hardy on Smackdown.

Might Fall: Bobby Roode Raw

Bobby R
Bobby Roode

Glorious Bobby Roode was a just-add-water sensation on NXT, but he seemed to struggle a bit amidst so many major stars on Smackdown such as Randy Orton and Jinder Mahal.

Roode went from the main event of TNA and NXT to the mid-card of WWE, where he has remained. Unfortunately, he may not be able to break out of this mold on his new show, where he will compete for attention with major stars like Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns.

Roode might surprise us, but right now it looks like he will likely remain a mid-card player.

Rise: Riott Squad

Riott Squad.
Riott Squad.

Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan, and Ruby Riott were called up to Smackdown and started making an impact right away.

With her unique look and wealth of skill and experience, Riott has led her charges to the Red brand. The plethora of new matchups against some of the best women wrestlers in the world, such as Ember Moon, mean that interest in the group will probably only rise.

Might Fall: Mojo Rawley

Mojo Rawley
Mojo Rawley

It's not hyped that Mojo Rawley has a lot of potential, but moving him to Raw might be a mistake.

On the blue brand, Mojo failed to resonate with fans or put on compelling performances. Moving to Raw will open up new possibilities for his character, but it seems as if WWE is intent to keep him as a cocky heel when he works better as an enthusiastic face.

Unless something changes, Mojo will likely flounder on Raw just as he has on Smackdown.

Rise: Natalya

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The daughter of the Anvil has everything to gain and nothing to lose from a switch to Raw.

With opponents like Alexa Bliss, Nia Jax, and Ronda Rousey available, she will be able to put what has always been her strongest asset--wrestling ability--on full display.

The future looks bright for the Canadian wrestling princess on Raw.

Might Fall: The Acension

The Ascension
The Ascension

Conor and Viktor were successful in NXT, winning the tag titles from no less than Neville and Corey Graves. Excellent first steps.

Unfortunately, their second, third, and fourth steps have largely been stumbles. The Ascension doesn't seem to know if they want to be next generation Road Warriors or Demolition or if they want to mock those very traditions.

Unless the Ascension gets some clear direction on their characters, they will likely flounder on Raw.

Rise: The Bar

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With the red-hot feud between the Usos and the New Day seeming to cool a bit in the wake of WrestleMania, the Bar could slip right in and become the top tag team on Smackdown.

Though their stock fell at WrestleMania, having lost to a man with a child as his partner, they have the chance to re-create themselves and give a jump start to their momentum.

Might Fall: The Miz

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The Miz has been a big deal on Raw for much of the past year, holding the IC title for most of that time.

However, a move to the blue brand might be bad for the A-lister. Though it is never explicitly stated by WWE, the Smackdown brand is the home for more 'pure' wrestling, while Raw is about bombastic entertainment.

Miz isn't a bad wrestler, but he's not on par with Orton, Nakamura, or AJ Styles. He really needs to bring his A-game if he doesn't wish to flounder on his new show.

Rise: Samoa Joe

Samoa Joe
Samoa Joe

The pressure is on Joe to prove he can compete at the highest level injury free, and we expect him to do just that.

With a move to the blue brand, Joe now joins Nakamura and AJ Styles as one of the masters of the 'strong' style of wrestling, meaning stiffer shots and snugger submissions.

Joe has a chance to go right to the top of the roster, and have dream matches with men like Daniel Bryan.

Might Fall: Big Cass

Big Cass
Big Cass

The question here is, can Cass be entertaining and compelling on his own without mouthpiece Enzo Amore to rile up the fans?

Big Cass is largely untested in the main brands, having been sidelined due to injury shortly after breaking his tag team with Enzo Amore. The WWE seems to think he needs some 'seasoning,' and by moving him to the secondary of their two main shows they can protect him and allow his growth and maturity.

But if an Enzo-less Cass cannot resonate with the fans on his own, then he may be doomed on the blue brand.

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