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There are a lot of spring traditions around the world. Many in the United States and Europe celebrate Easter in the spring.
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Native American cultures see the springtime as a period of renewal for Mother Earth. And for those of a secular milieu, there's always the tradition of spring cleaning.
But there's one spring tradition that has become a topic of hot debate among pro wrestling fans and critics, and that's the annual WWE superstar shake-up. During the shake-up, talent is exchanged between the WWE's various brands: RAW, SmackDown Live, NXT, and this year, NXT UK.
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The Superstar Shake-up presents fans and talent with new opportunities for matches never before seen. It also can help those wrestlers who struggle on one particular brand, as often a change of scenery can do wonders.
There are many reasons the Superstar Shake-up is even more interesting this year. For one thing, WWE has announced it will be an international talent exchange, meaning NXT UK will be included in the mix.
For another, the new All Elite Wrestling promotion has created an environment where talent will likely NOT be released, which is a less celebrated post Wrestlemania tradition.
Here are ten talent exchanges we'd like to see in the upcoming International Superstar Shake-up.
#1 Seth Rollins
Where he is now: Monday Night RAW
Where he should go: Smackdown Live
The Kingslayer had a less than stellar 2018 overall; At Wrestlemania 34, he captured the Intercontinental championship, but this was viewed by many as a step down for him. A man who has been in the main event picture is expected to chase the brand's top championship, not a mid-card belt, celebrated as it is.
Things have turned around for Rollins recently, with his Royal Rumble victory ensuring the main event spot at Wrestlemania.
However, it might be best for the Architect if he were to be transferred to Smackdown Live. Rollins could face off against a new crop of opponents and give the WWE's number two brand some much-needed star power in the process.
#2 Io Shirai
Where she is now: NXT
Where she should go: SmackDown Live.
Io Shirai, the queen of high flying and daredevil risk-taking, has become an instant sensation on NXT.
She is considered one of the best female wrestling talents in the world today, and with good reason.
The only problem with Shirai on NXT is that the talent pool isn't very deep. As NXT is a developmental brand, and the WWE is trying to build up the women's roster on its main brands in anticipation for the women's tag team division, there is currently something of a talent glut on the brand, especially since Lacey Evans and Nikki Cross have been elevated.
Shirai is a big fish in a very small pond, and a move to Smackdown Live could see her take on foes like Becky Lynch and Charlotte, not to mention a dream match against the current SmackDown Live women's champion, Asuka.
#3 Walter
Where he is now: NXT UK
Where he should go: Monday Night RAW
The wrestling industry has had many impressive big men over the ages. The Big Cat Ernie Ladd, Big Van Vader, and of course Andre the Giant.
With all respect to those individuals, however, none of them ever had a five-star match. Walter is capable of working with any size athlete, from big men like himself to much quicker cruiserweight wrestlers.
His versatility and unthinkably brutal chops have made him an independent scene standout for many years.
While he, no doubt, could be quite successful in NXT UK, moving him to Monday Night RAW sets up some potential dream matches, such as Walter vs. Brock Lesnar. Walter might be that proverbial 'next big thing' for WWE, and putting him on RAW would cement that status.
#4 Ricochet
Where he is now: NXT
Where he should go: SmackDown Live
Call him Trevor Mann, Prince Puma, or Ricochet, there's no denying that whatever his name is this man will be bringing the house down with his unparalleled acrobatic display and technical wizardry.
The fans are still talking about his North American title bout against Adam Cole from NXT Takeover, and many rate his match against Velveteen Dream to be a five-star affair.
As impressive as Ricochet has been in NXT, it feels like the time is right to elevate him to the main roster. Imagine him taking on the likes of Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles. Potential dream matches are just around the corner if WWE pulls the trigger.
Ricochet's departure from NXT could clear the way for some of the new talent acquisitions, like Keith Lee, to truly shine, making this a win-win situation for WWE.
#5 Randy Orton
Where he is now: SmackDown Live
Where he should go: Monday Night RAW
Randy Orton has been a fixture in the WWE since 2003 when he was hand-picked to join the Evolution faction led by Triple H.
He is currently the record holder for the youngest world heavyweight champion in WWE history, and in addition to this caveat, he is a Grand Slam champion, having held every title the WWE has to offer.
The Apex Predator has enjoyed a parallel career with John Cena, as both of them got their star around the same time.
While Cena is primarily associated with RAW, Orton has spent a great deal of time bouncing between the two shows, during both brand split eras.
Last year, some controversy sprang up surrounding Orton's past deeds in the WWE locker room, but surprisingly he has weathered that storm quite well.
But with SmackDown Live about to start its new era on Fox, they might want to move him to Raw where there will be less scrutiny by the new television executives the WWE must deal with.
#6 Kairi Sane
Where she is now: NXT
Where she should go: Monday Night RAW
Kairi Sane made history by winning the first ever Mae Young classic tournament. During the tournament, she impressed the WWE Universe with her high flying acumen, toughness, and character.
Since winning the Mae Young classic, WWE seemingly hasn't quite known what to do with the Pirate Princess.
She sort of languished in NXT before being suddenly thrust into the main event against Shayna Baszler. She managed to dethrone the former MMA champion and reigned for about two and a half months before she lost the belt back to Baszler.
When it comes to women's wrestling, the RAW brand could certainly use an injection of new talent, and Kairi Sane fits the bill perfectly.
From her glamour girl good looks to her unbridled charisma and supreme technical prowess, she is nearly the perfect wrestler, and Raw would give her a chance to truly shine.
#7 Andrade
Where he is now: Smackdown Live
Where he should go: Monday Night RAW
Andrade 'Cien' Almas--who these days mainly goes by just 'Andrade'--has enjoyed something of a slow burn career in the WWE.
Originally from the CMLL promotion in Mexico, Andrade wrestled most of his career thus far under a mask as the dreaded La Sombre or the Shadow.
He was a member of the villainous Los Ignobernables stable and had achieved a great deal of fame.
However, he was unmasked prior to coming to the WWE. When he debuted in NXT, he was somewhat lost in the shuffle, until he paired up with Zelina Vega. With her in his corner, Almas captured the NXT title and had a successful reign.
Rumor has it that WWE wants to turn Andrade face and put him in a faction with two other lucha libre stars, but this would be a mistake.
RAW could use a good heel who can still put on spectacular matches, and Andrade fits the bill.
#8 Pete Dunne
Where he is now: NXT UK (though he often appears on the 'standard' NXT brand as well.)
Where he should go: SmackDown Live
Tough, surly, and an innovative mat wrestler, Pete Dunne defies expectations that most people have about cruiserweight class wrestlers.
Though very young, he has already gained a great deal of experience wrestling in his native UK and abroad.
Pete Dunne is quite the influencer when it comes to pro wrestling. His joint manipulation, stiff striking, and mat wrestling have been copied and emulated all over the world, which is quite a feat for such a young performer.
If Pete Dunne were to be transferred to Smackdown, he would be in a prime position to challenge for the World Championship. Just imagine Pete Dunne vs. Daniel Bryan in a no holds barred feud for the big gold belt!
#9 Shinsuke Nakamura
Where he is now: Smackdown Live
Where he should go: Monday Night RAW
The Artist known as Shinsuke Nakamura, the King of Strong Style, has a major problem. His issue is he is just too darn popular to ever play an effective heel.
He's not alone in this problem; Sting was once turned heel by WCW, and the fans didn't stop cheering for him. The signs just changed from "STING RULES" to "EVIL STING RULES."
When Nakamura made his debut for the main roster, he had tremendous heat and one of the loudest crowd reactions ever on the blue brand.
The whole arena sang his theme song in unison, and it seemed like the light had returned to the Universe. When he won the Royal Rumble in 2018 and challenged AJ Styles for the title at Wrestlemania 34, all the fans just KNEW that the reign of the King of Strong style was about to begin.
Only, it didn't. Instead, Nakamura lost cleanly to AJ Styles, which was bad enough. Then he turned heel, striking Styles with a low blow...again and again and again.
He had a lengthy reign as the US champion, but it just feels like he should be wearing the big belt.
A transfer to Raw would be an opportunity for WWE to rectify its heinous mistake and turn Nakamura back into a face performer, to the great joy of many.
#10 The Velveteen Dream
Where he is now: NXT
Where he should go: Monday Night RAW
Not since the days of Bill Goldberg's undefeated streak in the now defunct WCW has there been an instant sensation like Velveteen Dream has proven himself to be.
Though a relatively young pro wrestler, he already has championship poise and a character that resonates well with the audience. When pro wrestling heavyweights like Hulk Hogan and John Cena are talking about you on social media, you just know you're destined for greatness!
The Velveteen Dream has repeatedly stolen the show in NXT, and it's starting to feel like he needs a bigger arena in which to stretch his wings.
The WWE has another potential Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson on their hands with Dream, though to be honest, he's already a better wrestler than the Rock was in his heyday.
Velveteen Dream's tights say it all: Call him up, Vince!
There you have it; Ten exchanges we'd like to see on WWE's International Superstar Shake Up. Who would you like to see join a new brand? Please comment and let us know and as always thanks for reading!
