5 RAW Superstars who could benefit from moving to SmackDown 

WWE is yet to announce a Superstar Shakeup for the year 2020 formally. However, they have hinted at a mini version of the shakeup by informing the fans that the draft picks will expire soon. Looking at the way the company transferred Apollo Crews from SmackDown to RAW this week, it is certainly possible that we will see a few more transfers in the weeks to come.

The creative team could also spice things up by including NXT in the mix. Just like the Black and Gold brand made its presence felt at Survivor Series last year, it could take part in the shakeup this year. For this article, we will specifically be focusing on RAW and SmackDown. A formal draft is a subject for another time. With the draft picks expiring, the fans could also witness a few Superstars shift from RAW to SmackDown this week.

Here are 5 underused RAW Superstars who could benefit from joining the Blue brand.

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#5 Bobby Lashley

The Dominator appears ready to split with Lana soon.

Former WWE Intercontinental Champion Bobby Lashley has been a very controversial figure on Monday Night RAW. Upon his return in April 2018, WWE has involved him in multiple less-than-serious storylines, especially the angle that saw him steal Rusev's wife, Lana, and marry her. Lashley has immense size and strength, and along with his quickness, agility, and the legitimacy that he brings as a former fighter for Bellator MMA, he could have become a Brock Lesnar style character. He had major promise after a great run with Impact Wrestling, but the last 2 years has seen him become, for all intents and purposes, "just another guy".

Fortunately, it appears that the Lashley/Lana marriage will end soon, as WWE has sowed the seeds for a breakup. As soon as that happens, The Dominator would be freed from his cage and could make a big name for himself on Friday nights. He could kick-start a new journey there by picking a fight with his old rival, WWE Universal Champion Braun Strowman.

Lashley and Strowman had incredible encounters in the past, and with the Universal Championship involved in the mix, this rivalry could attract many fans to SmackDown. Thanks to his size and legitimate MMA skills, it wouldn't take much to rebuild Lashley as a powerful force, so he could be ready for a main event spot quickly.

#4 EC3

EC3 is not even in the 24/7 title picture right now, which is lower than low.

Former WWE 24/7 Champion EC3 has not been a part of RAW for the last few months. His most recent TV match took place on an episode of WWE Main Event way back in September 2019, where he teamed up Eric Young in a losing effort against Lucha House Party's Gran Metalik and Lince Dorado. EC3 became a legit star and World Champion when he went to TNA/Impact Wrestling, and when he returned to NXT, he was immediately treated as an important Superstar.

With the exception of some silly moments spent (literally) running after the 24/7 Championship, EC3 has done essentially nothing since joining the RAW brand in January 2019. He has only had a handful of TV matches, as he has been primarily used on Main Event, which is only aired on TV internationally (though it is available on demand on the WWE Network). It's needless to say that EC3 has suffered through a very disappointing run since the being called up to the main roster.

He was taken off TV in November after suffering a concussion, so hopefully his injury isn't too dangerous to the point that it would prevent a return. If he's healthy and ready to get back into the ring, WWE would be well-served to move him to SmackDown and allow him to realize his full potential. One big opportunity would see him team with Daniel Bryan and Drew Gulak, who could definitely use a teammate to level the odds against Shinsuke Nakamura, Cesaro, and Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn.

Bryan helped Gulak become a top name on the main roster, and he can do the same job for EC3.

#3 Erick Rowan

Erick Rowan had his best run on SmackDown last year.

Former Wyatt Family member and Bludgeon Brother Erick Rowan had a credible heel run in 2018 and early 2019 on SmackDown, especially as Daniel Bryan's ally, which even saw the duo win the SmackDown Tag Team Championship.

After losing the titles, Rowan and Bryan soon parted ways. Rowan briefly reunited with Luke Harper, and although he won a match against Reigns, the duo of Rowan and Harper ultimately lost that feud as Daniel Bryan came out to help The Big Dog. The Big Red then moved to RAW as part of the WWE Draft.

His new storyline definitely caught the attention of the fans, as he brought a cage out to the ring every week and squashed his opponents in easy victories. WWE spent a good while teasing what was inside Rowan's mysterious cage, but the angle was unfortunately nixed quickly after the "creature" inside was revealed. Vince McMahon abruptly ended the storyline because he felt like it was going nowhere. Rowan needs a new direction after a very disappointing return to RAW, and it would be great to see him return to SmackDown and regain some of his relevancy.

The Blue brand needs a monstrous heel who can wreak havoc on Friday nights, and Rowan can kick off his new journey with a rivalry against Jeff Hardy or even Shorty G.

#2 Zack Ryder

Zack Ryder lost that title less than 24 hours later.

It is disheartening to see an extremely talented and ambitious Superstar like Zack Ryder not receive the opportunity to realize his potential. Despite the rise of other wrestling companies, Ryder has stayed loyal to WWE for many years, and he deserves -- and has earned -- a real push above the ranks of the Main Event television lower-card. The singles division on RAW is stacked, so a move to SmackDown could open things up for the man known as Long Island Iced Z.

Just like EC3, he could be a valuable addition to Daniel Bryan's faction, for example. The Ultimate Broski wrestled his last match on the RAW episode dated 9th March, where Bobby Lashley defeated him quickly and easily. There are many mid-card level heels on the Blue brand who need a new opponent, and Zack Ryder could definitely fill that void.

Ryder could even move up a notch and have rivalries with the likes of King Corbin or Sheamus, for example. He can return to his prior status as a fan-favorite underdog on SmackDown. He might not be able to overcome his mightier opponents very often but would still be a wrestler the fans would root for. WWE needs new content on TV every week, and Ryder has proven over the years that he is a reliable, solid talent who can fit into just about any spot he's needed.

The fan base of the former WWE Intercontinental Champion would be delighted if their hero moves to SmackDown.

#1 Shelton Benjamin

Time for a reunion?

Shelton Benjamin has appeared sporadically, at best on Monday nights. He has only been in one match on RAW in 2020, where he lost to Aleister Black. His last victory in a bout that aired live on RAW or SmackDown was against Daniel Bryan on SmackDown way back in October 2018.

Looking at his booking pattern on RAW and SmackDown, one can easily conclude that he was given more focus when he was a part of the Blue brand. He was paired up in a tag team with Chad Gable after Jason Jordan was revealed to be Kurt Angle's "son" and moved to RAW, and he also had exciting singles matches with Jeff Hardy, AJ Styles, Randy Orton, and Shinsuke Nakamura.

Given that he is an in-ring technician and has an immense amount of experience, The Gold Standard should come back to SmackDown. He could reform his team with Shorty G or become a member of the singles division. He can work well as a heel or as a babyface. Benjamin would surely prove to be a brilliant addition to the mid-card of SmackDown.