5 Reasons SmackDown Live has struggled since the Superstar Shake-up

#4 Champions lost in the mix

Randy Orton’s (left) championship run was bland while Jinder Mahal’s (right) push was rushed.

When wrestlers become champions, one would expect them to hold sway over the audience and stand above their peers. The champions on SmackDown Live have been the exact opposite since the shake-up.

Randy Orton as a face WWE Champion had no legs, as the Viper does not need the belt and it has been proven true the other way around as well. Jinder Mahal as a surprise champion definitely has shock value but he could have been booked better.

In his recent Punjabi-style celebration of his championship win, he received cheers due to the novelty of the celebration. Thus, the heel promo he delivered later did not resonate as well as it should have.

Kevin Owens and AJ Styles are currently embroiled in the best storyline on the blue brand, purely for what they bring to the table. Their performances are slowly but surely elevating the US title. Tag team champions, The Usos, have really owned their heel run but Breezango have cast a bigger shadow over them.

Finally, Naomi demonstrates her champion status only occasionally with the focus primarily on Becky Lynch as the women’s division is split into two factions. The lack of spotlight on the titles and their holders, while they are dominated by other wrestlers or factors, impede their progress.

The General Manager to the rescue then.