5 steps to save SmackDown Live

Step 4: Get some stars

SmackDown badly needs to have a good draft this year. Last year's superstar shakeup is widely acknowledged to be a key turning point in the show's fortunes. The only real bona fide A-list star the blue brand got was Charlotte, while it lost The Miz, Dean Ambrose, Alexa Bliss, and more.

SmackDown is in desperate need of star power. Nothing feels like it matters because of the lack of star power on the show. Whenever the next draft or shakeup happens, SmackDown needs to get some notable names.

First, the blue brand is in dire need of main event level heels. Jinder Mahal, Kevin Owens, and Sami Zayn have failed badly in that role. As a result, rivalries have been lacklustre and angles haven't been compelling. SmackDown needs top villains that can actually provide urgency and drama to the quests of the babyfaces for glory.

Samoa Joe is an obvious choice. With a few exceptions, he hasn't managed to escape the mid-card on Raw, even though he proved how good he was in the main event during his program with Brock Lesnar last June. He could be put to much better use as one of SmackDown's premier, title-holding villains. Getting Samoa Joe in the next draft should be a top priority for SmackDown's creative team.

Andrade "Cien" Almas is another name that comes to mind. The NXT Champion made an appearance at the Royal Rumble, suggesting a call-up is soon to come. He'll likely lose his title to Aleister Black at the next TakeOver and then come up after WrestleMania.

Almas, with Zelina Vega in tow, has proven just how good he is as a top heel, and he should go to SmackDown, where his talents will make more of an impact.

While not quite as deficient as in the heel department, SmackDown could use some additional main event babyface talent as well. Seth Rollins and Finn Balor would be two excellent acquisitions, as they're unlikely to break past their current ceiling on Raw, while SmackDown would give them more of a chance to get to a higher spot and do more to improve the show they're on.