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The WWE Draft 2021 is approaching soon. It's always one of the most exciting times of the year in WWE, as it generally dictates the direction of both RAW and SmackDown going forward.
Given the massive change to NXT, it seems unlikely that they will be included in the WWE Draft this year. Taking that into account, a lot of changes will be made, some of which won't be popular.
While it's hard to have a perfect WWE Draft with every move being the right one, here are five major trades that must be avoided at all costs:
#7. Roman Reigns to RAW in the WWE Draft 2021
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Roman Reigns moved to SmackDown in the WWE Draft 2019, and it was right around the time of SmackDown's move to FOX. The 5-year, $1-billion deal was the biggest broadcasting rights deal that WWE had ever made.
Knowing this, Reigns was all set to be the face of SmackDown. The COVID-19 pandemic changed a lot of things, including Reigns' perspective. This led to him pulling out of WrestleMania 36, taking a hiatus, and returning better than ever.
At SummerSlam 2020, Reigns returned and turned heel for the first time in over 6 years.
His heel turn turned out to be an entirely new chapter in his WWE career. Not only did he finally start fitting into his character organically, but he quickly became the best part of WWE -- even while Drew McIntyre was at his peak in 2020.
Quickly capturing the Universal Championship a week after his return, Roman Reigns would kickstart the best run of his WWE career. Over a year has past, and his character has aged well.
Reigns as a heel seems to fit SmackDown more than RAW. Since WWE began putting far more effort into making SmackDown the new "A-Show", it makes sense to put the best and biggest star in the company there.
We've seen the Universal and WWE Championship swap brands in the WWE Draft 2019, and two years after it happened seems a bit too soon. Reigns has essentially carried SmackDown for the past year, and it would be a devastating blow to lose him in the WWE Draft this year.
While RAW would undoubtedly benefit from having Roman Reigns, it's a move that simply doesn't feel right at the moment.
#6. Big E to SmackDown in the WWE Draft 2021
Big E was a SmackDown star up until recently, and the WWE Draft could result in his switch to RAW being short-lived. Because of Big E's status as the Money in the Bank winner in 2021, he had the option of cashing in the briefcase on either brand's champion.
Given how much momentum Roman Reigns had a year into his Universal title run, WWE Champion Bobby Lashley seemed like a logical option. After successfully cashing in his briefcase, Big E became a RAW superstar before the WWE Draft even took place.
Big E's reign as WWE Champion has only begun, and RAW should be the brand he sticks to. Last year in the WWE Draft, Big E was shockingly split from The New Day, ending their nearly 7-year tenure as a faction.
The trio haven't broken up. From the look of things, they seem to be back together. However, it wouldn't be surprising to see Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods sent the other way to SmackDown while Big E remains on RAW. That might just be the best option in the long-run.
#5. Bianca Belair to RAW in the WWE Draft 2021
Bianca Belair's move to SmackDown in the WWE Draft 2020 was a blessing. It's hard to believe that Bianca Belair has only been on the WWE main roster for less than a year-and-a-half. When looking back, her official full-time run only began a year ago.
In a matter of months, she turned into the fourth Women's Royal Rumble winner and participated in the second match to ever headline WrestleMania, beating Sasha Banks. It's crazy to think of how quick an ascent Belair had, and the spot that she already occupies in the SmackDown Women's division.
Bianca Belair feels like the first top homegrown star in a while. She is set to face Becky Lynch for the SmackDown Women's title at Extreme Rules, and if she doesn't win, her run on the blue brand could be over.
We understand one side of the argument for sending Bianca Belair to RAW in the WWE Draft. Her move would be a big boost to the RAW Women's division. However, she has been built as one of the pillars of the SmackDown Women's division in 2021. Staying on the blue brand in the WWE Draft makes a lot more sense.
#4. Damian Priest to SmackDown in the WWE Draft 2021
Damian Priest should stay on RAW in the upcoming WWE Draft. There are few superstars in WWE who have the momentum that Damian Priest has, and he has quickly gained popularity on Monday Night RAW.
A little over half a year after his debut, Damian Priest won the United States Championship when he defeated Sheamus at SummerSlam. Admittedly, there's a higher chance of the US and Intercontinental title changing brands than the World titles.
Damian Priest would benefit from going on SmackDown in the WWE Draft, especially when looking at the push he has received. However, he has been one of the highlights of RAW in 2021, and it would be a shame for the brand to lose him in the WWE Draft.
#3. Shinsuke Nakamura to RAW
Shinsuke Nakamura remains one of the few superstars to never change brands since the brand split was re-introduced in the summer of 2016. Debuting two nights after WrestleMania 33, Shinsuke Nakamura has enjoyed championship success on SmackDown and has established himself as a part of the brand. He is currently the Intercontinental Champion.
Alongside Carmella, Nakamura has never left SmackDown, and that tradition should continue in the WWE Draft 2021. There's a high chance of seeing a Damian Priest-Shinsuke Nakamura swap in the WWE Draft, but hopefully, it doesn't happen.
#2. Finn Balor to RAW in the WWE Draft 2021
Finn Balor moving to RAW in the WWE Draft would be interesting, but it feels unnecessary. On WWE's first show in the return to the touring schedule, Finn Balor made his return to the main roster on SmackDown.
It felt like a fresh start, especially since Finn Balor's first main roster run wasn't as good as many had hoped. There was a point when he was the most anticipated main roster call-up in WWE history.
Finn Balor has only begun to find his footing on SmackDown, and instantly entered a program with Universal Champion Roman Reigns. A move to RAW in the WWE Draft would likely be a mistake.
#1. Charlotte Flair to SmackDown
Charlotte Flair has been on RAW for a while now. She is already the most decorated woman in WWE history, and most of her championship success has come while on SmackDown.
She would be a big addition to the SmackDown roster in terms of star power, but trading her in the WWE Draft feels unnecessary. She might lose the RAW Women's Championship before the WWE Draft, as she has had several short reigns as Women's Champion, but her retaining the title at Extreme Rules and staying on RAW at the WWE Draft would be the best option.
