5 wrestlers who could strengthen WWE brands

The last few years in WWE has been excited. Fans have witnessed the arrival of superstars such as; AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Pete Dunne, see video below. Their presence has afforded excellent match-ups and strengthened WWE programming. The entertainment value has been exponential. Nevertheless, it has seemed to dwindle recently.

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On Raw fans are greeted with Roman Reigns and the main event scene. Whereas, on SmackDown Live, Rusev Day is running wild. This programming has become dulled compared to past times. Nevertheless, 205 Live and NXT have been flourishing recently. Perhaps due to Triple H taking majority control. Therefore, what can WWE change?

Ultimately WWE must consider hiring new talent. Agreed, NXT usually serves this purpose. However, the issue seems evident on Raw and SmackDown Live. Tommaso Ciampa, Adam Cole, and Velveteen Dream are performing excellently on NXT. Therefore, it would be damaging to promote them. Consequently, WWE could look at options outside their company. Here are some options.

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# 5. Matt Sydal (205 Live)

Matt Sydal and Richochet were excellent together

Since the arrival of Drake Maverick (Rockstar Spud) to 205 Live, it seems programming has improved. Moreover, performances by Buddy Murphy and Cedric Alexander has been crucial to success. However, there is room for improvement. There is room for excellent matches.

In Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA), Matt Sydal has been performing excellently, predominantly working in their X-Division. Impact's X-Division is effectively their version of the WWE Cruiserweight Division. He has won both X-Division and Grand Championships whilst performing in Impact.

Importantly Sydal formerly wrestled in WWE as Evan Bourne. He was reasonably successful, winning tag team championships. Therefore, his prior experience and excellent aerial abilities in the ring would strengthen 205 Live. Moreover, he can work with different opponents and weight divisions. Sydal's presence would be beneficial to WWE, see video below.

# 4 Matt Taven (NXT)

Matt Taven has worked excellently in NWA promotions and ROH

NXT is arguably progressing since its inception. It is potentially more entertaining than other brands.

Perhaps its success is owed to Triple H and his influence. Regardless, there is room to utilize existing talent. Therefore, WWE could consider bringing new talent to the brand. In the past, this has been successful, for example, Richochet.

One talent with the potential to improve NXT is Matt Taven. Currently performing in Ring of Honor, (ROH), his credentials are extensive.

Firstly, he is excellent with a microphone, see video below. Secondly, he works excellent in singles or faction competition. If Taven came to NXT, it would shape future events.

Taven leads a faction called, The Kingdom, consisting; himself, Vinny Marseglia and TK O'Ryan. Their actions have been crucial to ROH television in recent years. However, the group's first leader was Adam Cole.

The history between Cole and Taven was exciting. There is potential for a rivalry in NXT. Therefore, there is an immense opportunity for WWE to recruit Taven.

#3 DH Smith (NXT UK)

DH Smith wrestling Will Ospreay

Since being announced this year, NXT UK has been creating conversation. Fans have been generating immense excitement for its future.

The British wrestling scene will benefit immensely. Notwithstanding other factors are generating excitement. This month 'World of Sports Wrestling' (WOS), returned to ITV, see video below.

The first episode of WOS wrestling introduced new and familiar British wrestlers to fans. One name; DH Smith (British Bulldog Jr.), would perform excellently against Will Ospreay.

However, he is more renowned for his work in WWE and New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). In NJPW and WWE he held numerous tag team championships.

DH Smith is the son of legendary Davey Boy Smith (British Bulldog). Coincidently his wrestling style almost mimics his father. However, DH Smith has trained with the Hart family, specifically Bret Hart.

Notwithstanding, his performances since leaving WWE has been exponential. His experience in singles and tag team competition would be valuable to the newly created NXT UK division.

#2 Jay Lethal (Smackdown Live)

Jay Lethal is the current ROH World Champion

SmackDown Live has arguably been the better brand compared to Raw. The match quality has been exciting.

Moreover, there has been intriguing story-telling. For example, Jeff Hardy's engagement with Randy Orton, see video below. However, with Hardy's removal from the US Championship scene, opportunities arise.

AJ Styles will face Samoa Joe at SummerSlam, and it seems clear a feud is brewing. Both Styles and Joe are top performers on SmackDown, leaving story-line options diminished. One way to improve story-lines is recruiting outside talent.

Jay Lethal has equaled the success of AJ Styles, winning multiple championships globally. However, he has yet worked for WWE.

Presently he has earned back the ROH World Championship. Although, there is potential for a WWE debut.

He has excellent aerial and technical wrestling ability. Moreover, he works superbly on the microphone. Bringing Lethal to SmackDown Live would be exponentially beneficial to WWE.

#1 Cody (Raw)

Will we see a rematch inside a WWE ring?

The Raw brand is the flagship of WWE. However, weekly shows have lacked in recent years. It seems SmackDown Live have been performing better. Nevertheless, Raw has arguably some of the best talents in wrestling. However, some of these talents have been floundering.

Finn Balor was excellent in NXT and excited fans everywhere he performed. Once on Raw, he became the first-ever Universal Champion, defeating Seth Rollins.

However, the following night he announced a severe injury. It sidelined him for months. Therefore, he relinquished the championship.

Since his return, WWE has lack investment in his efforts. Moreover, they failed to capitalize on an opportunity to form a new faction. One consisting of former Bullet Club members; Balor, Karl Andersen, and Luke Gallows.

Former WWE star Cody has been performing excellently in ROH and NJPW. Moreover, his actions as Bullet Club member has generated mass intrigue.

Cody performs excellently; in the ring, and on social media (via Being The Elite), see video below.

Ultimately, since leaving WWE his character and skillset have exponentially improved. Bringing him back to WWE is lucrative for WWE storytelling, and fan enjoyment.

In addition, Cody was partly responsible for the successful booking of the upcoming 'All In' PPV event, proving he understands the wrestling culture.

An excellent booking option for Cody would be a feud with Balor, concerning Bullet Club bragging rights.