3 factors that led to Roman Reigns being moved to SmackDown Live

The fans were exhilarated for the Superstar Shake-Up, and WWE did not disappoint. Several superstars swapped brands this week and it will freshen things up in the future.

Monday Night RAW shocked everyone when AJ Styles arrived on the red brand. However, SmackDown stepped up when Roman Reigns became the newest member of the roster. It was definitely the most exciting moment of the Superstar Shake-Up this year.

WWE already announced that the Chairman would be making an appearance to reveal the biggest acquisition in the history of SmackDown Live. Mr.McMahon being a heel, he presented Elias instead, and the fans were very disappointed by the decision. Roman Reigns subsequently interrupted the Drifter, and proceeded to attack both him and McMahon.

Despite being the poster boy of WWE, the Big Dog left the flagship show to join the blue brand. Here we discuss three reasons why it happened.

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#3 SmackDown Live will move to Fox

WWE has a huge deal with Fox

It is no secret that SmackDown Live will move to Fox, which is one of the biggest networks in the United States. It was a titanic boost for WWE when the company landed a deal last year. Alongside NBC, ABC, and CBS, Fox is one of the most recognized networks. As a result, WWE will manage to get a broader audience.

Since RAW is called the flagship show of the company, SmackDown Live does not get similar attention. The ratings of the red brand are usually higher than the blue brand every week. However, the scenario could alter after SmackDown moves to Fox in October. Moreover, the network demanded improvement in the quality of the product after the deal, with emphasis on more sports-based content.

It is a no-brainer that big names draw ratings and we saw this approach in the Superstar Shake-Up this year. Roman Reigns, who is undeniably the biggest full-time superstar of the company, could bring significant ratings. Considering Ronda Rousey is on hiatus, and Brock Lesnar's future is uncertain, Roman Reigns is the best option to bring attention to the blue brand.

#2 To provide new feuds

Reigns will have new opponents on SmackDown

Roman Reigns has been the biggest star on RAW for three years. The Big Dog was drafted to the red brand in 2016 when the company reintroduced the brand split. Reings has faced most superstars of RAW, and the brand switch will provide him with some new opponents.

He had notable rivalries with Braun Strowman, Seth Rollins, Brock Lesnar, Samoa Joe, Dean Ambrose and many more. The former Universal Champion also had a feud with Baron Corbin, Bobby Lashley, and Drew McIntyre after he returned to the squared circle this year when The Shield faced the three men at Fastlane. Reigns locked horns with McIntyre at WrestleMania 35. Hence, there are not many top-tier superstars on RAW that he has not faced before.

SmackDown Live has a different roster, and the Big Dog could square off with elite superstars of the blue brand. Though Styles switched brands, superstars like Daniel Bryan, Lars Sullivan, Randy Orton, Kofi Kingston or even Shinsuke Nakamura could produce interesting feuds for Reigns.

#1 An escape from the Universal Title picture

Reigns as the Universal Champion

Being an elite superstar ever since The Shield found its feet, Roman Reigns has been in the World Championship picture for a long time. He also got his share of mid-card titles - Reigns grabbed the United States Title during a rivalry with Rusev after he was drafted to RAW in 2016. Reigns subsequently attained a significant momentum by pinning The Undertaker at WrestleMania 33, and he entered the Universal Title picture after that memorable victory.

Though Reigns captured the Universal Championship only once before relinquishing it due to Leukemia last year, he had been a primary opponent of Brock Lesnar during the latter's lengthy title reign. Without a shadow of a doubt, a large number of fans were exasperated by the involvement of Reigns in the Universal Title picture. The Beast and the Big Dog locked horns several times for the Univeral Championship.

Following Seth Rollins win over Lesnar at the Showcase of Immortals this month, the WWE Universe has been eager to find out his first opponent - several fans were concerned it would Reigns yet again. Rollins and Reigns have collided on many occasions in the past as well. Therefore, the brand switch was a wise move as Reigns will not be the next Universal Title challenger. However, he can still prove his supremacy by chasing the WWE World Title which he last won three years ago.