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On October 4th, SmackDown Live will make its FOX debut. The move will mark the beginning of a brand new era in WWE. To freshen things up and add a much needed impetus to WWE programming, WWE has announced a draft to take place a week after the monumental debut. It will be a two-night switch-over with the first part of the draft taking place on Friday, October 11th and the second part taking place three days later on RAW's October 14th show.
The draft will mark the end of the unpopular Wild Card Rule that has been in effect since early May. Commentators are also expected to change brands and be exclusive to either RAW or SmackDown. This will also be the second time that WWE Superstars get to switch brands in one year, as the Superstar Shakeup took place after WrestleMania 35.
Even though the Superstar Shakeup took place only a few months ago, there are still several WWE stars that should switch brands to revive and reinvigorate their careers. As WWE has such a loaded roster, countless stars desperately need to change brands. This article will look at only 3 such stars, so there's inevitably going to be some honorable mentions, which are as follows:
- Sami Zayn to RAW
- Authors of Pain to SmackDown Live
- Brock Lesnar to SmackDown Live
Let's get down to four stars that should jump ship in the upcoming WWE Draft.
4. Randy Orton to RAW
'The Viper' Randy Orton is coming off a failed WWE Championship pursuit against SmackDown Superstar Kofi Kingston. Orton had two opportunities against the WWE Champion, at SummerSlam and Clash of Champions, but came up short each time. Unfortunately for the thirteen-time world champion, he hasn't had a good 2019. The 'Master of the RKO' has been unable to win big matches this year. He lost at WrestleMania to AJ Styles, was unable to win the Money in the Bank contract, and has unsuccessfully challenged for the WWE Championship.
WWE's 'Apex Predator' has nothing worthwhile left to do on the Blue Brand. He has been on SmackDown Live since the brand split was brought back in July 2016 and has faced everyone there is to face on the Blue Brand. Now, it's time for Orton to make the switch.
RAW would benefit greatly from a savvy veteran like Orton and the Viper would add considerable depth to the Red Brand roster.
3. Drew McIntyre to SmackDown Live
Currently, Drew McIntyre is out with an injury. 'The Scottish Psychopath' was last seen losing to Ricochet in the first round of the King of the Ring tournament. Although he hasn't officially been cleared for an in-ring return, it's unlikely he sits on the sidelines for much longer. When 'The Scottish Psychopath' does return to the squared-circle, it should be as a member of the SmackDown Live roster.
The former Intercontinental Champion is currently experiencing a slump. McIntyre's career is on the downfall, his stock is plummeting, and he was getting lost in the shuffle on RAW. About a year ago, McIntyre was destined to become the next Universal Champion, but now he is struggling for TV time. This is an injustice to a star of McIntyre's caliber, who certainly deserves much more than what he has recently been given.
SmackDown Live has a lot more to offer to McIntyre than RAW does. The Blue Brand is the perfect platform for 'The Scottish Psychopath.' There are countless opportunities for him on SmackDown Live and a brand switch may be all that he needs to get his career back on track
2. Rusev to RAW
According to WWE.com, Rusev is listed as an active member on the SmackDown Live roster. This should come as a bit of a surprise, as he made his return to in-ring action on RAW and hasn't appeared on SmackDown Live in over four months.
'The Bulgarian Brute' had the potential to be a main-eventer on SmackDown Live, but it wasn't meant to be. After the Rusev Day gimmick became overwhelmingly popular with the fans, WWE thrust Rusev into the tag division alongside Aiden English. Rusev was unable to capitalize on his immense popularity, as WWE never gave him a proper babyface push.
In January, Rusev abruptly turned heel and aligned himself with Shinsuke Nakamura, who had been a thorn in his path for quite some time. The tag team didn't work out well for either man. Nakamura recovered and eventually became IC Champion, but Rusev quickly faded into the background.
On RAW, things should work out better for the former multi-time United States Champion. His current storyline with Maria Kanellis is interesting and fans are itching to see how it will all play out. WWE is slowly building Rusev up for a push and RAW seems like the perfect stage for him to wreak havoc.
1.Braun Strowman to SmackDown Live
Braun Strowman is one of the many stars who has stuck with RAW ever since the revamped brand split was brought back in July 2016. Prior to the brand split, fans weren't very fond of Bray Wyatt's 'Black Sheep,' but things are entirely different now. Strowman improved considerably as an in-ring worker and as a character after the brand split. He earned the support and respect of fans from all over the world.
Within a matter of months, Strowman went from the 'Black Sheep' to the 'Monster Among Men.' Strowman was wildly popular in 2017 and 2018. The 'Monster Among Men' won the RAW Tag Team Championships twice, won the Money in the Bank briefcase, won the largest Royal Rumble in history, and won the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. All of this was accomplished as a member of the RAW Brand.
Strowman's popularity, however has been dwindling since late 2018 and he is rapidly losing his momentum. He has continuously played second-fiddle to the likes of Seth Rollins, Roman Reigns, Brock Lesnar and even Baron Corbin.
The 'Monster Among Men' needs a change of fortune. He needs to revive his character and in order for that to happen, needs fresh storylines. SmackDown Live would be a much better option for Strowman to revive his career and get things back on track. The Blue Brand would benefit greatly from Strowman and he can quickly become one of the show's premier Superstars.
