When the brand split first happened, it opened up many exciting possibilities. With twice as many championships and programs, new stars emerged, such as Braun Strowman, Alexa Bliss, The Miz (in the best run of his career), and to a great degree, even AJ Styles.
Well, Vince McMahon announced on the Raw after WrestleMania that it’s time to shake things up one more time. In only a few hours, we shall witness an event that will determine the course for the next year in WWE.
Until then, we can only bring you the buzz from backstage about the events that will transpire during the Superstar Shake-up. Read on, folks.
#5 AJ Styles may move to Raw
Many months ago, the rumour of AJ Styles moving to Raw had first surfaced and yes, we were all dismayed. As AJ Styles clarified in his promo last week, SmackDown is the brand that AJ Styles built, and in our opinion, he has been the MVP of SmackDown LIVE ever since the brand split first happened.
Additionally, Superstars on SmackDown somehow seem to be booked much better than the ones on Raw are. As longtime fans of the legend, we wanted to see AJ Styles associated with a superior brand, at least qualitatively.
Also read: WWE Rumors: More details about WWE's upcoming "Superstar Shake-up"
As we have seen several times, Raw is the flagship brand of WWE while SmackDown is the step-child of the company. Rumors indicate that AJ Styles may be moving to Raw.
The likelihood of this happening is honestly quite high, considering how vehemently Styles told AJ Shane McMahon that he wanted to be a part of SmackDown in a promo on SmackDown LIVE last week.
On the brighter side, this allows Styles to have competitive matches against Sami Zayn, Kevin Owens, Cesaro, Samoa Joe and Seth Rollins, something that should be an exciting prospect for internet wrestling fans.
#4 Charlotte may move to SmackDown LIVE
Just like AJ Styles may just be the best male in-ring performer in WWE history, Charlotte Flair may be the greatest female sports entertainer in the world.
Ever.
During her reign as the top heel on Raw, we saw her going toe-to-toe with Sasha Banks in a feud that will remain a significant milestone in the history of women’s wrestling forever. At the same time, we’ve seen a promising women’s division on SmackDown LIVE, but one that hasn’t maximised its potential really.
Maybe the addition of Charlotte to the SmackDown LIVE roster can be the catalyst that spurs the division to the next level.
The word backstage is that Charlotte may be going to SmackDown LIVE shortly. We could certainly live with that! Charlotte can work great matches with Natalya, Mickie James, Naomi or even her best friend, fellow horsewoman Becky Lynch.
#3 Roman Reigns may move to SmackDown
Some sources speculate that Roman Reigns may be moving to SmackDown LIVE at the Superstar Shake-up. Others refute this claim because Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman is a program that WWE wants to run with for Payback, according to some strong backstage rumours.
Bringing Roman Reigns to SmackDown may be a great way to reboot his character. Everyone who has worked with The Miz has been elevated in the process and we’re certain the same could happen with Roman Reigns as well.
Of course, a John Cena vs. Roman Reigns match can also come to fruition, something that WWE themselves have teased on their official website. At least one of the two men will get cheered, in that case by fans.
#2 Alexa Bliss may be moving to Raw
Alexa Bliss has ruled the roost in the Women’s Division of SmackDown LIVE for many months now. So much so, that she’s run through practically the whole SmackDown Women’s Division already. Now that Naomi holds the belt, it makes sense for Alexa to head to Raw, and feud with the women of the red brand.
Could you envision how cool a feud between Alexa Bliss and Bayley would be? The ultimate heel vs. the ultimate babyface! Even Sasha Banks vs. Alexa Bliss. A program to determine who's the real 'boss’ on the flagship brand is.
Yes, rumours are rife that Alexa Bliss may indeed move to Raw at the Superstar Shake-up, in a few hours. As a result of the benefits we’ve outlined, we don’t see that as a bad thing at all.
#1 The New Day may move to SmackDown LIVE
One of the rumours (that makes perfect sense) is that The New Day will switch brands and move to SmackDown LIVE at the Superstar Shake-up. With the exception of The Hardys and The Revival, they've run through the entire Raw Tag Team Division, and they need a fresh start soon.
They can easily have memorable feuds with The Usos, or American Alpha, or even, Bray Wyatt and Erick Rowan. Truth be told, the SmackDown tag team division needs new talent just as much as The New Day needs new opponents right now.
It’s a win-win situation for all concerned if the trade does eventually transpire.
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