5 Winners of the WWE Superstar Shake-Up, and 5 likely losers

The WWE Superstar Shakeup has become an annual tradition, replacing the more dramatic yet often contrived superstar Draft. This year, it was even more poignant, because for the first time in twenty years WWE has serious competition in the North American pro wrestling market.

The advent of All Elite Wrestling has thrown a complete wrench into the WWE status quo. Not only will WWE be looking to retain more talent than in years past post-Wrestlemania season, they will also be looking to acquire more wrestlers just to keep them out of the hands of their burgeoning new rival.

Also, the new television deal putting Smackdown Live on Fox network has led to all sorts of buzz, and a change in the way WWE normally does business. Now they have to keep their new network happy and longtime fans at the same time.

The Superstar Shakeup was more surprising and exciting this year than it has been in its entire history. But a new brand doesn't always mean all will be well for the superstars involved.

Here are five likely winners of the 2019 WWE Superstar Shake Up, and five wrestlers who might wind up being on the losing end of their talent switch.

#1 Winner: Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns will now be wrestling on Smackdown Live.

You have to feel good about the big turnaround in Roman Reign's life recently. Not only has he successfully defeated cancer for a second time, but he has finally gained something he lacked for almost his entire WWE run; The WWE Universe's sympathy.

For a long time Roman was too good looking, too chiseled, and too powerful. His booking made him like John Cena 2.0, and it didn't go over well with some fans. However, now he seems to be enjoying good crowd reactions.

His move to Smackdown Live will be a boon for Roman. Likely, he was moved to Smackdown so the Fox network has a big star on their new show. Look for big things in Roman Reign's future, including a possible WWE championship run.

#1 Loser: Chad Gable

Unfortunately, Chad had better be ready, willing, and Gable to wrestle on the lower end of the card on Smackdown Live.

If your name is Chad Gable, you just can't seem to catch a break on the main WWE roster.

Back in his NXT days, Chad Gable was one half of possibly the most popular tag team to go through the developmental yellow brand; American Alpha. In American Alpha, Chad Gable's lack of impressive size, and--let's face it--aesthetically deficient facial features were compensated for by the handsome and larger Jason Jordan.

When American Alpha made it to the main roster, fans rejoiced. Unfortunately, that joy was short lived as Jason Jordan suffered what seems to be a career ending injury. Now bereft of a partner, Chad Gable drifted for a bit before being paired with Bobby Roode. Again, his partner's flashier looks and style made up for Gable's relative milquetoast character.

But now that Gable has been moved to Smackdown Live, he's leaving his partner behind. On a stacked roster like Smackdown live, Gable might struggle to stand out among the crowd.

#2 Winner: AJ Styles

AJ Styles is the perfect example of why you should never say never. Back in the mid 2000s, many fans and critics were impressed with the Phenomenal One's acrobatics, technical wrestling, and sheer athleticism. However, they also said AJ would 'never' be a main event talent.

AJ Styles would go on to have multiple Impact wrestling title reigns, and also wore the prestigious IWGP heavyweight title not once, but twice.

Then those same fans and critics said AJ would 'never' join the WWE. AJ debuted at the Royal Rumble to tremendous fanfare. Then they said AJ would 'never' be a major star with the company. Now he's had multiple big belt reigns and has been the big fish on both the red and blue brands.

AJ's transfer to Raw is nothing but a promotion for him. Now he can ply his trade on the flagship show, and bring his unique style against a vast array of new opponents. Look for AJ to accomplish a great deal on Raw.

#2 Loser: Ember Moon

You have to feel at least some sympathy for Ember Moon because she's had a run of bad luck. Ember Moon was trained at Booker T's wrestling school, and was one of his standout pupils. As Athena, she wrestled in Shimmer and World Women of Wrestling, distinguishing herself for her insane, high flying in ring style and athleticism.

After toiling away for nearly ten years in the indies, she finally got her break with the WWE, joining the NXT brand. Then, and injury sidelined her and she lost her momentum.

Then she joined the main roster...and an injury sidelined her and she lost her momentum again. Unfortunately, she may have developed a reputation as being injury prone, which is not a good sign for her career. Moving her to the blue brand, already heavily saturated with talent, could lead to Moon being lost in the shuffle.

#3 Winner: Liv Morgan

Liv Morgan was a former competitive cheer leader and has done modeling, but she is also a life long wrestling fan.

In fact, she used to wrestler her brothers in her family's back yard. A self-professed Tomboy, she wasn't much for playing dress up. She found an idol in Lita, who wore baggy pants and mixed it up with the male wrestlers fearlessly.

Liv Morgan joined NXT but largely got lost in the shuffle. When she was brought into the main roster, she benefited greatly from her association with Riott Squad. The unlikely trio wound up being one of the better all women stables.

But now that Liv Morgan is moving to Smackdown, and her Riott Squad mates are not, that indicates that WWE has big plans for Morgan. Allegedly, Vince McMahon likes her rebel attitude and wants to push her as a singles star. Expect big things from the blue tongued one on Smackdown Live.

#3 Loser: The Viking Experience

Erik and Ivar, formerly known as Hanson and Rowe.

If you've ever wondered what it would be like if Godzilla and King Kong formed a tag team, look no further than the Viking Experience. The tandem of Raymond Rowe and Todd Hanson has torn up the independent scene, Ring of Honor, and the Japanese promotions with their mix of power, striking, and heavy strong style influences.

When they joined the NXT brand, they changed their name from War Machine to War Raiders, mostly because of copyright issues. The fans objected, but adjusted to the new team name. After all, it was still Hanson and Rowe.

But now, in order to be more 'viking esque,' they have endured another name change that quite frankly sounds silly. Changing the individual names of the athletes is a questionable move as well, since they are so well known under their real names.

The newly christened Erik and Ivar may struggle to get new fans with their 'corny' nickname.

#4 Winner: Buddy Murphy

Buddy Murphy was amazing on 205 Live, but he's outgrown the cruiserweight division.

At one time, Buddy Murphy was once known as the 'smaller' guy of Blake and Murphy. Then he was known as "Mr. Alexa Bliss" due to his engagement with the superstar in question. Obviously her star rose much faster than his own.

However, Murphy persevered. The man Triple H once called "the WWE's best kept secret" made the move to 205 Live, where he dominated the Cruiserweight division, put on spectacular five star matches, and captured the Cruiserweight championship.

In many ways, Buddy Murphy was just the palate cleanse 205 Live needed after the Enzo Amore fiasco. He returned the division to what it was originally known for; fantastic wrestling matches.

But now, he's been drafted to Smackdown, and the possible match ups are tantalizing. Murphy vs. Daniel Bryan? Murphy vs. Kofi Kingston? There's two potential five star matches right there, and we've only scratched the surface of the Smackdown roster. Look for Buddy Murphy to grow his own brand and possibly move into the main event picture. If not, Finn Balor better hang on tight to that Intercontinental title...

#4 Loser: Heavy Machinery

Heavy Machinery came into NXT with none of the fanfare, of, say, TM-61 or the Undisputed Era. However, they became sensations none the less.

Their cry of "Steaks and Weights" was quickly took up by the NXT audience. Otis in particular was a favorite, with his unique look, massive build and strength, and surprising agility. On top of all that, the duo had no trouble emotionally resonating with the fans.

Once they moved to the main roster, however, they seem to be sliding into obscurity. The move to Smackdown Live possibly means that less is expected out of Heavy Machinery, which is quite sad frankly. They are a great example of 'homegrown' NXT talent and are capable of much more. However, don't expect them to do much on Smackdown Live. The focus of the tag team division seems to be on Raw and that is likely to remain the case for the time being.

#5 Winner: Andrade

Are Andrade and Zelina Vega an unstoppable force? WWE seems to think so.

For many years, Andrade wrestled under a mask as La Sombre, the Shadow, in his native Mexico for the CMLL promotion. He was a member of Los Ignorables, a feared heel stable.

Then he signed a contract with WWE, and he lost a mask vs mask match to end his Lucha Libre career. But his wrestling career was just getting going.

For a time, Andrade struggled to stand out on NXT. He was obviously a very capable wrestler, and experienced to boot, but once he was paired with Zelina Vega it all clicked for him. Vega is a great advocate, making up for Andrade's lack of charisma on the microphone.

WWE is rumored to be very, very pleased with both of the performers, and now Andrade is on Raw along with many other former NXT wrestlers. This opens up the possibility of feuds that didn't get to happen in NXT, such as Andrade vs. Ricochet.

Look for big things from Andrade, including a possible Universal title run.

#5 Loser: Finn Balor

In terms of pro wrestling marketability, Finn Balor has the total package--with all apologies to Lex Luger.

Finn Balor has a chiseled, magnificent physique, reminiscent of Greek sculpture of the gods. He's handsome as well, and young enough to appeal to the twenty something women in the WWE Universe. Those traits alone would probably be enough for Balor to have a successful career, but then you factor in his insane athletic ability, sense of timing, and technical wrestling acumen.

Simply put, Balor should be a much bigger star than he is right now. It seems like every time Finn Balor makes it to the main event picture, something happens and he slides back down the card.

His move to Smackdown Live could help him, given that he will have new challengers for his Intercontinental title. On the other hand, most of the quicker, more athletic wrestlers are on Raw now, which could limit the quality of his matches.

There you have it; Ten possible winners and losers of the WWE Superstar Shake Up 2019. Questions or comments? Please leave them below the article, and as always thanks for reading!