5 WWE SmackDown Superstars who could be traded to RAW for AJ Styles

AJ Styles is back in the house that he built - SmackDown. It feels right because he established himself as a SmackDown great in his near-three year tenure in the brand. He was the second Draft pick for the Blue brand in 2016, chosen ahead of big names such as John Cena, Randy Orton, Bray Wyatt, and more.

It was a bit surprising since he had only completed half a year with WWE at that point, but the company recognized his talent instantly and put him in that spot knowing well that he would be the focal point of the brand for a while to come.

He did exactly that, having two incredible WWE Championship reigns. The first was as a heel, while the second was as a babyface. in the latter, he held the title for a full calendar year, becoming the longest-reigning WWE Champion in SmackDown history (surpassing JBL's 13-year record).

With AJ Styles now back on SmackDown, it only makes sense that another star from the Blue brand must go the other way. Here are the five best options.

#5. Robert Roode

Robert Roode has been out of action for a while

Robert Roode is a name who hasn't been brought up much in the past few months. The last time he made the headlines, it was due to a one-month suspension that he received. However, he returned to TV and hasn't been seen for a while now, missing out on WrestleMania 36.

The reason for his reported absence was because he lives in Canada. The USA-Canada border being shut meant that he's stuck at home, but he's inevitably going to return at some point. While it may not be for another month or so, Roode having a fresh start as a singles star on RAW could spark up something interesting, especially in the pandemic-era of wrestling.

#4. King Corbin

King Corbin had an important role on RAW

King Corbin hasn't been having the best year in 2020. He faced Elias at WrestleMania 36 and lost, after which he hasn't done much of note. The last important feud he was in was against Roman Reigns - one that was criticized for lasting too long.

He was supposed to be in a similar position to Braun Strowman in 2017 with the two on separate brands and it seemed like Corbin was headed for a big World Championship push, But it all came to a screeching halt.

He had a small United States Championship reign after that, but it didn't make up for the lost momentum. He had an important role in RAW in 2018, where he was the "Constable" on Monday Nights.

It was viewed as a rather drab period creatively, but the only thing he has to show for since then is his King of the Ring victory. He could do much better on RAW than SmackDown since he seems to have little to no momentum on the Blue brand.

#3. Carmella

Carmella has been absent since the pandemic

Another WWE Superstar who opted to stay at home and not participate in tapings due to the COVID-19 pandemic is Carmella - whose last significant role was being a title challenger to Bayley on the Road to WrestleMania 36. She was excluded from the SmackDown Women's Championship match at WrestleMania and returned after the Grandest Stage of Them All on the May 1 episode of SmackDown.

Carmella defeated Mandy Rose and qualified for the Women's Money in the Bank 2020 Ladder Match. Unfortunately, her appearance was rather forgettable despite being a past winner.

One of the interesting things about Carmella is that she's one of the few Superstars who has never changed brands since the 2016 Draft. She was the final overall pick at #50, which would normally be demoralizing, but she proved over the year that she deserved a much better spot.

While she hasn't been heavily involved in any high-level feud of late, she's still a big name in the women's division who will have a spot as long as she's present.

While there's no actual reason for her to go to RAW, a fresh start when she returns may not be a bad idea. Moreover, the RAW Women's division needs some babyfaces and she could fit the bill perfectly.

#2. Dolph Ziggler

Dolph Ziggler is in an interesting spot on SmackDown. It's been a few years now since he last had a glorious run, with his 2016 SmackDown run from July to November being the most memorable one.

Unfortunately, WWE squandered opportunity after opportunity with Ziggler, and surely enough, any momentum he had faded away. It's been well over three years since Dolph Ziggler had any momentum, though he must be credited with bringing Drew McIntyre back into the mix on RAW and helping him in the early stages of his re-debut.

Dolph Ziggler had a significant role in 2020 as well, being the foil for Otis in his storyline with Mandy Rose. While he came off on the losing end at WrestleMania, he helped Otis look great, which built his momentum and led the latter to a shocking Money in the Bank victory in May.

Ziggler could take up a similar role on RAW, even if it's not a fair trade. The way he helps build Superstars could be vital since the Red brand is brimming with talent waiting to have that breakout moment.

#1. Shinsuke Nakamura

Shinsuke Nakamura could be the best trade

Out of everyone on this list, the only fair trade seems to be Shinsuke Nakamura. While Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt are the two top names on SmackDown now (with Roman Reigns being out of action indefinitely), it doesn't make sense for either of the two to switch brands.

Shinsuke Nakamura, on the other hand, could have an interesting run on RAW. He's been with SmackDown for three years since his debut and hasn't changed brands once, being in the same category as Carmella.

While he hasn't achieved the same success as AJ Styles, nor is he viewed that way by the higher-ups, he could have a surprisingly good run in the Red brand. Normally, fans are quick to assume that a RAW Superstar going to SmackDown will be instantly beneficial, but many cases over the last few years have proved that the opposite could be true as well.

Even if he isn't a World Champion on RAW, he could be a top challenger or at the very least, an upper midcarder.