For those who missed it, Smackdown is going live on the USA Network on Tuesday nights from July 19th. This is certainly exciting news and is going to shake up the entire WWE.
One huge positive of this imminent brand split is that performers who may get overlooked currently will gain more exposure and will have more opportunities to showcase their talent.
So who are the potential candidates who could take full advantage of this turn of events and make Smackdown their own?
Kevin Owens
According to KO, the Kevin Owens show is already in full swing but he could easily make Smackdown his show if given the spotlight. He is great in the ring and is arguably the most entertaining man on the mic in the entire WWE, a combination that could make SmackDown a must-see show for fans if the former Intercontinental Champion is positioned correctly.
Sami Zayn
Kevin Owens will need a rival to face off against if he is indeed drafted to Smackdown and Sami Zayn is the perfect rival for him. The underdog from the underground is arguably the most popular talent in NXT’s history and fronted that brand during his 3-year tenure.
It remains to be seen as to whether he can become ‘the guy’ on the main roster but he has already garnered a strong fan base since making the jump up and more exposure on the new look Smackdown could only benefit the former El Generico.
John Cena
Don’t roll your eyes just yet. I know most people will want fresh faces given the spotlight on SmackDown but John Cena can bring a larger audience across to the blue brand with him and more eyes on the younger talents will give them the chance to expand their following.
Cena did a great job of elevating new guys on the main roster during his U.S. Open run and could potentially do the same on the all-new SmackDown.
AJ Styles
The Phenomenal One has proven his star power all over the world over the last few years and has justified his main event status since his arrival in WWE by headlining back-to-back PPVs with great matches.
During the last brand split, SmackDown showcased the technical wrestlers on the roster while leaving Raw to focus more on story-driven content, if this is where the WWE plan on going again then there aren’t many better in-ring workers than AJ Styles on the current roster.
Finn Bálor
Could the imminent Superstar draft be the way to introduce Finn Bálor to the main roster? The long-awaited arrival of the former NXT Champion would be sure to attract viewers to SmackDown and if the predicted feud with AJ Styles and The Club happens on Tuesday nights then Raw would have genuine competition for viewership and it could bring the best out of both brands. Also, with NXT’s growth during Bálor’s time there, he has proven himself to have drawing power and handle the pressure of fronting a brand.
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