Grading SmackDown's divisions before and after the Superstar Shake Up

Main-Event Scene

The Big Dog's move to the blue brand was one of the biggest moves ever during a shake up.

Added - Roman Reigns, Elias to Kofi Kingston, Daniel Bryan, Kevin Owens, Randy Orton

Lost - AJ Styles, the Miz

Other Notes - Daniel Bryan currently out of action with an injury

Grade Before - B-

Grade After - B-

While switching out Roman Reigns and AJ Styles essentially meant one face took the other's spot, not a lot changed in terms of the performers. Kevin Owens did return and as a face, but that quickly changed when he attacked Kingston and Xavier Woods during SmackDown's main event last week.

The main event scene for the blue brand was in decent shape but could have been better. Once Styles lost the title and Bryan turned heel, they were left without many top-level faces for the main event. The Miz was turned face but it was mainly for a feud with Shane McMahon and his dangerous rabbit punches.

He was sent to Raw, and Elias came to SmackDown in his stead. Elias has always been over with the crowd regardless of if he was insulting opponents or his fans and he's been immediately thrust into a feud with Reigns. It does show faith in 'the Drifter' but he needs some gold sooner rather than later.

A lot of the talent from the mid-card has the potential to have great matches with the likes of Reigns, Kingston and Elias, but who will be given the chance to ascend? Buddy Murphy was arguably one of the top five performers in all of WWE up until Mania. Will SmackDown continue to be the 'land of opportunity' in WWE?

Chad Gable has always had the talent but lacked the push. Ali has proven to be worthy of big matches, but will his size continue to hold him back? Aleister Black and Andrade both have big potential that could shove them up the card at any point this year, but the question will be of when would be the right time.