'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
As we draw closer to SmackDown 1000, the list of legends set to appear on the show grows longer. While nostalgia may have a place in the wrestling industry, it often comes at the expense of young stars trying to make a name for themselves.
Sadly, throughout this year, some of SmackDown's biggest names have seen a decline in screen time. What fans, myself included, have to bear in mind is that SmackDown is a two-hour show. With that in mind, we take a look at some of the most underused stars on SmackDown Live.
Honorable mentions
This section is dedicated to Shinsuke Nakamura, the current US champion. Despite holding the championship, the leader of Nakamerica has been absent from two consecutive pay-per-views. Apart from that, he also appears in this list because he failed to win the WWE title from AJ Styles during their long, drawn out feud. Shinsuke's absence from the main event picture may be due to a lack of legitimate challengers, but that might be about to change soon.
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Rey Mysterio has been announced for SmackDown 1000, and we hope it marks a new chapter in Shinsuke's career.
3. Absolution
Paige's retirement from in-ring competition was one of the saddest moments for members of the WWE Universe. However, the fans didn't have as much to lose as the members of Paige's crew, Absolution. Absolution had the potential to be one of the most dominant stables in the women division, but sadly the group will never live up to its full potential.
At the moment, Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville have been reduced to enhancement talents, particularly when the creative team wants to build the profile of a woman on the roster. The best hope for Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville would be the establishment of the Women's tag team belt.
2. The Good Brothers
Two of the best in-ring performers in the WWE today are Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson. During their time working on the independent circuit, the two proved that they could hold their own against anyone both on the mic and in the ring.
But ever since they went to SmackDown, they are yet to make a significant splash. Despite once being the number one contenders to the SmackDown Tag Team Championships, they have yet to win the titles.
Their best bet is for Finn Balor to move to SmackDown, where they can hopefully reform the Balor Club.The formation of the Balor Club would also be greatly beneficial to Finn Balor as it could catapult him back to the main event picture.
Since AJ Styles was a former member of The Club, it would b good for business to place him and Balor in a feud for the WWE Championship.
Another former indie star who could be involved in such a feud would be Daniel Bryan, leading to one of the greatest dream matches ever: Daniel Bryan vs. Finn Balor vs. AJ Styles at WrestleMania.
1. Shelton Benjamin
Shelton Benjamin makes the top of this list because never before has a WWE superstar had to resort to Twitter to get the attention of WWE management.
After his release from the WWE, Shelton became one of the biggest names on the independent circuit. He was so big that the WWE had to get him back. But since his return, he has yet to make a big splash. Hopefully, the Gold Standard of the WWE will achieve some success soon.
The best way to use Shelton Benjamin would be to put him in a tag team or a stable. Despite his boundless athleticism, Shelton's mic skills are some of the least impressive in the WWE. Putting him in a stable where other people can focus on the promos would be beneficial to everyone involved. Shelton and Bobby Roode teaming up would be best for business.
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
