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What's the story?
The Superstar Shake-Up was the central focus of WWE programming this week. In addition to the RAW superstars who arrived at SmackDown Live and vice versa, there were a handful of NXT superstars who got called up as well.
The list includes Andrade Cien Almas (and Zelina Vega), SAnitY (without Nikki Cross) and Drew McIntyre. It must be noted that The Authors of Pain, No Way Jose, Ember Moon and the IIconics got called up on the RAW and SmackDown Live after WrestleMania 34.
In case you didn't know...
The Superstar Shake-Up is a concept where RAW and SmackDown Live superstars interchange brands, after trades conducted by the General Managers of both brands in the storyline.
This year, in addition to the trades there were a bunch of NXT call-ups as well. While McIntyre showed up on RAW, SAnitY and Andrade Cien Almas were announced on SmackDown Live.
The heart of the matter
While Billie Kay did suffer a loss at the hands of Charlotte Flair, it is heartening to see Kay and Royce involved with the biggest star on the blue brand right out of the gate, right out of the gate. Ember Moon has picked up two successive victories and her finisher looks quite deadly.
As have the Authors of Pain who seem simply unstoppable. No Way Jose seems to be headed for a feud with Jinder Mahal while Drew McIntyre and Dolph Ziggler have formed quite an ominous heel alliance.
What's next?
It remains to be seen how SAnitY and Andrade 'Cien' Almas will fare when they get called up. It also remains to be seen why Nikki Cross wasn't called up with the rest of SAnitY. NXT must have big plans for her.
Author's take
NXT has a stacked roster despite the call-ups. I'm certain they shall continue to operate at the highest level with new talent constantly coming in.
As for the call-ups, I can't wait to see what they do bring to the table.
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