What’s the story?
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, AJ Styles, The New Day, Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair are all rumoured to be switching brands in the upcoming Superstar shake-up.
Two stars from the NXT that are expected to be called up next week include The Drifter Elias Samson and Andrade “Cien” Almas.
In case you didn’t know...
Vince McMahon announced on the RAW after WrestleMania that both rosters would have a “superstar shake-up”. The assumption is that this is a tease of the draft that is yet to come.
The draft is rumoured to be taking place around June or July. This will be a far bigger ordeal than the Superstar shake-up. It is still unclear whether AJ and New Days’ draft will be a part of the shake-up or draft itself.
Elias Samson lost a “Loser leaves NXT” match against Kassius Ohno, leaving him ready for the main roster.
The heart of the matter
Meltzer said that AJ Styles being drafted to RAW would mean that the red brand would have to send a big star over to SmackDown Live. However, he stated that he has no idea who that could be.
Also read: Reason why AJ Styles teased a face turn this week on SmackDown Live
As for the latest call-up, Shinsuke Nakamura, Meltzer stated that he was brought in as a possible replacement for John Cena, who won’t be around for much this year. The New Day being drafted to SmackDown Live is likely a move to help save the blue brand’s tag team roster.
Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair both finished off their storylines on television, indicating that they seem to be switching brands. Meltzer speculated that the two former champions will be swapping spots, but admitted that he had no concrete information on this.
Andrade “Cien” Almas was present at the NXT tapings on Wednesday night. He wrestled two matches, one of which he won. He and Samson likely didn’t make their debuts as there were already a few debuts and returns.
What’s next?
Post-WrestleMania WWE looks to be heating up with a lot of change happening and freshening things up.
Author’s take
AJ Styles would be ideal for SmackDown Live as one of its top babyfaces. While he will likely continue to have a strong booking on RAW, SmackDown Live felt special to watch with AJ Styles being one of the main stars carrying the brand.
The New Day moving to SmackDown Live would be refreshing, and even seeing Alexa Bliss and Charlotte change brands would be a major refresh for the women’s division of both brands.
Andrade “Cien” Almas has tremendous potential. For that, making him a big star on SmackDown Live would be great for the former Los Ingobernables member.
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