WWE SmackDown Live: 4 standout performers who will be successful following WrestleMania 35

The SmackDown brand debuted in 1999 and has exponentially grown ever since. Being the secondary brand on WWE for years, there are those who argue it has surpassed WWE Raw as the flagship brand. With recent storylines that is hard to disbelieve. This October, the brand will air on Fox TV, following a momentous television deal.

At WrestleMania, names like AJ Styles, Daniel Bryan, The Usos, and Samoa Joe represented the blue brand. Ultimately, there was fast-paced and dramatic action. Nevertheless, following WrestleMania, the future is uncertain. Therefore, who can we expect to launch SmackDown into the limelight during the remainder of 2019?

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#4 Samoa Joe

Joe will elevate the WWE Unites States Championship

Samoa Joe has become synonymous with the wrestling industry, especially for his portrayal as arguably one of the greatest heel characters in modern history. While working with Impact Wrestling (formerly TNA) he earned a plethora of championships,and would mirror this success in ROH.

At NXT Takeover: Unstoppable 2015, Joe debuted for WWE, and progressed excellently, earning two reigns as NXT Champion. However, he was always destined for WWE Raw or WWE SmackDown. On January 30th Joe would debut on Raw by attacking Seth Rollins. In following months he would progress steadily until being drafted to SmackDown on April 17th, 2018.

Upon debuting for SmackDown, Joe focused immediately on AJ Styles leading to a WWE Championship match at SummerSlam 2018. However, Joe was unsuccessful. Nevertheless, their feud turned into exceptional viewing. However, in subsequent months, Joe has been less dominant. On March 5th, 2019 Joe captured the WWE United States Champion and has become involved in a feud with Rey Mysterio.

At WrestleMania 35, Joe decimated Rey Mysterio in mere minutes thus retaining this championship. On SmackDown the following Tuesday, Joe would aggressively attack R-Truth, leading to an altercation with a surprise entrant, Braun Strowman. Following a skirmish, it is unknown what will happen next week. Regardless of what direction WWE has planned for Joe, he will be crucial.

#3 Becky Lynch

Lynch makes history at WrestleMania 35

Arguably Becky Lynch is the best women's performer working in WWE. Firstly, she has garnered exceptional attention from wrestling fans. Secondly, she has earned a spot in the WrestleMania main event. There is no argument for another deserving wrestler except possibly Ronda Rousey and Charlotte.

The former two-time WWE Smackdown Women's champion has taken WWE by storm. Known as 'The Man', Lynch won the Royal Rumble match in 2019. Since then she provided epic moments, notably including her WrestleMania opponents; Rousey and Charlotte. Ultimately their feud has positively improved the women's division.

The Triple Threat main event at WrestleMania 35 was awesome and made history. Following an epic showdown with Rousey and Charlotte, a new dual champion was crowned. On the Raw following WrestleMania 35, Lynch addressed the WWE Universe as both Raw and SmackDown Women's champion. Regardless of who next challenges Lynch going forward, she will be an exceptional champion.

Moreover, her presence will improve the women's division, especially considering that her new opponent seems to be Lacey Evans, following their altercation on Raw and SmackDown this week.

#2 The Miz

A controversial ending?

At WrestleMania 34, The Miz and Shane McMahon had not yet been intertwined. The Miz would lose his WWE Intercontinental Championship in a Triple Threat match involving Seth Rollins and Finn Balor. Whereas, McMahon teamed with Daniel Bryan to take down Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. One year later The Miz and McMahon would battle for supremacy.

At WWE Crown Jewel their story would begin. Having made it to the finals of the WWE World Cup The Miz was supposed to face Dolph Ziggler, but suffered a knee injury. It was Shane McMahon that replaced him and thus became the victor. In following months McMahon was propositioned by The Miz, to become his tag team partner. Following weeks of nagging McMahon finally agreed.

At Royal Rumble 2019 The Miz and McMahon became WWE Smackdown Tag Team champions but would lose them at Elimination Chamber the next month. In a final championship match at Fastlane, but were unsuccessful in recapturing the titles.

Following their match, McMahon heinously turned on The Miz, (watch the video below). Since then McMahon has been excellent as a heel character.

Their match at WrestleMania 35 was fast-paced and action-packed. Fans witnessed Geroge Mizanin step into the ring to protect his son and an arguably controversial match ending. The SmackDown episode following WrestleMania was eventful when Shane McMahon would cut an excellent promo which involved humiliating ring announcer Greg Hamilton. Whatever happens in the near future The Miz will be a crucial factor.

#1 Kofi Kingston

The brand new WWE Champion

Kofi Kingston has been performing for WWE since 2006 and has garnered a plethora of accolades. However, a world championship seemed to elude him. Presently working alongside Big E and Xavier Woods, they collectively form the group known as New Day.

At WWE Elimination Chamber 2019, Kingston received an opportunity to compete for the WWE Championship, replacing an injured Mustafa Ali. The performance he provided was shocking, and fans witness Kingston nearly become WWE Champion. The match was arguably exhilarating to watch.

In the following weeks, Kingston earned a chance to face Bryan again at WWE Fastlane but Vince McMahon replaced him with Kevin Owens. After weeks of shenanigans and multiple qualifying matches, Kingston will face Bryan at WrestleMania 35, (watch the video below).

At WrestleMania 35, Kingston battled for the WWE Championship, in a stellar match. After numerous near pinfalls, Kingston would hit his finisher on Daniel Bryan and capture his first WWE Championship. The moment was arguably one of the greatest in modern history.

On Raw the following night, New Day shockingly turned up and challenged Seth Rollins to a winner takes all championship match. Later that night The Bar would interfere causing a match disqualification. On SmackDown the following night, New Day would seek revenge in a six-man tag team match against The Bar and Drew McIntyre. Regardless of Kingston's future direction, he will be a crucial element for WWE and their plans.