‘It’s time to shake things up again!’
Off the back of a jam-packed Wrestlemania that was well on course to be one of the strongest in recent memory, only for the quality to drop at an alarming rate in its closing moments. Here’s looking at you Brock/Roman. WWE is once again looking to reinvigorate its respective brands RAW and Smackdown Live. With the promise of dual-branded PPV’s (Backlash kicking us off in May) looming large, they’re looking to stave off the threat of tired angles and underwhelming PPV attendances across the year . Yet which stars could truly benefit from a switch?
Here’s my five picks:
Becky Lynch To RAW
The Irish Lass Kicker that loves to bring straight fire to the ring. A feisty competitor who lit up Wrestlemania 32 a mere two years ago with Sasha Banks and Charlotte in a terrific Triple Threat. Bar the honour of being Captain for Team Smackdown at Survivor Series, Lynch’s career has been lukewarm at best in recent months. Lumbered with ‘The Welcoming Committee’ and ‘The Riott Squad’ for much of 2017, her strong showing in this year’s inaugural Women’s Royal Rumble was a timely indicator that when she’s given time, she is a welcome asset to the division. Let her Bexplode into life again…
Asuka To Smackdown Live
Reeling from the controversial ending of her mightily impressive streak at Wrestlemania 34 to Charlotte. Yet has such a remarkable run actually stilted the growth of the Empress Of Tomorrow on the main roster, as she looks to bounce back? In many cases, we tend to learn more about someone who is considered untouchable when they are defeated in dramatic fashion. So technically sound and distinctive in her in-ring style, but do we really know Asuka? In the ‘Land Of Opportunity’ and joining Shinsuke Nakamura on the same brand, she may just help to form a Japanese dynasty on Tuesday nights, whilst unearthing her true main roster ‘identity’.
Big E To RAW
Unicorn headbands. Booty O’s. Oh. And those amazing encounters with The Usos. It’s been a hell of a ride for The New Day. Yet this writer has always been curious about the massive potential of a singles run for the ‘E. Particularly in his promo work over the past year, he’s displayed a compelling intensity to match his powerhouse performances in the ring. When injured and it’s been left to Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods to maintain the harmony of the group, they have certainly proved they could cope without him. Sidestep the drama of a heel turn and allow Big E to test his mettle on a brand brimming with ‘man mountains’…
Finn Balor To Smackdown Live
Momentarily reuniting him with his Balor Club besties Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, whose own credibility has definitely dwindled of late. Making his mark at his first Wrestlemania, in a pulsating Intercontinental Title opener alongside Seth Rollins and The Miz. In the wake of recent ‘trolling’ on Twitter as he mocked suggestions he’s not ‘over’ enough with the fans, it seems clear that WWE are quite reluctant to pull the trigger on a fully-fledged Finn push. At least on RAW. We were treated at TLC back in October against AJ Styles, in an abrupt but amazing match-up that arguably stole the show. If he’s to become a proper main-event player, he may just have to cross paths with The Phenomenal One again. Demon King. Time to claim your rightful throne…
Elias To Smackdown Live
Admittedly a cynic early on. Now. I would happily walk with, run and drive all night to the next venue with Elias. Armed with his guitar and an arsenal of no-nonsense manoeuvres, the booking of his feuds with the likes of John Cena has seen him become of the most entertaining heels the company has. But in an intimidating field boasting Lesnar, Reigns, Strowman and now Lashley. Can the singing sensation really cross over? The staying power of The New Day. Breezango’s Fashion Files. Aiden English’s ‘Rusev Day’ routine. The blue brand has proven its worth in maximising wacky gimmicks. Give Elias a main stage spot and we may just clamour for those encores…