The weeks following WrestleMania have seen a higher anticipation for success in the past few years, especially with the emphasis put on the Raw after WrestleMania every year. After Mania week, though, it can be hard to keep viewers interested. One of the ways WWE has tried to keep post-Mania interest up, though, is by having a “superstar shakeup.”
Although it has its flaws (why isn’t there a draft to see where everyone ends up?), seeing new guys pop up on Raw and SmackDown Live is exciting to see. Last year, stars like The Miz, Dean Ambrose, and Alexa Bliss went to Raw, while the likes of Kevin Owens, Rusev and The New Day ended up on SmackDown Live. In total, 21 different superstars and teams swapped brands last April.
This year’s shakeup has a lot of intrigue as well, as many superstars seem poised for a change. Here’s our prediction of 10 people who may be changing their colors this week.
Daniel Bryan – SmackDown to Raw
This seems like a move that is destined to happen. With Bryan back in action, it seems natural to put WWE’s most popular star on its flagship show. Bryan faced AJ Styles this past week on SmackDown, which was an indication to many that he may be on the move this week. Bryan would be great on Raw, and a potential match with The Miz at Summerslam has money written all over it.
Alexa Bliss – Raw to SmackDown
Bliss could be on the move for the second year in a row. After losing her women’s championship to Nia Jax at WrestleMania, Bliss could be in the market for new opponents. It would make storyline sense as well, as Bliss tries to “escape” the destructive path of her former best friend in Jax.
Rusev and Aiden English – SmackDown to Raw
Rusev has hit a wall on SmackDown Live. He and Aiden English are on fire on the blue brand, but that haven’t been rewarded with a title push. Sending Rusev to Raw could give the duo a fresh start, and them vs. The Bar would be a fun match for the tag team titles.
Asuka – Raw to SmackDown
Admit it…you want to see Asuka and Charlotte wrestle again. Their match at WrestleMania was fantastic, and the shock finish should keep Asuka motivated to avenge her loss. A move to SmackDown could help, and having a title match down the line at Summerslam would be fantastic.
Baron Corbin – SmackDown to Raw
Much like Rusev, Corbin seems to have little going on right on SmackDown Live. A fresh start for the big man could be a good way to revitalize his career.Elias – Raw to SmackDown
Who wants to WALK with ELIAS…on Tuesday nights? It would be cool to see Elias take his talents to the blue brand. He may get a chance to wrestle more, which would be great. A mid-card title run is due for Elias, and being on SmackDown gives him a better chance of doing that.
Becky Lynch – SmackDown to Raw
What has the Irish Lass Kicker been doing for the past year? It seems like not much. She hasn’t been involved in a title match since WrestleMania 33, which is shocking given her role in the women’s revolution. Having Lynch, Banks and Bayley all on the same show would be fantastic, as the trio could have numerous matches for the women’s championship. Along with Nia Jax, of course.
Titus Worldwide – Raw to SmackDown
It’s time for the Titus Brand to expand its roots to Tuesday nights. Both Titus and Apollo could use a fresh start, and being on the blue brand helps them with that.
Breezango – SmackDown to Raw
Like Titus Worldwide, these guys could benefit from a move to a different show. Even if we just get more Fashion Files from them, seeing it a day earlier in the week would make me a happy camper.
The Revival – Raw to SmackDown
The Revival deserve better for what’s happened to them since their call-up to the main roster. Injuries to both Scott Dawson and Dash Wilder haven’t helped, but they were so good in NXT. They haven’t found nearly the success they should’ve reached by now on Raw, and a change to SmackDown Live could re-vitalize their careers. I could see them losing to Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt on Monday before jumping ship to Tuesday nights.
Who else will get traded? Only time will tell. The superstar shake-up happens on the April 16th edition of Raw and the April 17th edition of SmackDown Live. Both shows start at 8pm eastern/7pm central.