The landscape in WWE has changed. As last weeks Superstar Shakeup moved stars all around WWE.
In the second iteration of the Superstar Shakeup, we saw some big stars change brands. We saw some lesser stars get moved in a last ditch effort to gain some semblance of a push. This shakeup has the WWE Universe talking that the balance of power for the “top show” has shifted. But before a verdict is given let’s take a look at who’s on the move.
Rotating to Raw
- Jinder Mahal
- Riott Squad
- Natalya
- Kevin Owens
- Sami Zayn
- Dolph Ziggler
- Drew McIntyre
- Breezango
- Baron Corbin
- Bobby Roode
- Bobby Lashley
- Mike Kanellis
- Mojo Rawley
- Zack Ryder
- Chad Gable
- AOP
- Ember Moon
Shifting to Smackdown Live
- The Miz
- Jeff Hardy
- Absolution
- Samoa Joe
- Sanity
- Big Cass
- Asuka
- The Club
- The Bar
- R-Truth
- Andrade “Cien” Almas
- Zelina Vega
The first and most notable thing is that RAW acquired more Superstars than Smackdown Live. Obviously, this is because RAW is a three-hour show and has more time to fill. Both brands made out well in the shakeup. However, I do believe that Smackdown Live got the better end of the Superstar Shakeup as the acquisitions of Samoa Joe, The Mix, Asuka and newly crowned United States Champion Jeff Hardy provide Smackdown Live a good balance at the top of the card.
Now, that’s not to say that RAW lost because the additions they made prior to the Shakeup will help their product substantially. AOP, Ember Moon and Bobby Lashley bring each of their respective divisions some much-needed assistance. The Shakeup also brought over top-level talent like Dolph Ziggler and Drew McIntyre who whether paired as a team or as individuals can make a serious run as champions. Not to mention the almost criminally underutilized Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and Natalya that can now hit the refresh button on their own careers.
Final Verdict Awaits
Both brands made some quality additions. At the outset, I do believe that Smackdown Live got the better of the Shakeup, in large part to not having to fill so much dead time. However, the final grading as to who truly won the Superstar Shakeup we will just have to wait and see down the line. I am looking forward to seeing what both brands can do. The Superstar Shakeup gives the WWE the opportunity to wipe the slate clean and begin anew. Hopefully, for the sake of all of us in the WWE Universe, they give us some worthwhile programming.
