Last week’s #RAWAfterMania was eventful, as per usual, but one announcement, in particular, has the WWE Universe buzzing in anticipation.
The Chairman of the Board, Vince McMahon, announced that it was time to reshape the rosters for both Raw and SmackDown Live, so tonight’s episode of Raw is going to be a “Superstar Shakeup” special.
I’ll be honest, I have no idea what in the blue hell a “Superstar Shakeup” is, but it sounds like it’s going to include various roster moves, trades, and potentially some NXT call-ups.
Personally, I feel as if this may be a tad bit too soon to adjust the rosters since the brand split just occurred last July, but I’d be lying if I didn’t say I was intrigued.
Here are my predictions for the 2017 Superstar Shakeup special that begins tonight on Raw and will conclude tomorrow night on SmackDown Live.
Andrade “Cien” Almas and Hideo Itami to Raw/205 Live
Both of these guys would do phenomenal things in the Cruiserweight division, and I don’t think there is anything for either one of them in NXT at the moment.
In the case of Hideo Itami, he needs to get on the main roster and get the ball rolling, as he’s had more roadblocks than any WWE Superstar in recent memory.
Almas is a guy that has really been doing some great things in NXT as of late, and I would love to see him transition that to the main roster.
DIY to SmackDown Live
DIY seem to be finished with their business down in NXT, and SmackDown Live needs babyface tag teams, so this move makes a ton of sense.
I was surprised when DIY did not make their debut on the #SDLiveAfterMania, but perhaps WWE is saving that moment for the Superstar Shakeup.
Charlotte Flair to SmackDown Live
Alexa Bliss and Mickie James to Raw
I’ll be honest, this move is simply to get Charlotte Flair on SmackDown Live. Charlotte would give the SmackDown Live women’s division a much needed shot in the arm, and Alexa Bliss and Mickie James would fit in perfectly on Raw, so this trade feels like a no-brainer.
It may be a tad bit unfair that Raw is getting two for the price of one, but Charlotte is quite possibly the best female wrestler in the history of WWE, so she’s worthy of a trade of this caliber.
Enzo Amore and Big Cass to SmackDown Live
American Alpha to Raw
Both of these teams seem to be finished with their respective storylines, and a change of scenery could do all four men some good.
American Alpha interacting with Kurt Angle should lead to some classic moments, and Enzo and Cass could help turn SmackDown Live’s tag team division around.
The Blue Brand has historically been the land of opportunity, so don’t be surprised to see Enzo and Cass shine if given the chance to switch sides.
Photo Credit: WWE.com
Sami Zayn to SmackDown Live
Baron Corbin to Raw
Sami Zayn jumping over to SmackDown Live has been building for quite some time, and this seems like the perfect opportunity to finally pull the trigger.
Baron Corbin was defeated by Dean Ambrose at WrestleMania, but he did get a pinfall over Ambrose in a Street Fight on SmackDown Live a few nights later.
With that in mind, the Ambrose/Corbin feud may not be over, so Corbin could stay put for the time being, but I feel like this is a realistic move that I wouldn’t be surprised to see come to fruition.
Dolph Ziggler to Raw
Seth Rollins to SmackDown Live
Seth Rollins needs to get away from the Monday Night Raw brand, I feel like he’s done just about everything there is to do over there, and SmackDown Live could use another big name to help sell tickets while John Cena is away.
I also think the SmackDown Live roster is filled with names (Styles, Nakamura, Wyatt) that could have some really great matches with Seth Rollins.
The problem is, I don’t see anyone on SmackDown Live who you could trade for Seth Rollins, and although Ziggler has had one hell of a career, he isn’t the hottest thing on the block right now.
This move isn’t that far-fetched, but even if it’s not in a trade for Ziggler, Rollins should make his way over to SmackDown Live somehow.
