As announced on the April 9th episode of RAW, the company will be having a two night roster shake-up scheduled for the April 16th episode of RAW and April 17th episode of SmackDown Live. As I did last year, let’s take a look at some moves that could help each roster with this year’s shake-up.
Side note: These predictions are done with the assumption that Asuka will remain on SmackDown, plus Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn heading to RAW.
Finn Balor to SmackDown
Let’s keep it real, RAW hasn’t been a friendly place for Finn. With a main event scene that is very strong on RAW Balor has been limited to the upper mid-card and IC title picture. Bumping Balor over to the blue brand could give him a better chance to be featured in more main events and a better chance at having his go at the big prize on the brand. Having Finn on top with guys like Daniel Bryan, AJ Styles and Nakamura could lead to some big moments and historic matches.
Bobby Roode to RAW
Much like Balor, Roode hasn’t reached his peak on the main roster yet. However with Roode, being on the weekly show with one hour less TV time per week hasn’t helped. In addition to Roode joining RAW, a heel turn wouldn’t hurt either. The Glorious character is over like rover, but being an arrogant heel is Bobby’s wheelhouse. Roode and Seth Rollins could have a fun program for the IC title and down the road with the right people behind him, Roode could be a force in the main event scene with the likes of Brain Stroman, Roman Reigns and Bobby Lashley.
Absolution to SmackDown
With Paige announcing her retirement from the ring and taking the role as SmackDown GM, her protege’s Mandy and Sonya would be a nice fit on SmackDown. With talks of a women’s division tag title in the works, these two could be fun to watch evolve on their own without Paige leading the way. Iconic Duo and any other blue brand duo, beware!
Riott Squad to RAW
- All three of the ladies are ready for the flagship show in Monday nights. With the opportunity for more TV time on the red brand they could reek havoc in the RAW women’s division as a unit or possibly go their own ways. Sarah Logan is one of the best kept secrets in the company and could give Nia Jax, Ember Moon, and Sasha Banks a run for their money. Mark my word, Ruby Riott will have championship gold within the next six months. As for Liv Morgan, she’s proved what she can do as a tag partner and has all the talent to make it on her own if needed.
Big Cass to SmackDown
I made this suggestion with last year’s roster shake-up and will give it another go. With Cass finally splitting with Enzo and then unfortunately tearing his ACL the night after SummerSlam, the big guy from Queens is finally on his way back and needs to break through. I’m also going with my suggestion from last year by saying Cass should be partnered up with another big man in Baron Corbin. A modern day skyscraper tag team if you will. Both are decent on the mic, but a mouthpiece wouldn’t hurt. Perhaps have someone like Mandy Rose as a valet for these guys.
Gallows & Anderson to SmackDown
BROTHER ME SOFTLY! The Bbbbbbbboys joining their good brother Finn Balor on Tuesday night’s could be fun. Having all four “Club” guys together, including AJ Styles is something fans would love to see. In addition, Karl and Luke are still a rugged team in the ring and I personally would love to see these guys and the Bludgeon Brothers beat the hell out of each other.
Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable to RAW
Man, this team has all the talent in the world. With more time for secondary tag team feuds on RAW, Shelton and Chad would make for a fantastic paring again the likes of the Revival, BAR and Authors’s of Pain. With some key wins, a nice run with tag team gold wouldn’t be out of the question.
Bayley to SmackDown
Oh Bayley. With such high hopes after coming up from NXT, the hugger gimmick hasn’t been what it could have been. It’s going to make eight year old girls and some grown-ass men (Sup, Steve Wille) cry their eyes out, we need to see a dark side of Bayley. Perhaps forming an alliance with her shoot BFF Carmella.
Natalya to RAW
It seems that Nattie has ran her course on Tuesday night’s. A change over to RAW would create fresh feuds with the likes of Sasha Banks, Ember Moon and Nia Jax. Despite being an annoying cat lady, the third generation star is still a great worker once the bell rings. She’s someone that could fit in nicely as a TV feud for Ronda Rousey.
The Miz to SmackDown
It’s the feud we have been waiting two years to see, Miz against Daniel Bryan. This could be one of the hottest feuds of the summer and a huge attraction for SummerSlam. It’s also possible that we could see Matyse and Brie Bella get involved in this feud. Along with that, Miz is a main event player and is hungry for another run as a world champion. As for his stooges from the Miztourage? They’ll have to find someone else’s shoulder’s to rub.
Dolph Ziggler to RAW
I know, I know, we’re all sick of this guy, but he can still go in the ring. One thing Ziggler hasn’t done in quite sometime is formed an alliance with someone. Perhaps a pairing with him and a returning Jason Jordan could work. They would be a fun team to watch in the RAW tag team scene. With my prediction of Benjamin and Gable heading to RAW, Ziggler and Jordan could easily get some four star matches out of them.
Jeff Hardy to SmackDown
The Charismatic Enigma is back from injury and seems to be going his own way by not joining Woken Matt and Bray Wyatt. Jeff being the Jeff that fans have loved for years could bring some fun feuds in the mid-card on SmackDown against Rusev and Jinder Mahal or even quick TV feuds with the likes of Nakamura. There’s still something left in the tank for Hardy and could be a key player in helping keep new talent strong.
Mickie James to SmackDown
She’s been great as Alex Bliss’ lackey on RAW, but it’s time for Mickey to head to Tuesday nights and help put over some of the newer talent on SmackDown. She’s a good person to have someone’s back. Whether working hell or babyface, the like’ of Charlotte, Carmella or Asuka would be in company with this tough veteran by their side.
Becky Lynch to RAW
If there’s one woman on the entire roster that has been getting the shaft, it’s Becky. She’s frustrated and hungry to have her chance as a champion. We know what she can do in the ring against Sasha Banks. It wouldn’t hurt Becky to have a heel turn and align herself with someone like Alexa Bliss. A Becky and Ember Moon feud sounds pretty freaking awesome.
