The WWE brand split has been relatively successful, even despite some flaws. There are tweaks that can help fill those in however, and now that things are about to head into WrestleMania season, it might be time to shake up the rosters a bit to get the most out of both promotions.
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Trades alone won’t solve everything, like the overabundance of pay-per-views or poor booking decisions, but trades would allow for certain buried or underutilized superstars to find a better chance to succeed.
Here are 5 trades that could make the product for both Smackdown Live and Monday Night RAW Better.
Sasha Banks For Nikki Bella
Sasha Banks has been in the midst of a grueling program with Charlotte Flair, but it seemingly reached its conclusion at the recent Roadblock pay-per-view, with Charlotte taking home the Women’s Championship.
On Monday Night RAW the next night, Banks seems poised for a feud with Nia Jax, but Banks would fare far better as part of the women’s roster on Smackdown Live. A feud with Becky Lynch or new Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss is far more interesting than one with Nia Jax, and to do that RAW could trade Banks to Smackdown for Nikki Bella.
Bella is in full babyface mode right now, and would make a great sparring partner for Jax, and would add another top notch face to the roster that can eventually spar with Charlotte or Bayley for the championship later down the line, depending on which route WWE decides to go. Emmalina is also making her way back to the roster soon, and Bella would make an equally great foe for her.ย
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Sami Zayn For Dolph Ziggler
Sami Zayn proved he could hang in the ring with the mighty Braun Strowman at Roadblock, but is that really the best use of his talents? Zayn should be mixing it up with the upper card, not “proving’ that he can last 10 mintues.
If someone is more suited to that task, it’s Dolph Ziggler, who can sell with the best of them and make pretty much anyone look like an A-Lister. With his recent feud with The Miz coming to an end, it’s time to trade Zayn to Smackdown and let him compete for the Intercontinental Championship, provided they don’t put the belt on Ambrose.
We’ll get to Ambrose later though.
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The New Day For The Usos
The New Day’s long title reign has finally come to an end, as the accomplished trio was finally overcome by the talents (and surprisingly over) Tag Team of Cesaro and Sheamus. The three superstars have bene in the main event scene on RAW for some time now, and it seems like a perfect time for a change of pace.
Two of their compatriots, the Usos, have undergone a full-on heel turn since going to Smackdown Live, and could also use a change of scenery. This would be the best case scenario for both, as The New Day can enter into programs with Heath Slater and whoever his future partner ends up being (if Rhyno decides to leave WWE), American Alpha, and the Tag Team Champions the Wyatt Family. The trade is worth it for the New Day Wyatt feud alone.
The Usos could then enter an entertaining feud with Big Cass and Enzo, or they could go for a “who is the better heel” program with The Club. Seeing them take on Sheamus and Cesaro would also be a thrill.
In short, make this happen WWE, make it happen.
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Tyler Breeze For Curtis Axel
Of all the trades, this is the one that would have the least effect on the main event picture, but it could breed new opportunity for both superstars.
Tyler Breeze has had limited television time on the Smackdown Live roster, but he still manages to entertain in the small amount he gets. It might be time to trade him to RAW and allow him to have a role in the ongoing Kevin Owens and Jericho bit, or Jericho could form a Tag Team with Breeze after the Owens storyline has run its course.
The same goes for Curtis Axel, who has vanished from television for some time. Zack Ryder’s injury leaves an opening in the Hype Bros. Tag Team, and pairing him with Rawley for an unlikely alliance could lead to something along the lines of Cesaro and Sheamus. If handled right, it could breath new life into Axel’s career, who has shown strengths when paired with other superstars in a Tag Team.
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Dean Ambrose Finn Balor
When Finn Balor comes back to the WWE, the scene will have shifted some. Kevin Owens owns the Universal Championship at the moment, with Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns in vying for his spot. It’s a crowded picture to be sure, and while a Balor vs Kevin Owens program will be undoubtedly entertaining, a trade might be the best thing for business.
WWE has teased a SHIELD reunion over the last few weeks, culminating in a Reigns Rollins team up at Roadblock. There is one ingredient missing, though, and that is a certain Lunatic Fringe Dean Ambrose. Trading Balor for Ambrose would give RAW the chance to include the full SHIELD in its plans while giving fans something they’ve always wanted in AJ Styles vs Finn Balor. That feud would be worth its wait in gold and could make up for Cena not working a full schedule as fall as the roster goes.
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