The dust has settled on the 2017 Superstar Shake-Up and while we still don’t know the exact rules for how each brand made their talent swaps, we do know which superstars landed in new homes.
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After Monday and Tuesday’s roster switch, the WWE Universe has already begun to argue which show benefited the most from the Shake-Up. Ever since the 2016 brand split Smackdown had surprisingly become the more enjoyable product, and it wasn’t even really that close.
But regardless of how fans felt about the last 6 months, the intent of the Shake-Up was to give the feeling that something brand new and exciting was in store. And in that respect, they greatly succeeded.
Now that the WWE landscape has permanently shifted with 20 roster moves, we will break down the real winners and losers of the Shake-up itself–the wrestlers.
Scroll down to see 5 stars that are now in better places and 5 that have completely gotten the shafted by the Shake-Up stick.
Winner – Sami Zayn
It’s no secret that the WWE Universe and Smackdown GM Daniel Bryan have been dying to see The Underdog From The Underground move to Tuesday nights for some time now. The perception has long been that Zayn would never get a fair shake on Raw. While Vince McMahon still makes all the final creative decisions, it is true that he is willing to take a few more risks on Smackdown. Hopefully one of those risks will see Sami finally coming out of a big feud victoriously; perhaps even with the United States Championship around his waist.
Loser – Bray Wyatt
It was less than two months ago that Bray Wyatt had defeated John Cena and AJ Styles on the same night. Finally, the Eater of Worlds was on top of the WWE with a world championship around his waist. Now, after a lackluster end to his feud with Randy Orton, Wyatt has been shipped to Raw where he will likely fall back into the midcard to send spooky jumbotron messages to superstars he will eventually lose to. For one of the best characters and actors on the roster, this is a huge letdown.
Winner – Charlotte
What else could she do on Raw? On her way out, Charlotte did her job of making Nia Jax and Bayley look strong so they could carry the brand by themselves, but now its time to let the Queen get back to doing what she does best and that is being the most dominant female athlete in the WWE.
Loser – Apollo Crews
Smackdown felt like a great place for Apollo to grow. Tuesday nights have been known for some amazing in ring performances in the past year whereas Raw has still felt more like the sports entertainment show. Apollo shines in the ring. Where he lacks is on the mic. WWE has given him little time to connect with the fans on the stick and I’m afraid he could get lost in the shuffle on Mondays.
Winner – The New Day
Just as with Charlotte, there was nothing short of breaking up left for The New Day on Raw. As with any team, a break up is likely in their future, but the WWE’s longest reigning tag team champs can feel fresh again on Tuesday nights. Not to mention how much they can do to help the progression of teams like American Alpha and Breezango. And if a break up does occur on Smackdown, any one of The New Day members would be poised to make a singles run for the WWE Championship.
Loser – Seth Rollins
Rollins plea to not leave Raw without a fight was very impassioned. His vow to not take the easy way out resonated with fans hoping to see a new side of his character. Unfortunately, Smackdown would have been a perfect fit for Rollins and a great new start for The Kingslayer. On Raw, he will always have to stand in line behind Roman Reigns until one of them turns heel again. Not to mention that as soon as Stephanie comes back, Seth could be thrown right back into the same program he just fought his way out of.
Winner – Rusev
It’s high time The Bulgarian Brute had a chance for a character reset. Thanks to an injury and a little time off screen, the former US Champion can come back with a new injury that will hopefully see him booked as more than just a bigger Santino Marella. There is also major babyface potential with Rusev if the WWE can finally move away from the evil foreigner gimmick.
Loser – Tamina Snuka
Tamina Snuka could be a tremendous talent for the Smackdown women’s division, but to have her be brought in in the way that she was, with Shane O’Mac basically trolling the audience to point out that Tamina is the way worse version of Charlotte, does her absolutely no favors.
If the WWE is serious about us taking Tamina seriously, they’re going to have to do much better than they did this week.
Winner – Primo And Epico
I would have bet you a million dollars Puerto Rico’s biggest cheerleaders wouldn’t have made this list, but Primo and Epico made a big first impression on Smackdown when they attacked American Alpha Tuesday night. Dressed in street clothes, it appears The Stars have ditched their travel agent gimmick and gotten a really cool finisher to boot. I don’t know how long this magic will last, but it’s already miles ahead of where they were on Raw.
Loser – The Miz
The Miz has come off the best year of his veteran WWE career. Vastly improved in-ring work combined with some of the most passionately cutting promos the WWE has ever seen had many fans clamoring to see the A-Lister get another run with the WWE Championship. Now on Raw, that window is likely closed. While Miz will provide hours of entertainment on the mic, there’s no chance he’s sniffing the top of the card with Brock Lesnar, Braun Strowman and Roman Reigns standing in front of him. I really felt like Miz had a great run ahead of him on Smackdown. On Raw, it seems that ceiling has been greatly lowered.
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