Written by: Kevin Berge (All Images Courtesy of: WWE.com)
How much does the brand split matter? WWE has tested those limits over the past few months, and it briefly made it seem like Raw and SmackDown would be sharing rosters. Luckily, the Superstar Shake-up is here to right the path of WWE.
If last week's Raw and SmackDown after WrestleMania felt like they were set up to fail, it is mainly because the biggest moments were left for this week. Finally, possibilities are opening for bold new stories and feuds for months to come.
Of course, last year wildly unbalanced both rosters, and it was certainly possible WWE will fall flat in trying to define the new brands.
If last week's Raw and SmackDown after WrestleMania felt like they were set up to fail, it is mainly because the biggest moments were left for this week. Finally, possibilities are opening for bold new stories and feuds for months to come.
Of course, last year wildly unbalanced both rosters, and it was certainly possible WWE will fall flat in trying to define the new brands.
AJ Styles goes from the House He Built to the place that has Baron Corbin as a top heel followed by Lio Rush featuring Bobby Lashley.
Monday Night Raw April 14, 2019
AJ Styles and The Miz Will Be Vital to the Success of Raw for the Next Year
Overview: Stephanie McMahon revealed The Miz was the first wrestler to switch brands with The A-Lister coming out and attacking Shane McMahon. In the main event, AJ Styles appeared as the third man to fight with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, defeating Baron Corbin, Bobby Lashley, and Drew McIntyre.
Analysis: Miz is on the precipice of likely the biggest run of his career. As a babyface, he has never been more popular, and he can take the next step to be one of the brand's top babyfaces.
The Phenomenal One has always been SmackDown first, so it's a shame to have him switch brands. However, it sets up fascinating new feuds for him. He will absolutely be one of the biggest stars on the brand with the likelihood he and Rollins are stealing the show by the end of the year.
Raw's Tag Team Division Need the Superstar Shake-up Badly
Overview: Ricochet and Aleister Black, the newly named The Viking Experience (formerly War Raiders), and The Usos all were revealed as members of Raw for the coming year. Each managed to look great here with the division feeling far more interesting than it was in 2018.
Analysis: The Usos are easily the biggest addition to Raw's tag team division given they are the best tag team in WWE, but it is just as important that the NXT tag teams were added to Raw. When The Authors of Pain are back in action, it could be a fantastic division unlike last year.
I don't want to get into the rebranding of the former Hanson and Rowe too much. I'll just say it was a stupid decision even if WWE felt it was vital to take the name "war" out of the name of the team.
Conclusion
The Superstar Shake-up is always fun to watch. It feels like anything can happen, and it made Raw fun even though the actual moves weren't all that exciting. Finn Balor vs. Andrade wasn't great the first time out because they were sloppy, but it was a solid top match for a brand that often doesn't hit that well on matches.
Lacey Evans got her first chance to show off, and she was fine. Hopefully, she is not massively overpushed, but her presentation was well done even if she's a perfectly average performer right now. Raw's women's division certainly needs more top stars.
The stage has been set for a fresh brand with some fascinating moves on SmackDown as well that will make the red brand much different next week.
Overview: Stephanie McMahon revealed The Miz was the first wrestler to switch brands with The A-Lister coming out and attacking Shane McMahon. In the main event, AJ Styles appeared as the third man to fight with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins, defeating Baron Corbin, Bobby Lashley, and Drew McIntyre.
Analysis: Miz is on the precipice of likely the biggest run of his career. As a babyface, he has never been more popular, and he can take the next step to be one of the brand's top babyfaces.
The Phenomenal One has always been SmackDown first, so it's a shame to have him switch brands. However, it sets up fascinating new feuds for him. He will absolutely be one of the biggest stars on the brand with the likelihood he and Rollins are stealing the show by the end of the year.
Raw's Tag Team Division Need the Superstar Shake-up Badly
Overview: Ricochet and Aleister Black, the newly named The Viking Experience (formerly War Raiders), and The Usos all were revealed as members of Raw for the coming year. Each managed to look great here with the division feeling far more interesting than it was in 2018.
Analysis: The Usos are easily the biggest addition to Raw's tag team division given they are the best tag team in WWE, but it is just as important that the NXT tag teams were added to Raw. When The Authors of Pain are back in action, it could be a fantastic division unlike last year.
I don't want to get into the rebranding of the former Hanson and Rowe too much. I'll just say it was a stupid decision even if WWE felt it was vital to take the name "war" out of the name of the team.
Conclusion
The Superstar Shake-up is always fun to watch. It feels like anything can happen, and it made Raw fun even though the actual moves weren't all that exciting. Finn Balor vs. Andrade wasn't great the first time out because they were sloppy, but it was a solid top match for a brand that often doesn't hit that well on matches.
Lacey Evans got her first chance to show off, and she was fine. Hopefully, she is not massively overpushed, but her presentation was well done even if she's a perfectly average performer right now. Raw's women's division certainly needs more top stars.
The stage has been set for a fresh brand with some fascinating moves on SmackDown as well that will make the red brand much different next week.
Grade: B+
I hope Vince McMahon starts firing people for interrupting Elias' newly allotted 15 minute concert slot on each SmackDown.
SmackDown Live April 15, 2019
Roman Reigns on SmackDown Was Big For Both Brands But May Limit SmackDown's Main Roster Scene
Overview: Vince McMahon announced the biggest addition for SmackDown in its history, Elias, who came out to perform. Reigns took offense as the last addition from the Superstar Shake-up hitting The Drifter and Mr. McMahon with Superman Punches.
Analysis: The Big Dog has been WWE's top guy for a while in WWE. Moving to SmackDown means a lot. First, it leaves Rollins as the big star on Raw alone and potentially opens up a spot for Styles or Miz to take that leap forward.
My main concern is that he might be too big a star on the SmackDown brand. Will Kofi Kingston be allowed to stay on the top when WWE could move the world title to Reigns? Will Kofi's title feuds matter when Reigns could be given the bigger spotlight ala John Cena at times he wasn't champion?
SmackDown's Women's Division is So Stacked It Makes Raw's Look Barren
Overview: Bayley and Ember Moon jumped to SmackDown with Paige announcing she was now managing the team of Asuka and Kairi Sane to become the Women's Tag Team Champions. It was also announced both Mickie James and Liv Morgan were heading to the blue brand on WWE.com.
Analysis: Who is even left on Raw? Even though this likely means Becky Lynch is heading to the red brand long term, there's not a lot of great stars otherwise. It's almost like WWE decided to throw the entire women's tag team division on SmackDown to avoid having to work both brands.
With Nia Jax out, Alexa Bliss is the clear top star on the brand followed by Natalya and Evans if she can put it all together. Meanwhile, in two hours, WWE is going to have to find time for Charlotte Flair, Bayley, Ember Moon, Asuka, Kairi Sane, The IIconics, and Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville.
Conclusion
SmackDown's side of the Superstar Shake-up was far more low key. For the first hour, only Balor was revealed as a move, and it felt like so many more wrestlers moved to Raw rather than SmackDown. This made the entire night less exciting.
However, a few key moments were a big boost to the night. The women's moves made SmackDown's division stacked, and the insanity surrounding those announcement were the highlight of the night.
The Big Dog and The Extraordinary Man will be the biggest male additions to the roster and should lead to a fresh shift. Unfortunately, it likely means Samoa Joe is heading to Raw though, which would be one last big blow for the blue brand.
Overview: Vince McMahon announced the biggest addition for SmackDown in its history, Elias, who came out to perform. Reigns took offense as the last addition from the Superstar Shake-up hitting The Drifter and Mr. McMahon with Superman Punches.
Analysis: The Big Dog has been WWE's top guy for a while in WWE. Moving to SmackDown means a lot. First, it leaves Rollins as the big star on Raw alone and potentially opens up a spot for Styles or Miz to take that leap forward.
My main concern is that he might be too big a star on the SmackDown brand. Will Kofi Kingston be allowed to stay on the top when WWE could move the world title to Reigns? Will Kofi's title feuds matter when Reigns could be given the bigger spotlight ala John Cena at times he wasn't champion?
SmackDown's Women's Division is So Stacked It Makes Raw's Look Barren
Overview: Bayley and Ember Moon jumped to SmackDown with Paige announcing she was now managing the team of Asuka and Kairi Sane to become the Women's Tag Team Champions. It was also announced both Mickie James and Liv Morgan were heading to the blue brand on WWE.com.
Analysis: Who is even left on Raw? Even though this likely means Becky Lynch is heading to the red brand long term, there's not a lot of great stars otherwise. It's almost like WWE decided to throw the entire women's tag team division on SmackDown to avoid having to work both brands.
With Nia Jax out, Alexa Bliss is the clear top star on the brand followed by Natalya and Evans if she can put it all together. Meanwhile, in two hours, WWE is going to have to find time for Charlotte Flair, Bayley, Ember Moon, Asuka, Kairi Sane, The IIconics, and Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville.
Conclusion
SmackDown's side of the Superstar Shake-up was far more low key. For the first hour, only Balor was revealed as a move, and it felt like so many more wrestlers moved to Raw rather than SmackDown. This made the entire night less exciting.
However, a few key moments were a big boost to the night. The women's moves made SmackDown's division stacked, and the insanity surrounding those announcement were the highlight of the night.
The Big Dog and The Extraordinary Man will be the biggest male additions to the roster and should lead to a fresh shift. Unfortunately, it likely means Samoa Joe is heading to Raw though, which would be one last big blow for the blue brand.
Grade: C+
205 Live April 15, 2019
205 Live Has Never Needed More of an Influx of Talent
Overview: Cedric Alexander is headed to Monday Night Raw while Buddy Murphy will be competing on SmackDown Live. In his final match in 205 Live, Alexander lost to Oney Lorcan after a physical contest, falling to the half-and-half suplex. Ariya Daivari won a Fatal 4-Way to be crowned the new No. 1 contender.
Analysis: The big three of 205 Live have now left the brand, and it feels like the biggest stars left on the brand are Drew Gulak and Kalisto who both have been rarely used in recent months. It is hard to say who really will stand out especially with Tony Nese being a fine wrestler but underwhelmed entertainer.
Lorcan is a good add, but he's hardly a star. The brand has proven to be a solid breeding ground for fresh talent while also working to rehabilitate underused wrestlers. Hopefully, some NXT and NXT UK stars get the call-up to the brand for at least the short term as well as sending down some main rosters stars.
Overview: Cedric Alexander is headed to Monday Night Raw while Buddy Murphy will be competing on SmackDown Live. In his final match in 205 Live, Alexander lost to Oney Lorcan after a physical contest, falling to the half-and-half suplex. Ariya Daivari won a Fatal 4-Way to be crowned the new No. 1 contender.
Analysis: The big three of 205 Live have now left the brand, and it feels like the biggest stars left on the brand are Drew Gulak and Kalisto who both have been rarely used in recent months. It is hard to say who really will stand out especially with Tony Nese being a fine wrestler but underwhelmed entertainer.
Lorcan is a good add, but he's hardly a star. The brand has proven to be a solid breeding ground for fresh talent while also working to rehabilitate underused wrestlers. Hopefully, some NXT and NXT UK stars get the call-up to the brand for at least the short term as well as sending down some main rosters stars.
When Buddy Murphy left NXT, he was a forgettable Australian that helped make Alexa Bliss a star. Now he's a fantastic star who still lives in Alexa Bliss' shadow.
NXT and NXT UK April 16, 2019
Dominik Dijakovic Needs to Do Something Soon
Overview: The Velveteen Dream defeated Buddy Murphy in a competitive title match. Later, in the night, Dominik Dijakovic defeated a local competitor in seconds before declaring that he has his sights firmly set on the North American Championship.
Analysis: Dijakovic has a lot going for him. He is big and fast with the imposing frame to come off as lethal against anyone. He's not a great mic worker, but it may not matter. What will matter is that he actually does something soon in NXT. He feels like the biggest potential star on the roster that has no direction.
Is he feuding with Keith Lee? Is he legitimately a contender against Dream? Pick a direction and he might be able to shine, but nothing stands out right now.
Pete Dunne vs. WALTER is So Important to NXT UK That Nothing Else Matters
Overview: NXT UK wrestlers were taped talking up how much they wanted to see Pete Dunne and WALTER fight again. The Bruiserweight then challenged WALTER to a rematch with confidence he can do what he could not before.
Analysis: I often find myself checking out when trying to watch NXT UK these days. There's just not enough there to get excited about. This week was one of the weakest in a while. When it wasn't hyping the potential of another WALTER/Dunne clash, it was barely moving.
Even the stories that have been developed feel barely relevant. Sure, Rhea Ripley vs. Piper Niven could be good, but I can't find myself caring until they actually fight. The NXY UK tag team division could be great, and I'm struggling to get excited about Amir Jordan and Kenny Williams.
Overview: The Velveteen Dream defeated Buddy Murphy in a competitive title match. Later, in the night, Dominik Dijakovic defeated a local competitor in seconds before declaring that he has his sights firmly set on the North American Championship.
Analysis: Dijakovic has a lot going for him. He is big and fast with the imposing frame to come off as lethal against anyone. He's not a great mic worker, but it may not matter. What will matter is that he actually does something soon in NXT. He feels like the biggest potential star on the roster that has no direction.
Is he feuding with Keith Lee? Is he legitimately a contender against Dream? Pick a direction and he might be able to shine, but nothing stands out right now.
Pete Dunne vs. WALTER is So Important to NXT UK That Nothing Else Matters
Overview: NXT UK wrestlers were taped talking up how much they wanted to see Pete Dunne and WALTER fight again. The Bruiserweight then challenged WALTER to a rematch with confidence he can do what he could not before.
Analysis: I often find myself checking out when trying to watch NXT UK these days. There's just not enough there to get excited about. This week was one of the weakest in a while. When it wasn't hyping the potential of another WALTER/Dunne clash, it was barely moving.
Even the stories that have been developed feel barely relevant. Sure, Rhea Ripley vs. Piper Niven could be good, but I can't find myself caring until they actually fight. The NXY UK tag team division could be great, and I'm struggling to get excited about Amir Jordan and Kenny Williams.
Match of the Week
NXT North American Champion The Velveteen Dream vs. Buddy Murphy, NXT April 17 (Rating: 9.25/10)
The coming few months will be a huge test for Murphy's stock. He could become one of the biggest stars on the brand if he has performances like this with everyone in steps in the ring with. This was fantastic throughout especially from The Juggernaut.
The Velveteen Dream has always been great about adapting to his opponents. He did not do a lot here, mostly just selling for Murphy's best shots, but it really worked because he made Murphy look like a beast.
The crowd sometimes seemed uncertain how to create to the match, but, when it got good, everyone was committed to this epic war.
Honorable Mention: Finn Balor vs. Ali, SmackDown April 16 (Rating: 8.75/10)
Balor put on the two best matches of the week on the main two shows with Andrade and Ali. While the contest with El Idolo was a bit inconsistent, the match with The Heart of SmackDown Live showed potential for a classic down the line. The two were great together.
It was high octane throughout with The Extraordinary Man allowed to keep moving constantly against a game Ali. Hopefully, the next time the two fight, it feels like either can win. This time out, it was a little too obvious that Balor was being established as the bigger star.
The coming few months will be a huge test for Murphy's stock. He could become one of the biggest stars on the brand if he has performances like this with everyone in steps in the ring with. This was fantastic throughout especially from The Juggernaut.
The Velveteen Dream has always been great about adapting to his opponents. He did not do a lot here, mostly just selling for Murphy's best shots, but it really worked because he made Murphy look like a beast.
The crowd sometimes seemed uncertain how to create to the match, but, when it got good, everyone was committed to this epic war.
Honorable Mention: Finn Balor vs. Ali, SmackDown April 16 (Rating: 8.75/10)
Balor put on the two best matches of the week on the main two shows with Andrade and Ali. While the contest with El Idolo was a bit inconsistent, the match with The Heart of SmackDown Live showed potential for a classic down the line. The two were great together.
It was high octane throughout with The Extraordinary Man allowed to keep moving constantly against a game Ali. Hopefully, the next time the two fight, it feels like either can win. This time out, it was a little too obvious that Balor was being established as the bigger star.
