WWE Raw is currently adjusting to one less hour of TV in the months before its big move to Netflix in January.
As much as fans voiced displeasure at the third hour of the red brand, it’s absence is being felt with the current roster being too large for the little TV time available.
While it is commendable how WWE are squeezing almost everything from their three hour show into two hours, it’s noticeable that there’s too much there and some talent may need moved around to WWE SmackDown or NXT as a result.
Here are six WWE Raw stars to switch brands.
6. Carlito
It was reported last week that Carlito could be removed from the ranks of The Judgment Day and return to being a solo star.
While this remains to be seen his influence on the group is pretty minimal, but does offer a nice amount of comic relief from time to time.
Despite his age, he still has way more to offer than just laughs, so perhaps a move away from Finn Balor and company may be the best route to take.
If Carlito is to embark on a solo run then it may be best he also exits Raw altogether and starts afresh, far away from both the Judgment Day and his former group the LWO.
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5. Sami Zayn
After falling short in his quest to earn his first-ever WWE world championship, its clear Sami Zayn needs some new direction and ideally that should also come far away from his familiar foes on Monday nights.
Obviously, The Bloodline situation on SmackDown is going to be calling and would easily be the most popular choice among fans as we approach War Games at Survivor Series next month.
However, even more than that is his old best friend Kevin Owens, who is currently without allies after his attacks of both Cody Rhodes and Randy Orton.
Zayn’s appearance back on SmackDown, and allegiance with The Bloodline could send KO over the edge, setting up yet another back-and-forth between the two eternal rivals.
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4. Tyler Bate
Ok, so this one is far less a move for right now and instead for the future as Tyler Bate is currently on the sidelines after suffering a torn pec in July.
This left his New Catch Republic partner Pete Dunne to embark on a solo run which he has taken in his stride, turning heel once again and engaging in feuds on both Raw and NXT.
With Dunne flourishing on his own, it seems unlikely that New Catch Republic will reform, leaving it in Bate’s best interests to perhaps move to SmackDown or potentially even his former home of NXT.
Despite Bate’s lengthy tenure on NXT there’s still plenty he hasn’t done, such as capture either the North American or NXT Championships. So, that may be the best course of action when he’s back to full fitness.
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3. Lyra Valkyria
Unlike Tyler Bate, Lyra Valkyria has reached the mountain top in NXT, giving her less reason to return to Tuesday nights.
However, given her lack of success on Raw and ability to connect with the main roster audience in the same way she did on NXT it may be in her and WWE’s best interests to move her back to her former home.
Or, failing that, SmackDown where she would at least be separated from the torment of the Pure Fusion Collective who have been a constant thorn in her side as of late.
Whatever the case, there’s no denying stars such as Valkyria are going to suffer from the loss of that third Raw hour, making a move away seem like the best course of action.
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2. Otis
Of all the great stories WWE have told this year, there’s little denying that they squandered what they had with Otis this Summer.
On the back of constant mistreatment at the hands of Chad Gable, fans were clamouring for a satisfying physical blow-off between the two.
Instead, Otis, Akira Tozawa and Maxxine Dupri’s split from Gable was incredibly tepid, leaving all three languishing without direction months later.
While this entry could be the entire Alpha Academy, I feel WWE would be better served pushing Otis as a solo act as despite his lack of push he is still a popular figure with fans. Whether it be on NXT or SmackDown Otis deserves a shot.
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1. Jey Uso
The most clear cut Raw to SmackDown move has to be ‘Main Event’ Jey Uso.
Much like Sami Zayn, Jey is bound to be tied into The Bloodline saga, in fact as of the latest edition of SmackDown he already has,.
Despite rejecting the advances of his brother Jimmy and Roman Reigns, it’s likely that Solo Sikoa and The Bloodline will force his hand by costing him the Intercontinental Title he worked so hard to capture.
While it’s not guaranteed Jey makes a permanent switch from WWE Raw to SmackDown, expect him to become a regular fixture on Friday nights until WrestleMania season at least.
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