WWE SmackDown Sees Huge Superstar Switches, Big Cass' Return

Plus R-Truth!

Samoa Joe SSU
WWE

There's been more coming and going in the halls of WWE this week than at an international airport, what with the annual Superstar Shake-up and all. After last night's Monday Night Raw witnessed a series of high-profile trades, SmackDown followed suit with some prize acquisitions of its own.

Rather peculiarly, first off the train was Jeff Hardy, who was only crowned US champion on the red show last night. He beat Randy Orton to the punch in accepting a gauntlet laid down by a lonely Shelton Benjamin, hilariously leaving the Viper standing in the middle of the aisle looking like a right a*sehole. Obviously, Jeff won the match.

As expected, Sonya Deville and Mandy Rose have traded places with counterparts the Riott Squad. The change probably won't make a whole lot of difference, since they're the same.

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Perhaps the biggest surprise of the night came when none other than Samoa Joe stomped down to ring to flatten a hapless Sin Cara. Joe is already scheduled to face Raw's Roman Reigns come Backlash, and though PPVs are now set to be co-branded, it's safe to say his unexpected migration somewhat telegraphs the result of that one. Because it was such a mystery otherwise.

There are no hard feelings from Asuka towards Charlotte Flair over the ending of her streak, the Empress of Tomorrow confirming her expected move to Tuesdays by coming to the Queen's aid in staving off another beatdown from The IIconics. Good lass.

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Apparently R-Truth still works for the company - or at least is under that impression - as he was shown backstage alighting for his first day on 'Monday Night Raw'. He's thick, you see. Expect more of this comedy gold next week.

Brief pre-recorded vids also confirmed transfers for The Bar and Anderson & Gallows, replenishing SmackDown's tag-division, and in many respects, strengthening it, after a host of teams went the other way last night.

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Last but not least, Test 2018 himself Big Cass made his not-particularly-awaited return from injury to mock former five-time Wrestling Observer Most Outstanding Wrestler and multiple world champion Daniel Bryan for being a titch. He booted him in the face to close the show.

SmackDown must be licking its metaphorical lips at the close of the Shake-up, as it's now absolutely teeming with talent. And that's without even mentioning the NXT call-ups scheduled for next week. Given that, it stands to reason Big Cass of all people would immediately be parachuted into the main event picture. IT'S WHAT THE FANS WANT!

Editorial Team
Editorial Team

Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know). He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.