10 Biggest Ways WWE Changed In AEW's First Full Year

AEW or no AEW, WWE's deal with FOX was huge news and a cert to happen. Worth $1 billion, this was a massive move for SmackDown as the show would shift from Tuesday nights to Friday nights. Not only that, but WWE would stack the brand with some of its biggest names, solely in an effort to make an impact.

After moving Roman Reigns, Bray Wyatt, Braun Strowman, Brock Lesnar and other massive draws to FOX, SmackDown became the brand that offered star power while Raw was seen more as a show that featured the creation of newer stars and the potential for high-end wrestling. Just to hammer home that point, FOX's big first night included the debut of MMA star Cain Velasquez and an appearance by Heavyweight Champion boxer Tyson Fury. Velasquez then went on to wrestle for the title and Fury faced Strowman, both at WWE's Crown Jewel event.

Raw is still considered the show that lacks big-name talent. Even Vince McMahon admitted as much on the latest WWE investor earnings call. He claimed it to be one of the reasons the ratings are down.