10 Problems WWE Solved With The 2019 Superstar Shake-Up

9. Freeing Cedric Alexander

AJ Styles, Roman Reigns
WWE

Cedric Alexander had done all there was for him to do on 205 Live.

His 181-day reign as Cruiserweight Champion saw him tangle with everyone who mattered on WWE's most neglected brand, with Buddy Murphy, Mustafa Ali, Kalisto, Hideo Itami, and Drew Gulak all falling to the uber-athletic high-flyer. Alexander has floated around the top level ever since, with his most recent feud coming against newcomer Oney Lorcan, but he feels like a spare part. This has been the case since dropping the strap to Murphy last October, and he'll now follow Ali in trying to make it as a true main roster star.

Alexander is one of the most athletically impressive wrestlers in the company. He's an internet favourite, a good-to-very-good match machine, and a solid babyface. Charisma is a concern, as is his ability to show character inside the ring and out. Still, WWE can't keep guys like Cedric trapped on 205 Live forever. They'll never know if he's capable of playing a bigger role without giving him a chance, so let's hope he thrives on Monday Night Raw, continuing the trend started by Ali last year.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.