10 Worst WWE Roster "Shake-Up" Moves
9. Tajiri To Raw (2004)
Tajiri's understated brilliance in the American wrestling scene (first in ECW, then early in his WWE run) made him a true fan favorite, deftly blending precise in-ring artistry with expressive humor. Few wrestlers of his heyday were as well-suited for the Cruiserweight division than he was. Tajiri was a regular in the SmackDown-exclusive division in 2002-03, taking part in matches with Rey Mysterio, Billy Kidman, Jamie Noble, and others.
The move to Raw in March 2004 didn't make too much sense, other than perhaps WWE feeling he'd done all he could do as a designated cruiserweight. While Tajiri was still just as capable as he ever was, his talents were kinda wasted in go-nowhere stories with Jonathan Coachman and La Résistance. A Tag Team title reign with William Regal in 2005 failed to bring out the duo's comedic brilliance of four years earlier. By year's end, Tajiri had quietly left the promotion.