10 WWE Roster Trades That Must Happen In 2017

6. Heath Slater & Rhyno To Raw

John Cena Raw
WWE.com

If Raw send a team to SmackDown, it’s only right that another goes in the opposite direction. Heath Slater and Rhyno’s story arc is over: Slater’s redemption was complete from the moment he became Tag Team Champion, and now that they’ve lost the belts, there’s not much left for him and Rhyno to do. American Alpha have become the division’s top faces, and if they stay on SmackDown, Slater & Rhyno will only fall further down the pecking order.

There’s a strong chance that WWE will split the duo, but if they don’t, Slater & Rhyno would be best served moving to Raw. They’ve already worn-out their match-ups with the bulk of SD’s quality teams, but they wouldn’t quite be as lost on Monday. Aside from The New Day and Sheamus & Cesaro, Raw is bereft of quality teams, and Slater & Rhyno would be a welcome presence around the title scene.

Even if they split and Rhyno decides to call time on his wrestling career (as has been rumoured), Slater would also make a welcome addition to Raw’s midcard. He was quietly one of WWE’s most improved performers throughout 2016, and someone who can be relied on to do a great job in almost any situation. This makes him an excellent piece to help rebuild the red brand’s ailing midcard.

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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.