10 WWE Roster Trades That Must Happen In 2017

3. Seth Rollins To SmackDown

John Cena Raw
WWE.com

No WWE wrestler had a more disappointing 2016 than Seth Rollins. The sympathy gained through his lengthy injury absence should have seen him return as a red hot babyface, but it didn’t. WWE brought him back as a smarmy heel, and when The Architect’s turn eventually came, it was a huge disappointment. Seth has become the absolute worst kind of WWE face, and his only saving grace at this point is that he isn’t Roman Reigns.

As a face, WWE are never going to hold Seth in as high a regard as Reigns. Roman is the company’s golden child, and the guy Raw will be built around for years to come: if Seth, the number one pick in last year’s draft, is to reach this level himself, he must be traded.

As obnoxious as Seth’s new persona can be, he retains a big following. Stick him on SmackDown with some smarter booking and better writing, and he should immediately become the face of the brand. Having him wrestle the same match with Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens over and over again isn’t doing him any favours, but pairing him up with AJ Styles on Tuesday nights? That’s too good to turn down.

There’s still the small matter of Rollins’ beef with Triple H to wrap-up, but WWE should seriously consider trading him afterwards. If Reigns isn’t going to turn heel, SmackDown is the only place the company can make him a genuine, top level babyface.

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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.