8 New SmackDown Match-Ups Created By WWE's Superstar Shakeup

1. Kevin Owens/Sami Zayn Vs. Randy Orton

Randy Orton
WWE.com

Although a move from Raw to SmackDown could be seen as a step down, given the respective size of both brands, it could also be seen as a good career move in terms of overall legacy - particularly for male main eventers.

Why? Because SmackDown currently has the WWE Championship of course. If there's one huge bonus for stars such as Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, it's that they now have a far greater chance of etching their names into history.

It's unclear who'll be called upon to take the mantle from The Viper, assuming he defeats Bray Wyatt at Payback (which he surely must do, given Bray's departure for Monday Night Raw) - but giving such an honour to KO or Zayn would surely be seen as the next logical step of an era that has allowed indie darlings such as Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles to thrive at the highest level.

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Highly overrated 23 year old from the North East of England. Hanging off of your gangster car.