8 Problems WWE Solved In The Superstar Shake-Up
Somehow, WWE found ways to improve both brands this week.
The Superstar Shake-Up has come and gone, and some of WWE's biggest names are already settling into their new homes. The rumoured AJ Styles trade didn't happen, but the likes of Charlotte, Bray Wyatt, and The New Day were on the move on Monday and Tuesday, contributing towards a total of 22 deals between Raw and SmackDown.
Eyebrows were raised when WWE brought the brand split back last year, but it has largely succeeded in revamping the company's product. Parity has almost been restored between the brands, and SmackDown has morphed into one of the most enjoyable weekly TV shows WWE have produced in years. Splitting the rosters has caused plenty of problems along the way, however, and they've become increasingly apparent in the last few months.
Fortunately, WWE have used the past couple of nights to iron these issues out, and give both shows a much-needed refresh. The reshuffle creates dozens of exiting new propositions across Raw and SmackDown, and regardless of which show "won" the Shake-Up, the early signs look good for both.
WWE didn't solve all their problems in one fell swoop, but they've tackled a number of major and minor issues this week - and emerged stronger as a whole...
8. The Lack Of Depth Among Raw's Women
Prior to the Superstar Shake-Up, Raw’s Women’s division boasted three of the company’s biggest stars in Bayley, Charlotte, and Sasha Banks - but lacked all-round depth. It was an incredibly top heavy group with little going on below the big stars, which forced WWE to push Nia Jax into a position she clearly isn’t ready for yet.
With Dana Brooke struggling, Paige and Summer Rae off television, and Emma just two shows into her full-time return, WWE had to do something about the division this week. Fortunately, they did just that, and while the women lost their former ace in Charlotte, they’ll benefit immensely from the arrival of Mickie James and Alexa Bliss.
Mickie will become the veteran midcard gatekeeper that Raw desperately needs, leaving Natalya to occupy the same role on SmackDown. Bliss, meanwhile, isn’t the finished article in the ring, but her snide heel persona makes her a perfect replacement for Charlotte as a character. Coupled with Sasha and Bayley’s continued excellence and the under-rated Emma’s comeback, this leaves the division looking stronger than before - and should lead to a batch of fresh new matches over the coming months.