Power Ranking WWE's 10 Top Performers For September 2016

The best thing about the brand split dividing Raw and SmackDown and populating them with separate exclusive rosters has been the fact that WWE has been required to push talent that normally wouldn't have been given the same opportunity otherwise.

While people often discuss how deep the WWE roster is talent-wise, it's lacking in elite-level superstars and the split has forced the company's hand and is requiring them to tap into the talent pool and create new superstars. While some have obviously floundered under the brighter spotlight, many have stepped up and made the most out of the chance they've been given.

This list isn't meant to reflect the most popular or most valuable wrestlers in the company, it's a way to highlight the performers who have risen to the occasion and contributed to their respective shows in a positive manner, with the majority of them currently in the midst of an upwards career trajectory.

There are some names you won't see on this list - such as John Cena and Brock Lesnar - due to their inactivity, while there are several that might surprise you. Before we get to it, let's recognise a few talents who just missed making the cut.

Honorable Mentions: Becky Lynch, Alexa Bliss, The Usos and The New Day.

It’s a true testament to what an atypical year 2016 has been for WWE when Heath Slater finds his name on any list that isn’t wishing talent well in their future endeavours. As the lovable jobber, Slater has comfortably stepped into the role once filled by greats like Barry Horowitz and the Brooklyn Brawler, and he’s put his heart and soul into that spot. Not everyone can be a top guy, and some wrestlers are okay with that provided they’re making a good living for their family.

But now we find ourselves in an environment in which Heath Slater has gone and gotten himself over to a surprising degree. The angle where he went undrafted between both Raw and SmackDown, leading him to christen himself the “hottest free agent in WWE” was for more entertaining than it had any right to be, and you can chalk that up solely to the performer.

Arenas are now littered with signs proclaiming fans to be “Heath’s Kids” and he’s become one of the most entertaining stars on the SmackDown brand. His partnership with Rhyno and subsequent tag team championship win has been just the career rejuvenation that both men needed, and while no one expects them to hold on to it for any real length of time – The Usos and American Alpha and on a collision course that will likely involve the titles – they’re making the most out of the spot they’ve been given.

Heath Slater is a versatile performer, safe in the ring and able to play both heel and face effectively while excelling in a comedic role. He’s earned his spot on this list.