WWE Draft 2023: 10 Roster Trades That MUST Happen

9. Austin Theory (Raw > SmackDown)

WWE SmackDown Cody Rhodes
WWE

This is arguably the first big shocker on the list (or not, depending on your point of view), but this writer really believes Austin Theory would benefit from some a leap to SmackDown. He'd take that United States Title with him, and crow about the "good old days" when John Cena was US Champ on the blue brand.

That's an easy link back to his WrestleMania 39 win right there.

Matches and feuds vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Ricochet, Braun Strowman, members of New Day (when they're fit/available), Sheamus and more sound fun. They're also fresh foes for a guy who survived creative purgatory as "Mr. MITB" to become an impact player again.

Turning Theory into one of SmackDown top stars overnight wouldn't be hard to do. Promos on that show tend to hit a little harder too, if only because the two-hour run time means there's slightly less to talk about than over on Mondays.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.