Top six WWE Smackdown stars that can move to Raw soon

These WWE SmackDown stars need to move to the red-brand

In the aftermath of SummerSlam 2024, the landscape of WWE has changed quite a bit. In many ways, it has served as a reset button, with potential title changes and the escalation of existing rivalries as the road to WrestleMania starts in full effect. Notably, the ripple effect from SummerSlam promises exciting developments and shifts in storyline dynamics as wrestlers gear up for the year’s biggest events.

Even though we are just a few months removed from the Draft, trades and roster movements happen all year round, and the roster is never immune to additional shake-ups. With Raw moving into the Netflix era, several SmackDown superstars could enhance Raw’s viewership with their star power. Meanwhile, others might benefit from a move simply because they’ve exhausted storyline possibilities on SmackDown, allowing for fresh narratives on Raw.

1. Randy Orton

Randy Orton seemingly ignored brand split rules by appearing on Raw, justifying his move with the claim that Gunther never truly defeated him at King and Queen of the Ring. As Gunther is now the World Heavyweight Champion, Orton is poised to remain on WWE Raw until at least the Bash in Berlin as he challenges him for the title at the event.

However, given the anticipated shifts involving Jey Uso and Sami Zayn moving to SmackDown as part of The Original Bloodline VS The New Bloodline storyline heading into Survivor Series, Orton’s full-time transition to Raw might soon be realized, adding considerable star power to the brand.

2. Giovanni Vinci

After his betrayal and ousting from Imperium by Ludwig Kaiser in April, Giovanni Vinci is set to re-debut on SmackDown. However, SmackDown doesn’t offer him many opportunities, making a switch to Raw much more advantageous. A rivalry with Kaiser on Raw could revitalize both of their careers if well-executed, offering Vinci a chance to exact revenge and solidify his single status.

3. Chelsea Green

Since losing The Money in the Bank, Chelsea Green has struggled for direction on SmackDown, although her comedic segments ensure her screen presence. Her gimmick involves annoying authority figures, a routine that could seamlessly transition between brands. Her move to Raw, where Samantha Irwin would announce her name again, presents an appealing prospect that might further enhance her popularity.

4. Austin Theory

Seeds are being planted for a breakup of A-Town Down, potentially positioning Austin Theory as a face while Grayson Waller turns heel. To build this storyline towards WrestleMania, WWE might adopt a strategy similar to Jimmy vs. Jey Uso last year, moving Austin Theory to Raw to grow organically as a babyface while Waller remains at Smackdown. When the time is right, Grayson could attack Theory on Raw, fueled by jealousy over Theory’s standalone success.

5. Baron Corbin

Despite a strong run in NXT, Baron Corbin’s momentum dwindled upon returning to SmackDown, largely due to an underwhelming program with Apollo Crews. Moving to Raw could unlock a storyline with Bron Breakker, leveraging their past in NXT.

While Corbin might not be a credible threat to Breakker’s Intercontinental Championship, facilitating matches and eventually turning on Breakker could provide Corbin with the fresh narrative arc he desperately needs.

6. Logan Paul

Following his United States Championship loss to LA Knight at SummerSlam 2024, Logan Paul has been absent from television. With his hiatus tied to personal reasons, including his fiancée’s pregnancy, his comeback seems slated for a return around WrestleMania season.

His switch to Raw aligns with the brand’s transition to Netflix, maximizing his broad appeal and international audience to attract casual viewers. This move would strategically position Paul on WWE’s flagship show.

These are just a few superstars poised to gain significantly with a move to Raw from SmackDown, particularly as Jey Uso and Sami Zayn shift to SmackDown to balance the star power. As we look to the upcoming months, it remains to be seen whether WWE will actualize these strategic moves.

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