In the Ring with Jordan #14: Raw Superstar Shakeup Predictions

The Superstar Shakeup makes for some compelling television. Which superstars will head to which brand? While it isn't as exciting as the old draft lottery format that the WWE used to do, it still has me intrigued. Storylines and the direction of both Raw and SmackDown will be changed. New feuds and contenders for championships will start after tonight. Without further ado, here are my predictions for superstars from SmackDown Live (and NXT call-ups) that I believe are headed to Raw.

1) Baron Corbin

Baron Corbin is in need of a change. He has been lost in the fray on SmackDown Live, where he seemingly could have been WWE Champion at one point, being in possession of the Money in the Bank briefcase. Unfortunately, he had an unsuccessful cash-in on Jinder Mahal (due to John Cena's interference) and moved down to the midcard shortly after. A brief United States Championship run helped him stay relevant, but didn't keep him busy as he lost it relatively quickly. A jump to Raw will allow Corbin to work with guys like Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins, and Finn Balor while establishing him as a top heel.

2) Randy Orton

Randy Orton is one of those superstars who will always be a mainstay in the company. Given his recent "Grand Slam" status, Orton has accomplished all that he has needed to on SmackDown Live. While he is still slated to receive his rematch for the United States Championship against Jinder Mahal at BackLash, I think tonight Orton will make the jump back to Raw. Being in the fray with heavy hitters like Roman Reigns and Samoa Joe can help make compelling storylines and a more motivated Randy.

3) Becky Lynch

After being the inaugural SmackDown Live Women's Champion, it was clear that Becky Lynch was on the road to being the top SmackDown Live woman. Boy was I wrong. An enjoyable feud with Alexa Bliss was a highlight for the Womens division, but Becky has since struggled to find her footing. A change-up to Raw will allow her to start potential feuds with Nia Jax, Asuka, Bayley, and Sasha Banks.

4) Charlotte Flair

Charlotte defeated Asuka to retain her SmackDown Women's Championship at WrestleMania 34, something few predicted would happen. It looked like Charlotte would be a mainstay for the SmackDown women's division, being the glue that holds it together. After Charlotte lost her championship to Carmella (thanks in part due to a debuting Peyton Royce and Billie Kay), it looks like Charlotte Flair is off to Raw. It makes sense considering Asuka is on Raw and Ronda Rousey is on Raw. The switch allows Charlotte to continue her feud with Asuka while at the same time building up to a WrestleMania match between her and Ronda Rousey.

5) The New Day

The New Day have always been compelling to me. They are genuinely funny, and I really enjoy their work both in the ring and on the mic. I feel as if The New Day have accomplished all that they can on SmackDown Live. They had a stellar feud with The Usos which put tag team wrestling back on the radar in the WWE. A jump to Raw will kickstart potential feuds with The Revival, Bray Wyatt and Matt Hardy, and the Authors of Pain.

6) Bobby Roode

I honestly thought that Bobby Roode would be a top contender for the WWE Championship. I was surprised when he was put in the midcard. A United States Championship seemed promising for him, but he lost it to Randy Orton within a few weeks. Now, more than ever, is a chance to reinvigorate Bobby Roode. A jump to Raw can start new storylines for him and establish him as a top babyface.

7) Rusev

Rusev has been the butt of controversy lately, as he was seemingly going to face The Undertaker in a Casket match at the Saudi Arabia "Greatest Royal Rumble" event later this month. After some cryptic tweets, the match has been changed and Chris Jericho will now face Undertaker instead. SmackDown Live isn't doing Rusev any justice, so I honestly think a change to Raw will help him in the long run.

8) Mojo Rawley

If you know me, you know that I am not a fan of Mojo Rawley. Regardless, Rawley looked to gain momentum after turning heel on his Hype Bros partner Zack Ryder. However, he didn't really go anywhere with it and found himself off television. A change to Raw can help his credibility and put him into a midcard feud.

9) Dolph Ziggler

If you talk about someone who REALLY needs a change, that man is Dolph Ziggler. He won the United States Championship late last year at the Clash of Champions pay-per-view, but went nowhere with it and vacated it abruptly. Ziggler hasn't recovered since. He has the potential to be a top guy, but creative seemingly has nothing for him. A move to Raw can push him up the card and potentially gain him some more championships.

10) Andrade "Cien" Almas (and Zelina Vega)

It's hard to predict NXT call-ups considering that some stars are necessary to grow the brand, but I feel like now is the right time. Andrade "Cien" Almas really made a 360 degree turn recently. With the addition of Zelina Vega as his manager, Almas climbed up the card and had a stellar NXT Championship reign. A good showing in the Royal Rumble match allowed Almas to get his foot in the water in terms of main-roster superstars. Now is the perfect opportunity to call Almas up and establish him as a great heel. With Zelina Vega by his side, Almas can be a credible heel midcarder before elevating him to the main event picture.

What are your thoughts on superstars who will head to Raw? Hit me up on Instagram @wrestlinginvasion or leave a comment below and let me know.