WWE news: Daniel Bryan to RAW, Asuka to Smackdown – 10 stars to move on Superstar Shake-up

Rumours suggest that the entire Smackdown roster will be present in Hartford, Connecticut and some of the blue brand’s biggest names are expected to move to Monday nights.

But some of RAW’s top superstars could be set to pursue new challenges on the blue brand.

Tag teams could be split, feuds might be interrupted and some more NXT stars may join the main roster.

But which wrestlers look more likely to switch brands?

1. Asuka (From RAW to Smackdown)

Asuka’s two-and-a-half-year undefeated steak shockingly came to an end at WrestleMania 34 when Charlotte Flair made her tap out to the Figure-Eight.

That surprise loss changes everything for The Empress of Tomorrow and her direction doesn’t look clear.

However, a move to Smackdown would provide her with new opportunities to re-establish herself as the most dominant female competitor in the company.

Rumours suggest the inaugural women’s Royal Rumble winner has been advertised to appear on Smackdown’s live event on June 10 in Tupelo, Mississippi.

2. Charlotte Flair (From Smackdown to RAW)

Charlotte shocked the world when she successfully defended the Smackdown Women’s title and made Asuka tap out at WrestleMania.

The Queen then suffered a vicious attack by The Iconic Duo and lost the title to Carmella who cashed in her Money in the Bank briefcase.

The ex-RAW Women’s Champion is linked with a huge WrestleMania 35 main-event match against Ronda Rousey and that could only happen if she joins the red brand.

Her title loss hints at a brand switch as there is no way Rousey will leave WWE’s premiere show.

3. Kevin Owens (To RAW)

Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn got fired by ex-Smackdown General Manager Daniel Bryan after their savage attack on Commissioner Shane McMahon.

Owens and Zayn then got the chance to regain their jobs at WrestleMania but failed to beat Bryan and McMahon.

They both tried to join RAW last week but General Manager Kurt Angle put them in a match that would award the winner a place on the roster. However, the bout ended in a draw as both stars failed to answer the referee’s 10-count.

It’s unlikely that Owens will rejoin Smackdown as Shane-O-Mac would never allow it, so a move to the red brand sounds more possible.

4. Sami Zayn (To RAW)

Zayn is also a free agent and is determined to make it back on RAW.

Even if Smackdown’s new General Manager Paige is open to have him and Owens back, McMahon would immediately pull the plug.

It might take a few weeks to decide Owens and Zayn’s future but odds suggest the duo will return to the red brand.

5. Rusev (From Smackdown to RAW)

Rusev is one of the most popular superstars in WWE but despite the stunning fan reaction he receives he is still very underappreciated.

The company seems reluctant to get behind him as he failed to win the US Championship at Mania and also came up short in last week’s No1 Contender’s Match for the same title.

After the bout The Bulgarian Brute took to Twitter where he said: “Enough is enough… maybe it’s time for a change.”

Things must have been made worse when the ex-US Champion was axed from the scheduled Casket Match against The Undertaker at the Greatest Royal Rumble and replaced by Chris Jericho.

Ruse needs a change and he seems determined to make it happen.

6. Becky Lynch (From Smackdown to RAW)

Becky Lynch is the inaugural Smackdown Women’s Champion and also put together a marvellous showing on the first ever women’s Royal Rumble Match.

But she has since struggled to break out and form some impressive storylines and feuds with the talent available on the blue brand.

Rumours suggest The Irish Lass Kicker will move to Monday nights to reignite her career.

Lynch really needs to re-establish herself as a main-event player and can only do it with some strong feuds against WWE’s biggest names.

7. Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson (From RAW to Smackdown)

Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson made a name for themselves in Japan but have struggled to replicate that success in the US.

Gallows and Anderson had a hapless RAW Tag Team title reign and their reunion with AJ Styles as well as Finn Balor has led to nothing.

The duo needs to start fresh and the only way they can do it is by switching brands and reasserting their authority.

8. Finn Balor (From RAW to Smackdown)

This is a move that could pay dividends for WWE.

Balor needs new opportunities as well as fresh opponents and his reunion with Gallows and Anderson has done nothing for him.

However, if all three of them move to Smackdown then they could rejoin forces with Styles and form one of the most dominant stables in WWE history.

Even if the Bullet Club doesn’t get put back together then The Demon could have another classic match against The Phenomenal One.

9. Big Cass (From RAW to Smackdown)

Big Cass has been out with a knee injury since August but seems set for an imminent return.

WWE seem to have faith in him but he will need some time to develop himself as a singles competitor.

Smackdown is well-known for building talent and a stint in the blue brand could do wonders for the big man.

It could also lead to a feud with one of the company’s biggest stars or even a world title shot.

10. Daniel Bryan (From Smackdown to RAW)

Bryan was at the top of his game when he was forced to retire in 2016 after a series of concussions took a huge toll on his health.

However, The Leader of the YES Movement has been cleared to compete again and is determined to start where he finished two years ago.

That means becoming world champion once more and re-establishing himself as one of the company’s biggest superstars.

The fan favourite has unfinished business in the WWE and the only way of building a legacy as scintillating as that of The Rock or Stone Cold Steve Austin’s is to rejoin the company’s premiere show.