Another day, another eWrestlingNews Query of the Day!
“The transfer window” was referenced on the most recent episode of Friday Night SmackDown, promising a mix-up of talent from all three brands heading into 2025.
The particulars are not quite clear yet, leaving us in the dark about when exactly this will happen, how many swaps will be permitted, whether or not title holders will be exempt, and all manner of other details.
Today is the first part of a two-part question. The sequel, which will explore NXT’s part in this shakeup, appears tomorrow. For now, we ask “What trades solely between Raw and SmackDown would you initiate during the transfer window?”
We’re eager to hear your answers! Please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
My Answer…
Clearly, this whole situation is a delicate balance of elements. One major move can disrupt everything. To illustrate, if WWE decides to shift Cody Rhodes to Raw, Gunther and Ludwig Kaiser almost certainly must relocate to SmackDown to maintain equilibrium. So, we proceed under the assumption that lesser trades will be enacted to revitalize the rosters, especially considering that SmackDown will soon sport a third hour that calls for expansion.
Keeping this in view, I have several thoughts on which performers might do well to transition between the red and blue brands.
American Made ought to transfer to SmackDown. They seem a better fit for the United States Championship hunt, given that Chad Gable seems unlikely to knock Bron Breakker from his Intercontinental Championship perch.
Bianca Belair, Jade Cargill, and The Street Profits should transition to Raw. They’re overworked playing against the likes of Nia Jax, Tiffany Stratton, and Candice LeRae, not to mention their constant interaction with Bayley and Naomi. They need to tangle with new opponents and a brand shift would give them this. However, I suspect this is unlikely and they’ll stay where they are.
The Miz might move to SmackDown, assuming Miz & Mrs stays on air at USA. If not, disregard.
Pete Dunne should leave Raw for SmackDown. A change of scenery might do him some good, given his recent lackluster booking treatment.
Carmelo Hayes is not being utilized to his utmost on SmackDown. Unless there are plans to see him wearing the U.S. Championship belt post-WrestleMania 41, I’d send him to Raw in exchange for Jey Uso. Jey has delivered consistently in his current role, and a face-off against Shinsuke Nakamura is an intriguing prospect. Breakker’s expected face turn should balance this heel-to-face move.
Once his feud with Cody Rhodes and The Bloodline dies down, hopefully after Saturday Night’s Main Event, I would send Kevin Owens to Raw and to balance the power, I would also send Drew McIntyre over to SmackDown. This move will offer Drew a much needed fresh start away from CM Punk, Seth Rollins, and Sami Zayn.
Perhaps Damian Priest needs a departure from The Judgment Day, and SmackDown could send over LA Knight in return?
Ultimately, WWE must carefully evaluate the entirety of its three rosters, ensuring a fair distribution and balance (in regard to men’s singles, women’s division, tag teams, heels/faces, prominent talents and middle-carders, as well as new potential rivalries). If only a few random names are chosen, we’ll likely find the situation stuck in another rut by Mania season and eagerly anticipating the 2025 WWE Draft for salvation.
How about you? What swaps would you make? Share your ideas in the comments below!