WWE Raw and Smackdown Trades 2016: Cesaro Heads to SmackDown for Kane; Sasha Banks in Limbo Due to Injury
WWE fans can expect a new superstar on Monday donning the Universal Championship belt. Finn Balor wore and relinquished the belt in a 24-hour duration because of shoulder injury. WWE Raw receives the heaviest blow as this develops. Balor is supposed to be the brand carrier for Raw division.
WWE crisis after SmackDown – Raw brands split
On the contrary, sister brand SmackDown is also in hot waters after the unexpected result of Brock Lesnar – Randy Orton match. This started a crisis for WWE to find acceptable story twists. Fans are expecting story closures but both brands can't offer them because of recent developments.
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The inevitable changes in the entertainment wrestling came after top brass stirred the bee's nest – chain of events after brand split early this quarter. It is apparent now that there are home-cooked trades between Raw and SmackDown. WWE hopes to salvage plots or create new ones centering on healthy superstars. The move can provide a balance of superstars on both franchise.
Cesaro for Kane: Does the 'Abomination' still has the superstar factor?
Cesaro is clearly not happy in Raw. He is a superstar with a grand entrance and hyped-up matches but still prefers the opposite side of the fence. There are rumors that WWE is planning to pit him against Awesome Miz in SmackDown. The potential blockbuster can be a challenge for the Intercontinental Championship.
Of course, Raw will not simply nod to Cesaro's departure without equally appealing superstar. Here, Kane is the next possible option. Fans may observe that Kane is already a veteran but will also admit that he is still a big draw. Raw can capitalize on Kane enigma while building another star or waiting for Balor's return.
Sasha Banks and Natalya Storyline in Raw?
Sasha Banks is a great champ left in the limbo after an injury. Rumors had it that she is actively training and prepping for return, but against who? There are young divas in Raw but not within the same circle with Sasha so a trade to SmackDown is more likely.
Two scenarios can be analyzed out of Natalya's case. First, she can be traded for Sasha to provide Raw with fresh faces. Secondly, SmackDown can grab any rising star from Raw in exchange of Natalya. The latter option is highly beneficial to Raw since Natalya – Sasha conflict can be a good storyline. Only if SmackDown is generous enough to beef up Raw's weaker Diva roster.
