5 essential changes needed for WWE Raw and SmackDown Live

A exciting story-line on Raw
An exciting story-line on this week's Raw

At SummerSlam, storylines culminated and new ones took shape, see video below. However, on Raw and SmackDown Live the entertainment value has been lackluster. Moreover, at some points very disheartening. One such example has been the feud between Baron Corbin and Finn Balor. Therefore, what can be expected?

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At present Raw seems to have an advantage with the reformation of The Shield. Moreover, with the event surrounding new Raw Women's champion Ronda Rousey.

Whereas, on SmackDown Live AJ Styles and Samoa Joe's feud is heating up. Nevertheless, with Survivor Series mere months ahead, changes are needed. Let's explore them further.


#5 The Tag Team division

New Day performed excellently. However, who will challenge next?
New Day performed excellently but who will be the new contenders for the title?

At SummerSlam, neither Tag Team Championship changed hands. The Bludgeon Brothers successfully defended against The New Day.

Whereas, The B-Team defended against The Revival. However, these matches have been seen many times before. It seems the tag team division on both brands needs freshening up.

On Raw, there are many credible tag teams. However, they have yet received an opportunity at decent storylines.

Names such as Authors of Pain. Whereas, on SmackDown Live, there are names such as; Sanity or Karl Andersen and Luke Gallows. However, they have been losing out to teams like; New Day or The Usos.

Outside of the WWE tag team wrestling is booming and popular. Names like The Young Bucks and Ohio Versus Everything have been very entertaining. In NXT tag team wrestling has been booming as well, see video below.

Therefore, Raw and SmackDown should look at changing their methods. Or, await some NXT call-ups. Nevertheless, tag team wrestling needs a change.

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#4 New storylines and feuds

Elias deserves more than squashing jobbers
Elias deserves more than squashing jobbers

Recently on Raw and SmackDown Live storylines have been lackluster. However, there are exceptions, such as; The Miz versus Daniel Bryan.

Nevertheless, both brands need to freshen their storylines following SummerSlam. In a few weeks, Hell in a Cell will arrive, providing the perfect opportunity to end existing feuds and create new ones.

This week on Raw one new storyline seemed to develop, the reunion of The Shield, see video below.

Moreover, Baron Corbin is the new General Manager. However, what will happen on SmackDown Live? How can they match the drama surrounding The Shield? One such opportunity is to build a new opponent for Shinsuke Nakamura.

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At NXT Brooklyn IV Shayna Baszler and Adam Cole would lose their championships, which is interesting. Both of their tenures are extensive.

Moreover, Cole was a participant in the Royal Rumble. Therefore, although not official, this could be a potential development.

It could mean new debuts on either brand. It would help to build storylines and improve fan viewing.

#3 Build mid-card championships

Seth Rollins is now a multiple time Intercontinental champion
Seth Rollins is now a multiple time Intercontinental champion

Recently the Intercontinental championship has lost prestige since being held by The Miz. Agreed, Seth Rollins and Dolph Ziggler have had excellent matches. However, the storytelling has lacked dramatically. Comparatively, this is the same for the United States championship, with Shinsuke Nakamura defending against Jeff Hardy.

At SummerSlam, Rollins recaptured the championship. On Raw the following night Ziggler would take on Dean Ambrose, see video below.

Therefore, suggesting the feud would continue. However, following the main event Ambrose and Rollins reunited with Roman Reigns, as The Shield.

With The Shield reformed it is unclear what will happen with the Intercontinental championship.

Moreover, with Randy Orton set to feud with Hardy, who will face Nakamura? Ultimately, WWE needs to utilize other talents. Names including; Tye Dillinger, Shelton Benjamin, and Chad Gable. Perhaps the next few months will hold the answers. What can we expect?

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#2 Create more Factions

The Shield have reformed
The Shield have reformed

Throughout history, factions have been the mainstay of wrestling. Fans will always remember names like; Four Horsemen, NWO, DX, and The Nation of Domination.

Moreover, most members went on to immense singles success, such as Shawn Michaels, Triple H, and Ric Flair. However, in recent times factions have been less prominent, with some exceptions.

On Raw this week one such modern faction reformed, The Shield. They were instrumental in preventing Braun Strowman winning the Universal Championship. It will lead to a future storyline. However, what is needed is more factions.

On SmackDown Live, there are factions such as; Sanity and New Day. Therefore, the blue brand has the advantage.

However, Raw now has the Shield. Nevertheless, which faction could form to battle them. Perhaps a debuting Undisputed Era, see video below.

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#1 Build the Universal Championship (Raw)

Roman Reigns successfully defended against Finn Balor on Raw
Roman Reigns successfully defended against Finn Balor on Raw

Brock Lesnar would seem to reign as Universal champion forever. However at SummerSlam Roman Reigns would finally defeat him. With Lesnar headed for UFC most likely, the championship picture will change. However, which direction is best?

On Raw this week The Shield assisted Roman Reigns to retain his championship. It occurred following Strowman's challenge using his Money in the Bank contract.

Within history, no cash in has been interrupted in such manner. Therefore, did Strowman's challenge count?

In upcoming months the Universal Championship will be defended considering Reigns' proclamation, see video below.

However, the presence of The Shield leaves questions. Moreover, the plethora of challengers is limited.

Therefore, with names like Bobby Lashley having a history with Reigns. What can we expect? Nevertheless, WWE must take care to book the championship in the future.

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