WWE Draft 2019: Analysis of Raw vs SmackDown

When the 2019 WWE Draft rolled around, there was quite a buzz surrounding which brand would come out on top. While both Raw and SmackDown made notable player exchanges, the final outcome was a clear victor, with Raw winning handily. Let's dive into the details, focusing on the top stars like AJ Styles, Jeff Hardy, Braun Strowman, and the Fiend, as well as some lesser-known wrestlers and feuds.

Top Star Moves

AJ Styles to Raw

AJ Styles' move to Raw was a significant one, but opinions were mixed. As a seasoned veteran with a consistent track record, the decision to have him join Raw rather than maintaining his SmackDown presence was a strategic move. However, many fans preferred to see him face Roman Reigns or Drew Gulak. While AJ's work-rate is exceptional, his inclusion in the Raw lineup is rated as medium.

Bruno Sammartino to Raw

When Bruno Sammartino (The Fiend) moved from SmackDown to Raw, it was received with a sense of relief by many fans. This was largely due to the Fiend's transitional championship being taken away from Roman Reigns. The Fiend brings a unique energy and personality to the Raw roster, making his move highly rated as astronomically high.

Jeff Hardy to Raw

Jeff Hardy's departure to Raw was viewed with more pessimism. While Hardy remains a respected wrestler, his relevance in the modern landscape of WWE has diminished. Many fans felt that it was better to see him retire rather than seeing him face Drew Gulak, which many found less compelling. As a result, his move to Raw is rated as zero.

Braun Strowman to Raw

Braun Strowman's decision to move to Raw was met with strong criticism. After he ruined an important match on RAW Underground, many fans lost confidence in Strowman. His new role as a continuous puncher beat for specific individuals was seen as a step back for the brand. This decision is categorized as zero, a clear negation of his value to the Raw brand.

Key Feuds and Matches

While the big moves made headlines, the smaller feuds and matches also played a crucial role in shaping the brand dynamics. One notable feud is the ongoing battle between The Mysterios and Seth Rollins. This feud, which originally seemed like a good idea, was instead seen as a detrimental force, given Seth Rollins' reluctance to leave SmackDown. The overall impact of this feud is rated as zero.

Other Notable Moves

Other moves include:

Seth Rollins to SmackDown: Receiving a high rating, as his presence on SmackDown gives the brand a seasoned and dynamic fixture. Aleister Black to SmackDown: Gaining a medium rating due to personal preference, given his unique persona but limited opportunities to headline events. Natalya to SmackDown: With a rating of zero, her move was largely seen as a waste of a versatile wrestler.

Conclusion

When the dust settled, it was clear that Raw emerged victorious in the 2019 WWE Draft. While SmackDown may have had some strategic matches in mind, Raw's focus on bringing in top-tier talent and potentially redefining the brand through key feuds made it a stronger brand overall. Fans and analysts alike had varied opinions, with some preferring the matches they saw on SmackDown, but in the end, Raw's strategic picks contributed to a more engaging and entertaining brand.

Stay tuned for future drafts and brand developments in WWE, as these pivotal moments continue to shape the wrestling landscape.