Every spring, general managers in the NBA and NHL wheel and deal to acquire the best talent and improve their teams on the trade market. Why doesn’t WWE do it? It’s time for Raw’s Mick Foley and SmackDown LIVE’s Daniel Bryan to get cracking on these five trades.
SmackDown LIVE was once Brock Lesnar country. It’s been 13 years since he competed on that show, though. Moving John Cena might sound like the biggest trade misfire since the Boston Red Sox sent Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees, but it’s worth the risk to acquire The Beast Incarnate.
Why Raw should do it: Cena is eyeing his 17th World Championship, and the prospect of that happening on a Raw-branded event is too good to pass up.
Why SmackDown LIVE should do it: Lesnar competing against SmackDown LIVE competition would bring some seriously exciting new matchups. Lesnar vs. Baron Corbin? Or AJ Styles? Sign us up.
Daniel Bryan has already said he’d love to trade The Miz, and with the issues between Seth Rollins and Triple H reaching catastrophic levels, Raw Commissioner Stephanie McMahon might want to get him far away from Mondays, too.
Why Raw should do it: With the right opportunities, The A-Lister could be WWE Universal Champion before long. Adding Maryse is icing on the cake.
Why SmackDown LIVE should do it: Bryan acquires someone who fits his in-ring vision for his brand — and gets rid of the biggest thorn in his side.
After beating every duo thrown at them during their historic 483-day Raw Tag Team Title reign, The New Day could use some new competition. SmackDown LIVE would need to crown new champions, but it’s a small price to pay for getting such a dynamic trio.
Why Raw should do it: Chad Gable & Jason Jordan have a future so bright that opponents need sunblock whenever they’re in the ring with these blue chippers.
Why SmackDown LIVE should do it: SmackDown LIVE welcomes a trio who redefined tag team competition to lead a division of upcoming squads like The Ascension and The Vaudevillains.
This is a win-win for both Superstars. Daniel Bryan has made it clear that he wants Sami Zayn on Tuesdays, while Raw GM Mick Foley would be the perfect person to develop a wild talent like Luke Harper, who brings back memories of Cactus Jack.
Why Raw should do it: Imagine what former Intercontinental Champion Luke Harper could accomplish away from Bray Wyatt’s spell. Just look what it did for Braun Strowman.
Why SmackDown LIVE should do it: Bryan is a noted Zayn fan and could bestow heaps of underdog advice on one of the toughest, unwavering competitors in WWE.
Back in 2002, the United States Championship was defended on SmackDown and the Intercontinental Champion on Raw. This deal swaps a budding star for one of the greatest ever and returns two titles to their original homes.
Why Raw should do it: Mick Foley brings in someone crazy enough to face the likes of Samoa Joe, Kevin Owens and Braun Strowman.
Why SmackDown LIVE should do it: A bona fide legend like Jericho has the ability to elevate an entire locker room. Plus, The List of Jericho doesn’t have enough SmackDown LIVE Superstars on it.