WWE: Redrafting Raw and SmackDown’s 2016 Brand Split

WWE.com

11. Raw – Samoa Joe

Samoa Joe wasn’t drafted in July and hasn’t been officially called up to WWE’s main roster since. There has been speculation of this happening soon, though, so we’ll factor him into the equation here.

Given the high slotting that WWE gave fellow former NXT Champion, Finn Balor in the previous draft, Joe could get a similar acclaim here. He dominated NXT for most of 2016, holding the NXT Championship twice and ending Balor’s reign at a live event. The Samoan Submission Machine’s size represents someone that could have a looming presence in WWE programming at all times, and he’s a terrific promo too.

Joe would jump onto Raw as one of the top heels, potentially taking the spot of Chris Jericho when he leaves. That makes for a pretty formidable group of Joe, Braun Strowman, and Kevin Owens at the top.

12. SmackDown – The Miz

The Miz has gone through a career revelation on SmackDown, succeeding greatly from the brand split. He’s had two Intercontinental Championship reigns since July, and has cut some of the greatest promos in his decade-plus career.

In this scenario, Miz stays on SmackDown as the main heel of the mid-card because there’s little reason to move him around. He could continue to feud with someone like Dean Ambrose or even move into the WWE Championship picture.