WWE transfer window creates opportunity to do something interesting on each brand

On the December 6 episode of WWE SmackDown, it was announced that there would be a “transfer window” allowing performers to move between SmackDown, Monday Night Raw, and NXT. While shifting rosters in-between drafts isn’t new, this is an interesting way to steal an idea from actual sports. If done right, it should lead to some fun changes in all the rosters, creating opportunity to do things differently.

“It is official. Been wanting this for YEARS for myriad reasons (injury replacement, roster refresh, etc),” posted WWE Raw General Manager, Adam Pearce on Twitter. “Excited to see who could potentially join the War Zone on Mondays…and to see which of my GM pals I can fleece.”

Now that this is official, WWE must go out of its way to explain how this transfer window works. In the past, things were thrown together haphazardly, not making any sense to even the most hardcore of WWE viewer. Even the overall drafts were left as pointless moments to pop a rating each year. Creating a transfer window steals from the real-life situation happening across sports, particularly in the NCAA where important athletes are leaving their original school of choice for greener pastures.

It should be imperative that all moves are explained in a way that makes sense for the viewer. For example, imagine if Bron Breakker is still upset with Pearce for leaving him out of the King of the Ring tournament. That situation can be used as an excuse for him to want to jump to SmackDown. Or Ethan Page can feign unfair treatment on WWE NXT and leave to join Monday Night Raw where he’d be a great fit. The opportunities are near endless and this is a potential to spark some excitement while WWE is heading into the busiest season of the year.

It will be interesting to see how WWE NXT is leveraged during this development. Outside of Breakker, and perhaps Carmelo Hayes, the individuals picked from NXT haven’t had any impact on the main roster. NXT has retooled in a way that has made it enjoyable television each week, but Shawn Michaels has done a great job of building up several key players that some could be lost to a draft and the brand wouldn’t miss a beat.

Keep an eye out for developments with the WWE transfer window. It’s an opportunity to shake up the rosters in a believable sense and build some momentum on all three shows heading into the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania season.