Let me start by saying I am pumped for this column! Why? Because this is one of those columns where I want to see a lot of feedback, and I want to hear YOUR OPINIONS on the subject matter. Without any more bantering, let's get right down to brass tax. This past Monday on Raw, we were told that in one months time, the WWE would hold their 2008 Draft! Ah, can you feel those winds of change blowin' in?
See, on paper the draft looks like the right thing to do. Only problem is, the WWE has been known to play favorites in the past in which brand gets the better deals....of course it's their flagship show, Monday Night Raw. I say, this is the year to make te other two brands stand out a bit more. Everyone knows raw is the top dog regardless because it IS where the company began. Thus, it wouldn't hurt at all to make Smackdown/ECW a bit more meaningful this time around.
Also, since Smackdown and ECW share their talent, I will combine them into one show for the purposes of this editorial. Think about it, if Smackdown and ECW already share their talent, and Vince says he wants more inter-brand matches (on Raw of course) then does the brand splits really even exist anymore? No. Then really, what is the point of a draft? Hmm. See the only way the draft will work this time around is if the WWE can re-create those hard lines between brands. make the inter-brand stuff few and far between. Then, it'll be more special when they happen.
Okay, enough complaining. We have Raw and we have Smackdown/ECW. I'm going to do five moves (picks) for each show, again having Smackdown/ECW as one. Remember these are also just my opinion of who should switch, and I'd LOVE to hear yours. First and foremost, you have to start the draft with a bang. That is why Raw will probably get the first pick.
That said, mulling over the rosters, there isn't a lot of people Smackdown/ECW can really afford to lose. I believe however that the first pick, jumping to Raw will be the returning...Rey Mysterio! This move, could go either way, good or bad. Having fought everyone on Smackdown, the change could be good. I see decent fueds with guys like Orton, JBL, and even HBK perhaps lined up with a move like this.
Smackdown/ECW get the next pick and they too should start with a bang. Logically they would need someone to replace the loss of Rey. That's why I see Y2J Chris Jericho making the switch. This is exactly what Jericho needs too. he wouldn't be as far down the card having to be behind guys like HHH and HBK; plus fueds with MVP, Edge, and even the Undertaker await him over there.
The second pick for Raw, as much as it pains me to say could very well be Mark Henry. I really have never been a fan of Henry's in-ring work and truthfully, while a move to Raw may spice his character up, I don't see any real impact from him either way. It could work out for Smackdown/ECW if the WWE plays it right however because their next pick is also someone that needs a change, much like Jericho.
I'm speaking of course of Carlito. Here is a man that many thought would have been gone by now. He stuck it out and has seemed to have regained his focus. A move to Smackdown and fueds with Matt Hardy, Jesse & Festus, etc, could be something to see.
The third pick for Raw, I have a feeling, is going to be another knock-out pick. That's why I'm saying Mr. Money In The Bank CM Punk, makes the jump. Which, much like Rey could be good or bad. See, there are reports that Punk rubs people the wrong way backstage, maybe a change in shows with a different writing staff will change that. Maybe it won't, and Punk will end up buried on the card. Smackdown/ECW fire right back and pick up Umaga. A move that is all but sure to happen, and it's about time as well!
The fourth pick for Raw is interesting. I'm going to go out on a limb and say that John Morrsion is switching back to live nights. After seeing his drastic improvment over the course of a year and a half, I believe he's ready for the prime time. This also gives Raw another valuable asset to making the Intercontinental Title important again. Smackdown/ECW does a smart thing here (I hope) and brings the team of Kendrick and London back.
They are a reason to watch Smackdown, and if you put them in a match against the likes of Wang Yang/Moore, or even the new and improved Deuce and Domino, fans eat it up. Thus, the WWE makes more money! I've said a long time ago that the WWE should combine the tag titles and switch all tag teams to one show. Now would be the time to do it. Raw would have the WWE, IC, and Woman's Titles; Smackdown would Have the World, US, and Tag Titles. Since the Crusierweight Title has been retired, this would make things somewhat even. What better way to jumpstart this then having the high-flying Kendrick/London duo come "home."
It is with the fifth pick that I believe Raw will draft their new GM. yes, I really think Vince will put the GM spot on the back-burner that long (its been done before). Their fifth pick lands them Teddy Long who then becomes the new Raw GM. Smackdown/ECW meanwhile, I believe (and hopefully) finishes strong and brings Lance Cade over. I know the WWE wants to see how he can handle himself on his own, now is the time to try.
There you have it, my picks for this years draft. Although, i wouldn't be surprised if we see guys like the Great Khali, Snitsky, or even a returning Boogeyman make switches instead of smart moves!
Let me know your thoughts as well. Until next time...
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