Ringside Rewind: “Brand Split Benefits”

Hello Everyone! This will be a fun little running bit for this section of the blog where I visit things of WWE past. Today in particular is a snapshot in time. This is the raw manuscript of an article I wrote for a small independent wrestling blog in 2016 (they have since disappeared, sadly). At the time, WWE was operating with Raw as the main promotion and Smackdown had been reduced to what was essentially a “replay” show that mostly recapped what happened on the previous Raw. In July 2016, WWE creative decided to split the brands again. With the separation of talent, the move to Fridays, and a switch to a live presentation the show exploded. Here is my 2016 take from those that benefited most from the brand split!

Brand-Split Benefits

With WWE’s major brands split once again this past year, numerous superstars have seized opportunities to shine where they previously could not. From established talents to emerging stars, the split has proven beneficial for many but here are some specific standouts:

AJ Styles:

Starting with the most obvious case, AJ Styles has dominated the ring since the brand split. When drafted to SmackDown, Styles was already a top-tier talent, benefiting from the smaller roster size. Since the split, he has consistently dazzled crowds with impressive matches and compelling promos. Styles has a unique ability to elevate his opponents and he resonates with the crowd on a special level, enhancing the overall quality of the show. His reign as WWE Champion was a much-needed boost for the company, and it might not have occurred if the brands had not been separated. One word aptly describes his current presence in WWE: Phenomenal.

Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens:

Jericho and Owens might warrant their own showcase as individual competitors, but their synergy and success makes it impossible to not talk about what they are doing as a tag team. Whether through “The List” or their various best-friend antics, they have captivated the hearts of the WWE Universe and significantly contributed to Raw’s success. Their in-ring performances and promos have been outstanding, showcasing their unique chemistry and raw approach to the mic. After Finn Balor’s injury necessitated a new Universal Champion, Jericho and Owens were ideal choices. With the possibility of Kevin Owens relinquishing the title before WrestleMania, fans can anticipate an exciting feud between these best friends in the coming weeks.

Randy Orton:

Despite some questioning his storyline path, there is no denying that being drafted to SmackDown has facilitated Randy Orton’s smooth return to regular competition (aside from his notable encounter with Brock Lesnar). Upon returning Orton got immediately tangled up with the Wyatt family, and that gave fans great promos and matches. Had he been drafted to Raw, Orton might have faced reduced visibility. Instead, he has been a significant contributor on Tuesdays and recently won the Royal Rumble, heading into WrestleMania as a main-eventer—a scenario that might not have unfolded without the brand split.

Intercontinental Championship:

Before the brand split, the Intercontinental Championship had diminished in prestige, often held by mid-carders with lackluster reigns. However, since The Miz was drafted to SmackDown, the championship's perception has dramatically improved. The Miz’s tenure has elevated the Intercontinental Championship to main-card status, making it a coveted prize in the industry. The championship has also played a role in the long-awaited heel turn of Dolph Ziggler. Currently held by Dean Ambrose, the title seems poised for further push into the limelight.

Braun Strowman:

As a former Wyatt Family enforcer, Braun Strowman has thrived as a solo competitor since his draft to Raw, while his former stablemates were sent to SmackDown. Initially, his "Braun smash" squash matches seemed repetitive; however, his feud with Sami Zayn allowed him to showcase his evolving microphone skills and his ability to engage in more competitive and intricate matches. Strowman’s rapid ascent to the top of the card, including a significant opportunity at the Universal Title (albeit interrupted by Roman Reigns), highlights his bright future. Without breaking into his own character after the brand-split, Braun would have been hard fought to gain this amount of heat as a solo competitor!