3 Reasons why Cody Rhodes shouldn't move to RAW during WWE's transfer window
A major announcement has shaken WWE to its very core. A new transfer window concept is being borrowed from other sports and brought to World Wrestling Entertainment over the coming weeks.
The concept is relatively simple. RAW general manager Adam Pearce, SmackDown general manager Nick Aldis, and NXT general manager Ava are talking to each other and various talents regarding roster moves. This is to shake things up ahead of RAW moving to Netflix.
While there are many names being tossed around as possible moves, one SmackDown star should not move to Monday Night RAW: Cody Rhodes. The American Nightmare is a top star in World Wrestling Entertainment and there is no doubt that Adam Pearce and Netflix would want him, but the move should not happen.
This article will take a look at a handful of reasons why Cody moving to RAW would be a mistake and should not take place. This includes a Roman Reigns factor, complications with title belts, and beyond. Why should Cody stick to SmackDown?
Below are three reasons why Cody Rhodes shouldn't move to RAW during WWE's transfer window.
#3 He has feuds on SmackDown with Kevin Owens and potentially Randy Orton
Cody Rhodes is the Undisputed WWE Champion. He won the title by defeating Roman Reigns in the main event of WrestleMania. This championship victory led to Cody moving to SmackDown full-time.
Since winning the gold, Cody has successfully defended it against numerous challengers, but his most interesting feud is currently in the process of taking place. Cody and Kevin Owens are battling it out over the Undisputed WWE Championship and the story has been fascinating.
Additionally, many believe Randy Orton will return and subsequently turn on Cody to chase the gold. This, of course, is unconfirmed, but there have been several subtle hints highlighting Randy's desire to win a world title again.
With a great feud happening right now and a major rivalry potentially taking place in a matter of months, moving Cody Rhodes to RAW would be a mistake. He should stay on SmackDown and continue the stories already in place and being set up as opposed to being moved to the red brand with seemingly no true plan in place.
#2 Cody Rhodes isn't needed on RAW if Roman Reigns moves to the red brand
Roman Reigns is the other top star in WWE alongside Cody Rhodes. While Cody is certainly the biggest name among the full-time competitors, Roman arguably has him beat if you include those with a part-time schedule.
Currently, The Tribal Chief and Cody Rhodes are both members of the Friday Night SmackDown roster. They seem to work well together, as neither really steps on the other's toes in terms of their placement on the brand and in the company. Triple H has both WWE stars positioned as aces.
With that said, Roman Reigns may not be on SmackDown for much longer. He is reportedly moving to RAW when the show heads to Netflix. In fact, he may have already made his last SmackDown appearance.
If Roman is moving to RAW, Cody doesn't also need to go. It would be counter productive to take the two top stars away from SmackDown, a show which needs a big draw or two still. Instead, having Roman be a top draw on RAW and Cody run SmackDown would be best for the sake of both brands moving forward.
#1 It would make the WWE championship picture confusing
There are several championships exclusive to RAW and SmackDown respectively. For example, RAW has the World Heavyweight Championship, Women's World Championship, World Tag Team Title, Intercontinental Championship, and Women's Intercontinental Title.
Meanwhile, SmackDown has the Undisputed WWE Title, the WWE Women's Championship, the WWE Tag Team Title, United States Championship, and the Women's United States Title. There is a clear theme on both shows.
If Cody Rhodes moves to RAW while still holding the world title, it would make the championship situation confusing. The move could leave SmackDown without a world champion.
There is a chance Gunther and Cody could simply swap shows, but that opens up another can of worms, as the World Heavyweight Title will no longer be with the other "world" title belts. The naming scheme for the titles will be a complete mess if Cody brings his world championship to RAW. Hence, not moving him is the simplest option and the easiest for fans to follow.