The recent King and Queen of the Ring tournaments have exposed a harsh reality about SmackDown: it's become the brand for the lesser-regarded wrestlers. With six wrestlers advancing, all from Raw, it's a clear indication of the brand's current standing. Dominik Mysterio and Raquel Rodriguez, recent additions to the blue brand, have already made an impact, defeating their SmackDown counterparts.
This Friday's clash between Jade Cargill, Charlotte Flair, Sol Ruca, and Lyra Valkyria is a make-or-break moment for SmackDown. Valkyria, despite her recent loss to Ruca, could be the wildcard, but personally, I think Ruca's momentum will carry her further. The prize of a world title shot at SummerSlam is a huge incentive, and it's a chance for WWE to showcase its up-and-coming talent.
In the men's division, the focus is on Jey Uso and LA Knight, who have both displayed a strong desire to become world champion. Their face-off on Monday was a highlight, and it's a shame that SmackDown's lack of momentum might overshadow their potential. The addition of Finn Bálor and Gunther from Raw was a step in the right direction, but it hasn't been enough to elevate the brand.
What many people don't realize is that SmackDown's reputation as the 'B-show' has deep-rooted causes. The men's tag team division, once a strength, has been gutted by recent releases, leaving an aging R-Truth and a forgotten Damian Priest as champions. This lack of depth is a major concern and highlights the brand's current struggles.
From my perspective, SmackDown needs a major shake-up. The addition of big names and breakout stars is a start, but it's not enough to change the brand's perception. WWE needs to invest more in its blue brand, both in terms of talent and storylines, to give it the boost it desperately needs. The King and Queen of the Ring tournaments could be a turning point, but only if WWE takes the right steps to ensure SmackDown's future success.
