Pros, Cons of WWE Drafting Cruiserweight Divison to SmackDown at Survivor Series

With such a stacked card at WWE Survivor Series 2016, it is easy for the cruiserweight action to get lost in the shuffle. But with a stipulation in place for Brian Kendrick's match against Kalisto, it instantly makes the bout one of the most compelling of the entire night.

If Kalisto can beat the cruiserweight champion, the whole division—Kendrick included—will move to SmackDown.

Could we realistically see the Cruiserweight Championship move to the blue brand? Given the shaky start to life the division has had on Raw, it doesn't seem that impossible. Here are a few pros and cons WWE should consider when weighing the decision about whether to switch the cruiserweights to SmackDown.

Pro: The Greater Emphasis on Wrestling on SmackDown

Even in the embryonic stages of the brand split, it was obvious that SmackDown would be the show where wrestling purists could get their proper fix of in-ring action. That's not to say Raw doesn't have talented wrestlers on its roster, but on Tuesday nights, there just seems to be a greater emphasis placed on what happens in the ring.

In terms of the cruiserweights, that gave them an opportunity to use Raw's story-based programming to showcase their characters and personalities—but they haven't been given an opportunity to do so.

So on SmackDown, the added focus on wrestling will give the talented cruiserweights a chance to thrive and shine.

It could be the making of the division. 

Pro: Mauro Ranallo

The spotlight should rightly fall on the talent inside the ring when it comes to deciding which location is best for the cruiserweight division. But another plus of moving it to SmackDown would be the influence and excitement Mauro Ranallo provides.

His commentary throughout the Cruiserweight Classic was insightful and well-researched and didn't overshadow the in-ring action.

There was no arguing between himself and Daniel Bryan—just well-said, clever commentary that made the whole experience more enjoyable for viewers. With Ranallo calling the action on SmackDown every Tuesday, it only feels right that he's given another opportunity to call the cruiserweight action.

His knowledge of the division helped make the Cruiserweight Classic a success. If it helps engage fans with the personalities in the division following Survivor Series, it will be another huge plus.

Con: Less TV Time, Less Exposure?

The obvious negative in moving the cruiserweights to SmackDown is that there is suddenly a much smaller TV slot for them to muscle their way into. With Raw airing for three hours every week, it allows for at least a couple of matches and some backstage segments. On a show that is two hours long, do those opportunities diminish?

It's a difficult dilemma for WWE to try to solve. On the one hand, there are an overwhelming amount of positives when it comes to trading the division to SmackDown. But would doing so limit the TV time to perhaps just one main rivalry? That wouldn't be healthy—WWE has to try to create some depth and, more importantly, some intrigue for the division to be a success.

However, there is one small saving grace in all of this.

Pro: It Gives the Division a Fresh Start Ahead of 205 Live

The cruiserweight division needs a shot in the arm ahead of the launch of the new 205 Live show that will air on the WWE Network.

Transferring the division to another brand is radical, but it at least makes things interesting and worth watching for the next few weeks.

And moving it to SmackDown makes even more sense when you factor in that 205 Live will air each and every Tuesday—right after SmackDown goes out. It essentially makes Tuesday must-see TV if you are a fan of the cruiserweights. You could be guaranteed a good 90 minutes of action if you factor in some exposure on SmackDown followed by 205 Live.

All in all, there seems to be more positives than negatives when it comes to moving the cruiserweight division to SmackDown. Will WWE see it the same way? Survivor Series will tell us the answer to that question.