Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn Sent to WWE SmackDown in Superstar Shake-Up

Kevin Owens and the United States Championship came to SmackDown Live Tuesday night, and his most hated rival, Sami Zayn, joined him as part of WWE's Superstar Shake-up. 

WWE showed a freshly shaven Owens opening the program:

After Baron Corbin arrived to confront Owens, the ring got more crowded when Zayn announced he was a new member of the SmackDown roster. WWE provided a replay of his entrance and Owens' reaction:

The additions of Zayn and Owens are sorely needed after SmackDown lost Ambrose, The Miz and Bray Wyatt. The Miz's departure in particular hurt because he had become one of the biggest stars and top heels on the blue brand.

It's a position in which Owens should seamlessly fit. Owens is a great talker who should flourish even more if granted the creative freedom previously afforded to The Miz.

Zayn not only gives SmackDown a ready-made challenger for Owens but also offers them one of the best in-ring workers in WWE. Some fans may already be looking ahead to a possible rematch between Zayn and Shinsuke Nakamura after they tore the house down at NXT TakeOver: Dallas last year.

Following the brand extension last July, SmackDown Live made a strong argument to be superior to Raw, WWE's flagship show.

Putting Zayn and Owens on a roster that already includes Nakamura, AJ Styles and John Cena should ensure that continues.

For more news, rumors and related stories about Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn and WWE, check out the WWE stream on Bleacher Report's app.