WWE Superstar Shake-Up 2018: Finn Balor and 5 Stars in Need of a Brand Change

With WWE WrestleMania 34 out of the way, attention is already beginning to turn to one of the most unpredictable weeks of the year: the Superstar Shake-Up.

Raw and SmackDown Live's rosters are bound to change significantly over the next week or so, with some big trades between the brands expected.

And with a deep, talented roster, WWE has plenty of possible trades it can make to not only freshen up the two shows but the careers of those involved in the switches.

Here's a look at the stars who need a trade the most.

Jeff Hardy

His return on Raw the night after WrestleMania was electrifying—but Jeff Hardy needs to be traded to fulfil his potential as a solo competitor.

The situation is not too dissimilar to the one from a decade ago, when Hardy was traded to SmackDown in 2008 and began to find his feet, eventually winning the world title.

That scenario could repeat itself in 2018, and this time, with a familiar foe holding the belt:

Perhaps talk of him competing for the WWE Championship on the blue brand imminently this time around is premature, but Hardy could easily transition into life away from brother Matt better on SmackDown—not least because the talent pool appears somewhat smaller there.

Being on SmackDown would give Hardy more and more opportunities to compete, as well as build momentum far better than he would be able to on Raw.

This feels like one of the best trades WWE could make across the entire Superstar Shake-Up.

Sasha Banks

While Sasha Banks will fight Bayley on Raw next week, that should simply act as the culmination of their mini-feud, rather than the beginning of it.

The Boss has slipped badly down the pecking order on Monday nights. She finds herself behind Asuka, Alexa Bliss and new champ Nia Jax. That is not a good spot to be in.

And while the women's division on SmackDown is equally competitive, there's perhaps the suspicion that Banks needs the change more than any other female competitor in WWE to freshen her up.

She's struggled for TV time and was consigned to the pre-show at WrestleMania. That isn't a spot someone of Banks' ability and popularity should find herself in.

Although Carmella has the SmackDown Women's Championship right now, the prospect of Charlotte Flair vs. Banks, or even Becky Lynch vs. Banks, is too good to resist.

Bobby Roode

For whatever reason, things haven't quite worked out on the main roster for Bobby Roode.

Undisputedly one of the more popular NXT call-ups in recent years, Roode's transition to SmackDown hasn't been plain sailing—even with his run holding the United States Championship included.

But Roode should look to fellow NXT alumni Shinsuke Nakamura for inspiration. Even though his heel turn is only a few days old, Nakamura already looks refreshed and full of momentum once again.

So what better way to give Roode a shot in the arm than not only trading him to Raw, but doing so in explosive fashion by having him turn heel?

Roode could muscle his way into the Intercontinental Championship picture by taking down both Seth Rollins and Finn Balor. He could try to wage war with Braun Strowman—or even new recruit Bobby Lashley.

The possibilities are plentiful when it comes to Bobby Roode heading to Raw. It feels like a no-brainer.

Daniel Bryan

WWE's top babyface truly belongs on the biggest show on TV.

In his role as General Manager, Daniel Bryan has helped position SmackDown as a show almost becoming Raw's equal—but when push comes to shove, most people still know that Monday nights are where the main players lie.

Realistically, Bryan belongs in the top end of either show's programming. With AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura seemingly still not done when it comes to their feud for the WWE Championship, it points to a change in direction for D-Bry.

Should Brock Lesnar drop the Universal Championship in Saudi Arabia this month and take time away, it leaves the door open for Bryan to work his way into that title picture on Raw.

Furthermore, while he's waiting for someone such as Samoa Joe to win the belt, he could finish what he started with The Miz all those years ago.

That would be worth watching.

Finn Balor

Sure, Finn Balor may look like he's set to remain in the Intercontinental Championship picture—but he could equally benefit from a switch to the blue brand.

When Balor returned from injury, it seemed he'd go straight back into the Universal Championship picture. That, in truth, was never really likely with Brock Lesnar having a tight grip on the belt for over a year now.

But with guys like AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura and others to potentially tussle with in the coming months, Balor could have some incredible matches.

If you wanted to take things a step further, you could trade Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson, bringing Balor Club back together for the run they looked like having as a trio at the start of the year.

Have them wage war on the blue brand's locker room—tag teams, solo competitors, or simply anyone who gets in their way.

It would be a worthwhile trade for Balor, and it would give his WWE career a big push.