WWE Rumors: More New Faces To Join NXT Stars With Raw, Smackdown Shakeup

WWE Raw and Smackdown may be getting fresh talent in the coming weeks, an anticipated move after WWE CEO Vince McMahon announced that the family will be taking control of both shows. And while many are expecting returns or new signings, a fair share of the new faces are expected to come from the WWE NXT.

So far, there have already been names mentioned to be on the move. This includes Lars Sullivan, Lacey Evans, Heavy Machinery, EC3 and Nikki Cross. Could more be joining that initial list?

According to Bryan Alvarez in a report from Fox Sports Asia, more names could be added to the list. It all depends on what Vince McMahon decides. But from the looks of it, additional call-ups will happen only by Jan. 1, 2019.

The move from WWE NXT to the more popular brands happens on rare occasions. This normally happens after the grand WrestleMania stage. Wrestlemania 35 is scheduled for Apr. 7, 2019 at the MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey with the main cards yet to be announced.

In a previous post, there were murmurs of possibly seeing Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in the fold. And compared to previous appearances, the actor-wrestler may compete in an actual match, with some mentioning a potential showdown with Brock Lesnar.

While that may be something for The Rock's fans, other matches may depend on who ends up where. There were some storylines dropped, a clear indication that the WWE is changing its direction. So far, one casualty is Alexa Bliss, who Dave Meltzer mentioned on the Wrestling Observer as one of those who was completely dropped. And the reason behind it is reportedly due to her frequent bout with injuries.

Shane McMahon is another storyline that has been dropped, a heel-turn that dates back to WWE Crown Jewel. Shane-O-Mac has rarely made an impact on shows, although he has been constantly appearing opposite The Miz, Cageside Seats said.

There are changes in the general manager positions as well. Paige has been relieved as the general manager of Smackdown, while Baron Corbin lost his power as Raw general manager when he was defeated by Braun Strowman and WWE TLC. In fact, the Lone Wolf was given a beating by several WWE stars including Kurt Angle, Bobby Roode and Finn Balor -- people whom he crossed in the past.

For now, there are six new faces getting the boost. The next question is whether they will end up in Raw or Smackdown.