MVP: SmackDown to Raw
This move was expected to happen last year, but with MVP having recently regained the United States Championship from Shelton Benjamin, most expected that a move was out of the question for him. It will open up many new avenues for the 'Franchise Player', and despite his indifferent last year or so on SmackDown, the only way is surely up for the Ballin' superstar. His move brings the United States Championship to Monday Night Raw regularly for the first time in its history.
Big Show: SmackDown to Raw
This was another somewhat unexpected move, but one that makes sense given the lack of closure given to the Big Show/Vickie Guerrero/Edge love triangle. Edge is also expected to move to Monday Night Raw, meaning the feud between the two could be far from over. Big Show's presence on Raw could provide an interesting tool for the advancement of Vickie Guerrero's plans as Raw's new General Manager.
Melina: Raw to SmackDown
This is an interesting move, as it goes hand in hand with Maryse's move, discussed below. Melina is one of the more talented in-ring competitors among the WWE Divas, and seeing her on SmackDown will certainly make a change from having her compete in endless, meaningless tag matches on Monday nights, while occasionally facing off with Beth Phoenix for the title in throwaway Pay-Per-View matches.
Matt Hardy: SmackDown to Raw
Matt Hardy's career continues to be bounced around like a rubber ball. Having been drafted from SmackDown to ECW last June and subsequently transferred back to SmackDown in late January, Hardy now finds himself on Monday nights again. His feud with his brother looked to be over when Matt triumphed over Jeff for a second time on last week's SmackDown - however, Jeff's interference in Matt's Draft Pick Match against CM Punk suggests otherwise.
Triple H: SmackDown to Raw
Who didn't see this coming? The Game was never likely to stay off the A-show for long, and his intense feud with Randy Orton shows no sign of ending just yet. Love him or hate him, Triple H is one of the company's biggest draws, and with SmackDown's future on MyNetworkTV looking uncertain, look for him to take his place at the top of a stacked Raw card.
CM Punk: Raw to SmackDown
As the current Mr. Money In The Bank, one can expect CM Punk to be involved in a world title feud sometime soon - given that last summer's big story was his unexpected World Heavyweight Championship win on Raw, it's no surprise he finds himself on SmackDown for the duration of this summer. This move should keep things fresh for him, and could lead to a number of potential new feuds.
The Miz: ECW to Raw
While many were expecting the split of the WWE's best tag team, few expected The Miz to be the one moving away from ECW. In an ironic twist, his partner John Morrison cost him the match that caused him to be drafted - Miz's post-match attack on his former partner showed a mean streak previously unseen, and one that could come in useful in his quest to survive as a member of what will no doubt be a packed Raw roster.
Kane: Raw to SmackDown
Kane returns to SmackDown after ten months back on Raw, with his most recent push on Raw having hit somewhat of a dead end following his slightly meaningless feud with Rey Mysterio. Returning to SmackDown will surely reunite him at some point with his 'brother', The Undertaker - rumour has it that Kane could be retiring from wrestling at some point this year, so do not be surprised if one final match is seen between the two 'Brothers of Destruction'.
Chris Jericho: Raw to SmackDown
This was another fairly predictable move, but one which will no doubt spice up the SmackDown main event scene. Jericho has had a stellar eighteen months on Raw since his 2007 return, and it is a shame to see him leave the A-show - however, the potential for new feuds with the likes of Edge and The Undertaker on SmackDown will leave fans excited at the prospects for Jericho as he finds a new home.
Vladimir Kozlov: SmackDown to ECW
Another fairly logical move - Kozlov's spell late last year as one of SmackDown's top heels was successful as an initial push, but his in-ring performances still need a lot of work. Compare him to fellow monster Umaga and it is clear how much he has to learn - some time on ECW and a solid feud or two, or perhaps even an ECW Championship victory, should give him the time and exposure he needs to develop.
Maryse: SmackDown to Raw
With Melina taking the Women's Championship to SmackDown, Maryse's move seems fairly logical. Maryse is highly rated by WWE officials, and a move to Monday nights will give her a chance to shine - however, she may suffer from the lack of serious competition in the Divas division right now, given Santino Marella's recent domination therein. Beth Phoenix's status as Raw's top heel Diva may also make it difficult for her to succeed.
Rey Mysterio: Raw to SmackDown
Rey-Rey returns home, as the WWE looks to win back some of the Hispanic viewership that SmackDown has lost since his departure last June. He also brings with him, presumably, the Intercontinental Championship, which goes to SmackDown on a regular basis for the first time in its history. His return to his spiritual home will be sure to please his many fans.
The Verdict
While tonight's show was full of interesting draft picks that should produce some excellent potential feuds, it lacked the so-called 'OMG Moment' that last year's draft provided with the drafting of Triple H to SmackDown. The Game's return to Raw will be important, but the 2009 WWE Draft was, for the most part, fairly predictable.
For a look at how close our predictions were, here's the 2009 WWE Draft Preview, and to hear about the rest of the moves made on Wednesday, take a look at the Supplemental Draft.
