Current SmackDown Live Talent Hints Being Champion Of Opposite Brand

The evaluation to many members of the WWE Universe regarding the brand split is not very positive. When the initial brand split occurred in 2002, there were names such as Booker T, Eddie Guerrero, RVD, and Edge who significantly benefited from the decision to make Raw and SmackDown its own separate entities. In fact, all of these names would become a world champion in the WWE, and Booker T, Eddie Guerrero, and Edge are now in the Hall of Fame.

WWE tried it again in 2016 in an attempt to help the live premiere of SmackDown Live on the USA Network. While it was much-needed to break the monotony of SmackDown not being anything more than just a lite version of Raw, the evolution of the brand split has shown to not be as successful as expected.

For Raw, names such as Elias and Braun Strowman have used the extra exposure from the brand split to strengthen their character. On SmackDown Live, Sami Zayn has benefited, and others such as Jinder Mahal and Bobby Roode have as well. However, others such as Tye Dillinger, who received a resounding ovation upon his 2017 Royal Rumble entry, have not.

Even making the SmackDown Live Top 10 list has not fared well for Dillinger, as he still has not been showcased. You can view an interview after Dillinger found out he was number 10 below.

Why 10 isn't the number Tye Dillinger is looking for: SmackDown LIVE Fallout, Feb. 6, 2018

Still, Dillinger is showing his appreciation of the recent announcement that their will no longer be exclusive brand pay-per-views after WrestleMania, and even hinted at vying for a title that is not on the brand he currently competes on.

One step closer….. #ICTitle https://t.co/5wB0szDUdy

— Shawn Spears™? (@ShawnSpears) February 17, 2018

Whether this is a hint of Dillinger defected over to Raw, or spilling the concept of competitors being able to compete on the opposite brand, thus dissolving the split, is inconclusive. However, it is certainly telling that Dillinger would want to go for The Miz’s Intercontinental Championship instead of the United States Championship currently on the SmackDown Live brand.

Follow Chris Featherstone @chrisprolific and the Pancakes and Powerslams Show @cravewrestling.