Cena And Orton Split

The big move from the 2011 Draft is Orton to Smackdown. Smackdown needed a top face after Edge retired. No matter who wins between Christian and Alberto Del Rio, no matter how long The Undertaker is really gone, no matter any other moves, Randy Orton will be the face of Smackdown.

Last year, I talked about John Cena still being the major focus on Raw, even when face Orton had the WWE Championship. Orton did have a brief period where he was outshining Cena, but it did not take long for Cena/Nexus to take the spotlight. John Cena is still on Raw to do his thing and to have the WWE do their thing for him.

Orton will definitely get a fairer chance to develop as a draw now. Last time he was on Smackdown, top guys like Batista, Kurt Angle, and a younger Taker were priorities as well. Combine that with Orton screwing himself over here and there, and he did not really shine back then as well as he might have. Now? He is very much in a league all his own. The only other top face who has been World Champion multiple times is arguably Kane. History has shown that pushes for Kane in the main event do not last long. Christian still has potential to be a rising star, but time will tell if WWE makes the move or not. No, it is not really up to Christian to make it or not. As far as I am concerned, this guy has proven that he can make it already. He has worked with top guys all his WWE career. He is over. He has what it takes. Nevertheless, I would still be surprised if Orton is feuding in the midcard for the majority of his Smackdown run.