WGN debuted “Superstars” last week, and it seems to be a hit, sure the numbers are somewhat modest compared to Raw and Smackdown, and the number is even lower than what ECW draws over on the Sci-Fi channel, but for WGN it’s still a huge number.

I think this show could be pretty successful for the WWE, as long as they follow 3 basic rules.

1. – Enforce the Brand Split on Raw and Smackdown.
We’ve had the draft, but so far it’s meaningless. Smackdown stars are on Raw, and vice versa. If the WWE is interested in having two brands, then stick by it. Make it so that only Raw superstars are on Raw, and Smackdown superstars stay on Smackdown….except when they happen to meet on WGN’s Superstars. It will make the show unique in that we will get some different match-ups on the show that you can’t see anywhere else except on the occasional Pay Per View. It will give the new show an identity of it's own.

2. - Title Change.
We now have 2 major titles on Raw, with only the Intercontinental title on Smackdown. I would say, throw one of the titles to Smackdown, using Superstars as the platform for the title change. Have one of the major titles switch from Raw to Smackdown on Superstars. It will be unexpected, and also give fans the idea that with the new show anything is possible, and that they had better tune in or they could miss something important.

3. – Established Stars vs. New Blood
ECW is the proving ground for WWE. It’s full of younger guys who may or may not eventually move up to one of the flagship shows. Unfortunately, there really hasn’t been a reason to tune into ECW for the casual fan. Without a major “name”, the most WWE can hope to draw to ECW are the hardcore fans who will watch wrestling no matter who is in the ring. Raw and Smackdown both have established rosters, which let’s face it, are getting stale. The new show provides a possible showcase where the two can meet. Anchor Superstars with guys like Undertaker, Triple H, John Cena, but feature at least one match with some of the newer talent. Don’t use the new guys as jobbers either, let them shine a bit. It would be an ideal way to try and break in new talent, while still giving the casual viewer the bigger names they want to see.

I’m not sure if this is the greatest time to introduce yet another hour of programming for the WWE, but I know they are looking for a “worst case scenario” home for Smackdown since MyNetworkTV doesn’t seem to be working out too well. Still, it would be a shame if the TV time was wasted, and Superstars simply became Heat 2009.