WWE RISING STARS & FADING STARS: SmackDown Shortens, Plastic Badges, Punk Freshens Up, Finn Loses Focus, Keys to Success

SPOTLIGHTED PODCAST ALERT (YOUR ARTICLE BEGINS A FEW INCHES DOWN)... WWE’s creative direction is often a tale of two extremes. While one brand is actively trimming the fat to put its best foot forward, a change of scenery can leave…