Ahead of WWE SmackDown, there could be some emerging changes in the current roster as 2025 comes to a close.
From returns that could be coming soon to stars that have been confirmed to be joining SmackDown permanently — there are changes ahead for SmackDown.
Here are six changes to the WWE SmackDown roster.
6. Return For Kevin Owens?
After announcing ahead of WrestleMania 41 that he was not medically cleared to compete, Kevin Owens underwent spinal surgery.
Taking to social media, Owens shared a video of his entrance music playing, interspliced with footage of him jogging at the WWE Performance Center and finally a photo of his cat.
While by no means does the video mean that Owens will making his WWE SmackDown return any time in the near future, the post is encouraging for fans wondering about his progress.
Hopefully making a return to the ring in 2026, it would be amazing to see Kevin Owens back on the blue brand next year.
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5. No John Cena
While it is not a surprise — since his dates have been announced well in advance — John Cena has already seen his last scheduled appearance on SmackDown.
However, with the recently announced Last Time Is Now tournament, there are set to be entrants from SmackDown joining the field to determine who will be Cena’s final opponent in WWE.
Set to be on WWE Raw this coming Monday, November 10 in Boston and subsequently November 17 in New York City, Cena will next be seen at Survivor Series WarGames at the end of the month on November 29.
Set for his final WWE match at Saturday Night’s Main Event in Washington D.C. on December 13, we’ll have to stay tuned to find out if a SmackDown star wins the honor.
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4. Call-Ups From NXT
With several potential NXT stars that could be headed for the main roster, they could be headed for the blue brand.
After dropping the TNA Wrestling Championship, Trick Williams continued to feud with Ricky Saints over trying to reclaim the NXT Championship seemingly leaving space for one of the pair to be called up in the coming weeks.
Jordynne Grace is another potential call-up that could be coming soon to SmackDown from NXT.
A viable threat to both Giulia for the United States Championship and Jade Cargill’s WWE Women’s Championship — there could be a fun shake up coming to the SmackDown roster soon.
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3. More Mixed Tag Teams Form
With the on-screen union of Zelina Vega and Aleister Black, it would make sense to see another duo emerge to have direct conflict with the pair.
While SmackDown star Chelsea Green has linked up with NXT North American Champion Ethan Page on NXT, the duo could be bringing their team to the main roster in the near future for a showdown with the Blacks.
Elsewhere, the Wyatt Sicks could certainly see mixed tag action with Nikki Cross aligning with any of her stable mates.
Perhaps most interestingly though would be to see a swap from WWE Raw like Rhea Ripley who could align with Damian Priest in a continued feud with the dark duo.
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2. Return of Bianca Belair
Bianca Belair has been out of WWE action since she suffered an injury during WrestleMania 41 but has made return appearances in the interim.
After a reign that spanned over 200 days, Tiffy Time has ended on SmackDown with Jade Cargill now set to reign as WWE Women’s Champion.
Given the switch — and since Cargill turned heel on Tiffany Stratton ahead of their Saturday Night’s Main Event bout — perhaps the return of Bianca Belair is near.
With there still being unresolved issues between the pair of former tag team champions, it would make sense to see a babyface Belair make a return to challenge the new champ.
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1. Kiana James Stays On SmackDown
Although Kiana James has already been appearing on SmackDown for quite some time with Giulia, the move has now been made official.
Already lending her managerial services to the United States Champion Giulia, Kiana James has now officially become a member of the blue brand.
Kiana James had previously remained listed as a WWE Raw star on the WWE roster website but it has now been updated.
Adding an additionally vicious edge to the already frightening Giulia, the pair may end up going on a tag team reign together in addition to Giulia’s singles successes.
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