SmackDown is home to some of WWE’s biggest stars: Friday nights on the blue brand feature the Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Drew McIntyre.
However, arguably the brand’s biggest star is John Cena, who is set to retire this December.
His absence on the show will certainly be felt, and the company will no doubt look to sign new talent to fill the giant-sized hole left in the roster.
Below are six signings we could soon see debut on SmackDown.
6. Leon Slater
There are few – if any – more promising young stars in all of pro wrestling than TNA’s Leon Slater.
At just 20 years old, the British high-flyer recently became the youngest performer to ever win the TNA X-Division Championship – a title previously held by legends like AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, and Kurt Angle.
While currently signed with TNA and positioned as one of its top stars, the promotion’s working relationship with WWE suggests he will sign with the larger company sooner rather than later.
His signing may be imminent, but the only question is whether the prodigious talent lands in NXT first or goes straight to SmackDown.
Click the next page button below for more
5. Private Party
AEW tag team Private Party have not been seen on company programming since dropping the tag titles to the Hurt Syndicate in January.
The Wrestling Observer recently noted that their current status remains unknown following reports of interest from WWE.
Their long absence has led to justified speculation that they may be done with AEW.
If so, we may soon see the talented, charismatic duo join the loaded WWE SmackDown tag team roster.
Click the next page button below for more
4. Britt Baker
Another name currently missing in action from AEW programming is Britt Baker, who hasn’t been seen since last November.
Speculation around the former AEW Women’s World Champion has increased – especially given her absence from the company’s biggest show of the year, All In, this past July.
Baker was the biggest and most over female star during AEW’s early years, and a move to WWE would no doubt be seen as a big deal.
If the 34-year-old does make the move when her contract ends, she’s almost certain to head straight to the main roster – and that could mean Friday Night SmackDown.
Click the next page button below for more
3. Joe Hendry
Joe Hendry’s full-time move to WWE has been much rumored since the TNA star appeared at both the Royal Rumble and WrestleMania earlier this year.
In his home promotion, TNA, he’s now out of the world title picture, with storyline loose ends seemingly tied up following his loss to fellow top babyface Mike Santana at the end of July on Impact.
His WWE signing now appears truly imminent – the 37-year-old Scottish star recently appeared on WWE house shows during the European tour, and returned to NXT programming in the main event angle on September 2.
Hendry’s arrival doesn’t seem to be in question – the only uncertainty is where he lands: NXT, Raw or SmackDown?
Click the next page button below for more
2. El Hijo del Vikingo
Since WWE announced its intention to purchase Mexican promotion AAA, the company has pushed El Hijo del Vikingo as its chosen star.
WWE even ensured that the 28-year-old was given the promotion’s top title: the AAA Mega Championship.
One of pro wrestling’s most spectacular, breath-taking high-flyers, it’s clear that WWE has plans for Vikingo beyond his native Mexico and AAA.
For years, WWE has attempted to find a successor to Rey Mysterio as its top and most popular luchador – and they may now see Vikingo as that replacement, potentially bringing him to the brand most synonymous with Mysterio: SmackDown.
Click the next page button below for more
1. Trick Williams
When Trick Williams first appeared on NXT programming as Carmelo Hayes’ backup, comparisons were immediately drawn to John Cena – such was his level of palpable charisma.
This year, the 31-year-old has been working across both NXT and partner promotion TNA, where he is currently World Champion – and his in-ring work has noticeably improved.
John Cena himself was never Ric Flair in the ring, but like Cena, Williams exudes star power and charisma, and has a real chance to become a top star on the brand where Cena first made his name: WWE SmackDown.
To make sure you stay up to date with all the biggest wrestling and WrestleTalk news, follow us on Threads by clicking this link!
Comments.
Loading comments…