Friday Night SmackDown has added talent from the WWE NXT brand and free agency market throughout the last year.
Whether it be Fraxiom or Rey Fenix, these stars have added a lot to the blue brand and bolstered the roster considerably.
Looking at NXT and current free agents, there are plenty more names who could be added to the current WWE roster to reach new heights in their career.
Here are seven potentially new WWE signings on SmackDown.
7. Joe Hendry
2025 has seen TNA Wrestling’s Joe Hendry featured all over WWE television whether it be the main roster or NXT.
From his initial appearances on NXT to debuting on the WrestleMania stage, Hendry has felt like one of the most popular stars in all of pro wrestling.
At this point, the former TNA World Champion might be too big for the NXT brand and could be in line to make the immediate jump to the WWE main roster when he officially signs with the company.
Hendry coming in and heading to SmackDown could provide a totally eccentric character on the show to interact with the heels like The Miz, Carmelo Hayes and Solo Sikoa with his unique singing abilities.
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6. Chris Jericho
With news of Chris Jericho being in his contract year with All Elite Wrestling, a WWE return has seemed to be inevitable to many fans.
The inaugural AEW World Champion is still considered a living legend and has plenty of star power left to offer.
However, Jericho might be in desperate need of a change of scenery considering his relationship with the AEW audience and the big money he could make in WWE.
Returning to WWE and joining SmackDown would give the blue brand a major star that could be positioned in the main event picture with Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Drew McIntyre and Jacob Fatu.
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5. El Hijo del Vikingo
Ever since WWE acquired Lucha Libre AAA, El Hijo del Vikingo has stood front and center as the face of the Mexican promotion.
Vikingo has been showcased as one of the most spectacular high flying luchadores in wrestling today.
The two-time AAA Mega Champion has yet to appear on WWE television over the past few months.
Signing him to the company outright, Vikingo could become one of the hottest new additions to the WWE roster if he joins SmackDown where he can face off with the likes of Rey Fenix or Sami Zayn.
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4. Keith Lee
After being released from WWE in 2021, Keith Lee signed with All Elite Wrestling the following year and quickly became one of the most prominent stars in the company.
The former AEW World Tag Team Champion became a huge part of the company’s programming in his Swerve In Our Glory duo with Swerve Strickland, but when the tandem broke up, Lee’s injuries caught up to him and led to his absence.
After not being seen on AEW TV since December 2023, it could be possible that Lee leaves the promotion and makes his way back to WWE under new management.
Considerably different from his previous stint with Vince McMahon no longer in power and Triple H as head of WWE creative, Lee would be a significant free agent acquisition for the company and become a potential top star on Friday Night SmackDown.
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3. Britt Baker
Dr Britt Baker DMD has become one of the most controversial figures on the AEW roster as of late with her name popping up in headlines.
After making her return to All Elite Wrestling in the summer of 2024, Baker would soon be written off of television in November and has been absent from the company ever since.
With her absence going on one year, it has become apparent that Baker’s time with AEW may be coming to an end for better or worse.
If the former AEW Women’s World Champion becomes a free agent, WWE could sign her and put her on the SmackDown brand where she would be a fresh challenger for Tiffany Stratton and bring something different to the women’s division.
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2. The Righteous (Vincent & Dutch)
Back in May 2025, The Righteous received their release from All Elite Wrestling after making a request to leave.
Over the past two years, Vincent and Dutch had become a regular part of Ring of Honor television again, while competing in a few matches on AEW programming along the way.
Whether it be in tag team action or trios competition with Lance Archer, The Righteous stood out with their characters and promo style that could translate even better on WWE TV.
From running roughshod in tag team action to joining forces with The Wyatt Sicks, The Righteous could have a litany of options at their fingertips if they make the move to WWE.
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1. Leon Slater
Leon Slater has become one of the faces of TNA Wrestling since signing with the promotion in 2023.
Becoming the youngest TNA X-Division Champion in company history, ‘The Youngest In Charge’ has emerged as one of the most popular talents on the entire roster.
Now getting featured on WWE NXT, it is clear that the company sees the skills and ability that has led to Slater’s meteoric rise.
Slater signing with WWE and heading to SmackDown could see him and Je’Von Evans bring their new Youngest OGs in Charge duo to take the tag team division by storm with their extraordinary athleticism and agility.
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