Ahead of WWE Raw’s move to Netflix, the company introduced the “transfer window” that will see multiple stars moving between the three brands.
While there will be plenty of talent heading to Raw on Netflix, SmackDown will needs its fair share of stars in exchange for their performers.
WWE recently announced that SmackDown will be moving to three hours starting on January 3, so the brand will expand its roster to fill out TV time.
Here are seven new WWE stars to potentially join SmackDown.
7. Chad Gable (& American Made)
We star the list with the WWE star who introduced the “transfer window” to the audience – Chad Gable.
After going toe-to-toe with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes on the mic and in the ring, Gable has proven that he could make his way up the card on the blue brand.
It should be a no-brainer for WWE to move Gable over to SmackDown, following his unsuccessful bid to claim the Intercontinental Title this past summer and being brushed aside by The Wyatt Sicks.
Gable’s upward mobility greatly improves over on SmackDown and makes him seem like a possible candidate to become United States Champion in 2025.
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6. Ludwig Kaiser
2024 was a breakout year for Ludwig Kaiser, with the Imperium member being featured in as a singles competitor for the first time after splitting from Giovanni Vinci.
Kaiser has put on plenty of bangers and established himself as a perennial contender for the Intercontinental Championship.
Making the move to SmackDown will help Kaiser to further stand out on his own and become a bigger star in the process.
Kaiser clashing with the likes of LA Knight and Randy Orton should offer a lot of fun entertainment on SmackDown every week.
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5. Lyra Valkyria
While currently among the final four in the Women’s Intercontinental Championship tournament, Lyra Valkyria has seen less focus on WWE TV following a strong start on the main roster.
Valkyria has proven to be a versatile in-ring performer who can be counted on to deliver against anyone on the WWE roster.
The former NXT Women’s Champion moving to SmackDown should help improve her trajectory by way of mixing it up with different stars, with the top of the card a bit more open on Friday nights.
Valkyria challenging Nia Jax for the WWE Women’s Championship or reviving her NXT rivalry with Tiffany Stratton could totally change around her main roster run.
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4. Finn Balor
The Judgment Day seems to be on the downturn as of late after suffering crucial losses to close 2024.
Finn Balor has been the main culprit of the big losses for the group this year, especially since turning on Damian Priest at WWE SummerSlam.
Following reports that he could be in line for a bigger push in the new year, WWE could facilitate that by moving Balor over to SmackDown.
Finn bringing a new version of The Judgment Day with JD McDonagh and Carlito could reignite this faction that was once a highlight of WWE programming.
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3. Damian Priest
Speaking of which, Damian Priest has been in the opposite direction since being excommunicated from The Judgment Day.
Priest has felt like one of the most popular babyfaces in the company since splitting from his stablemates, having held the World Heavyweight Championship for four months earlier this year.
Moving to SmackDown in exchange for either Cody Rhodes or Roman Reigns would open the door for the former World Heavyweight Champion to fill their role as a top babyface on the program.
Priest battling Solo Sikoa, Jacob Fatu or Kevin Owens on SmackDown could further assist in his ascent to the top of WWE.
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2. Drew McIntyre
There is a strong argument that no one had a bigger or better 2024 than Drew McIntyre.
The Scottish Warrior had arguably the greatest match and rivalry of his entire career against CM Punk over the course of the past 12 months, and as a result it feels like he should be in an even higher position afterwards and should potentially win a world title in 2025.
Moving from Raw to SmackDown will allow McIntyre to be a main character on the blue brand and possibly progress his ongoing issues with Roman Reigns and the OG Bloodline.
WWE reportedly plan to put a “huge focus” on McIntyre in 2025 and a move to SmackDown could lead to a year full of championship success.
1. GUNTHER
GUNTHER has cemented himself as one of the most effective heels in the entire pro wrestling industry in 2024.
As the current World Heavyweight Champion, The Ring General has been at the top of the card on Monday Night Raw.
However, it seems like there has been less focus and concentration on GUNTHER over on Raw in the past few months of 2024.
This may indicate that GUNTHER will be making a move over to SmackDown where he can be the top heel against top babyfaces like Cody Rhodes and Roman Reigns, or if Rhodes moves the other way to Raw then the Austrian can lead the charge on Friday night’s as the brand’s top champion.
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