WWE Friday Night SmackDown has added numerous new stars to the brand since the start of 2025.
From Rey Fenix to Fraxiom, the show has been bolstering its roster and could be on its way to seeing more arriving talent make their presence felt in the coming weeks.
Looking at the free agency market, there are quite a few stars who have been rumored to be the next to sign with WWE and could greatly strengthen SmackDown moving forward.
Here are eight potential new WWE signings for SmackDown.
8. Mike Santana
Debuting in WWE at the NXT Battleground premium live event, Mike Santana gained the attention of the fans and those within the company almost immediately.
Currently signed to TNA Wrestling, Santana has proven himself to be “The Standard” of the promotion, picking up key wins over the likes of Moose, Josh Alexander and Mustafa Ali this year alone.
Santana has showcased exceptional in-ring ability, a well established character and excellent mic skills that should make him a perfect fit on the WWE roster.
While he could easily start off in NXT, Santana might be better suited on the SmackDown roster with the top talent in the WWE right now.
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7. Britt Baker
No other AEW star has found themselves in the spotlight and headlines as much as Dr Britt Baker, DMD as of late.
The former AEW Women’s World Champion has not been seen on the company’s programming in nine months since November 2024.
With recent reports that she might be looking to leave All Elite Wrestling, it would not be surprising if she requested and was granted her release before making the move to WWE.
Known for her superb mic and character work at her peak in AEW, Baker feels like someone who could immediately find a place in WWE women’s division and would add a lot of interest to the scene on SmackDown that could help them stand up to what they have over on Monday Night Raw right now.
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6. Matt Cardona
Since being released from WWE in 2020, Matt Cardona has not made it a secret that he has always believed he would be back in the company one day.
Completely reinventing himself as “The Deathmatch King” and “Indy God,” Cardona has transformed into one of the best heels on the independent scene today.
The former Zack Ryder has had a career revival outside of WWE that is only rivalled by some of the company’s top stars like Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre.
If Cardona is given the chance to re-sign with WWE, it seems only right that he joins his wife Chelsea Green over on Friday Night SmackDown where they could possibly be paired up together to entertain the fans with their act that helped both stars shine on the indies.
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5. The Righteous (Vincent & Dutch)
Back in May, The Righteous became the latest stars to request and be granted their release from All Elite Wrestling.
After a two year run with the promotion, Vincent and Dutch wanted to bring their unique characters to a new company.
Having a litany of options at their fingertips, The Righteous could further help the growing tag team division in WWE if given the opportunity.
The Righteous joining the likes of The Street Profits, DIY and The Wyatt Sicks in the SmackDown tag team division would be something different that isn’t always seen on the blue brand.
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4. Octagon Jr.
At WWE Money In The Bank 2025, Dominik Mysterio defeated Octagon Jr to retain the Intercontinental Championship.
Following the Worlds Collide and his appearance at Money In The Bank, Octagon became one of the AAA talents to sign a deal with WWE.
Still relatively young in his career, the masked luchador could garner the biggest spotlight of his career if he were to debut on SmackDown.
Competing against Rey Fenix or Santos Escobar, Octagon could join the other Mexican talent who have been making a name for themselves on the brand and stand out from the pack with his impressive high flying arsenal inside the squared circle.
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3. Paige (Saraya)
Ever since announcing her exit from All Elite Wrestling in March, fans have been wondering when Saraya would make her way back to WWE.
Spending the past three years in AEW, Saraya has proven herself of being able to step back inside the squared circle and hold her own.
Making an in-ring comeback in WWE feels like something that the former Paige might want to check off her bucket list.
After teasing a possible return at WWE Evolution 2025, Paige could then become part of the Friday Night SmackDown roster to help bring some much needed star power, name value and experience to the brand.
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2. Danhausen
The latest AEW star who has been reported to potentially be leaving the company relatively soon is Danhausen.
Signing with All Elite Wrestling in 2022, the face painted devil of the company has entertained fans and proven himself to be a merchandise mover.
The star known to be “Very Nice, Very Evil” has an eccentric character that has stood out for whichever company he appears on and could do the same in WWE.
Danhausen has the experience and can be a difference maker when it comes to merchandise sales that he might be utilised in a major way over on SmackDown when he does sign with WWE.
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1. El Hijo del Vikingo
Ahead of WrestleMania 41, WWE announced the surprising acquisition of top Mexican promotion, Lucha Libre AAA.
Front and center in promoting the company and this acquisition was none other than top star El Hijo del Vikingo.
Becoming one of the top high flyers in pro wrestling today, Vikingo has firmly cemented himself as the face of lucha libre as a two-time AAA Mega Champion.
After signing a WWE contract, the company may not want to just feature him in Mexico and could easily place him on SmackDown to further expose their audience to the electrifying style that has made Vikingo excel wherever he performs.
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