WWE Raw Stars To Leave The Show

With new arrivals on the first episode of WWE Raw in 2026, there are likely set to be some departures from the Netflix series as well.

From stars that have built-in storylines waiting for them on SmackDown to others who could just use a fresh start on the blue brand, there are several top prospects that could get recruited away from Adam Pearce and Monday Night Raw.

Here are six WWE Raw stars that could be set to leave the show.

6. Rusev

After making a return to WWE Raw in 2025, Rusev engaged in some compelling feuds including a memorable Donnybrook match against Sheamus at Clash is Paris 2025.

While making a solid run at the Intercontinental Championship, there could be some more interesting storylines waiting for Rusev on SmackDown.

Potentially becoming a huge heel force going up against the newly crowned United States Champion Carmelo Hayes, Rusev could also find himself tangling with a totally different set of stars if he turns babyface.

With easy feuds with any member of Solo Sikoa, the MFTs or Trick Williams should Rusev be presented as a babyface on SmackDown, there could be some exciting new feuds coming soon.

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5. GUNTHER

After spending the subsequent few weeks being rather obnoxious about the victory, GUNTHER certainly has a target on his back on WWE Raw.

Potentially moving forward to a feud with the likes of R-Truth or AJ Styles on WWE Raw, GUNTHER could also end up becoming a major player on SmackDown.

Bringing his brutality to the blue brand, GUNTHER could immediately prove to be a viable challenger to Cody Rhodes or Drew McIntyre (Brock Lesnar, etc.) in the coming months.

With plenty still up in the air for WrestleMania 42, perhaps a swap to SmackDown could end up totally shaking up the landscape of Las Vegas.

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4. Rhea Ripley

With the SmackDown women’s division needing to bolster the overall numbers on the roster, it could be the perfect time to see some top stars flip brands.

Reuniting Ripley on SmackDown with Damian Priest and having her potential ignite feuds with the likes of Nia Jax, Lash Legend or even a more evil heel Tiffany Stratton could prove to be a viable shake-up.

Since fans are still anticipating the return of Bianca Belair from injury, it could get even more interesting if Belair returns to SmackDown as well.

Certainly with a lot left to accomplish, Rhea Ripley could see more memorable moments on SmackDown in 2026.

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3. Penta

Penta became a nearly instant WWE fan favorite since his debut in January 2025 on WWE Raw.

With his memorable entrance to his in-ring excellence, there has been a lot for fans to enjoy about Penta throughout his first year on the main roster.

However while he has been on Raw throughout the year, he remains separate from his real life brother and tag team partner, Rey Fenix.

With plenty of intriguing feuds for the duo on SmackDown, Lucha Brothers could end up becoming a major force on the blue brand.

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2. Nikki Bella

While she has been involved in several big storylines since her return last year at Royal Rumble 2025 on WWE Raw, perhaps Nikki Bella could be poised to depart the Monday night staple.

Perhaps adding another layer WWE Raw Stars To Leave The Show of heel dominance to the SmackDown women’s division, Nikki Bella could fit in well on the blue brand.

Able to make new dastardly alliances with the likes of Chelsea Green and Nia Jax, Bella is an island on Netflix but is far more entertaining when she’s heading up a group of mean girls.

Either joining an existing girl group or forming her own from recruits from NXT, a brand new start on SmackDown could be perfect next step for Nikki Bella.

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1. El Grande Americano

With Chad Gable presumably poised to return in the coming months to WWE, it might make sense for El Grande Americano to make himself scarce.

Starting over with a fresh new start on SmackDown, El Grande Americano (who happens to be beloved in AAA), could end up bringing an entirely new take on the character to the blue brand.

Taking along with him Rayo Americano (Pete Dunne) and Bravo Americano (Tyler Bate), the duo could go on to have exciting feuds with other exciting teams on the SmackDown roster.

Able to go up against Fraxiom, Motor City Machine Guns or even a reunion between Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams — despite the fact that Dunne & Bate are masked, their technical excellence shines through the gimmick.

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