With changes coming to WWE Raw on Netflix whenever the WWE Draft shakes up the rosters, there are some stars that seem set to depart.
From moving brands to create room for exciting new rivalries to taking time away entirely, there have already been some changes on the red brand.
Here are nine WWE Raw stars that could be poised to leave the show.
9. Pat McAfee
One WWE Raw departure that has already occurred is fan favorite commentator for the Monday night staple, Pat McAfee.
Bringing his infectious energy to the broadcast, McAfee has a packed commitment calendar each fall related to his ESPN hosting duties for College Game Day.
While McAfee made a return for the first two matches at Wrestlepalooza, he isn’t set to return to WWE Raw anytime soon.
With commentary shake-ups across Raw and SmackDown, the teams have continued to rotate a bit with the most recent edition of Raw on September 22 featuring Joe Tessitore and Wade Barrett on the call.
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8. Liv Morgan
After picking up an injury in early June, Liv Morgan spent the entire summer out of action including missing the second ever all-female PLE, Evolution.
Certainly set for a major push upon her return to action, it could be that she doesn’t go immediately back to WWE Raw to settle old scores.
Expected to be a babyface when she does return to action, perhaps Morgan could switch brands entirely.
Delaying her eventual feud with the likes of Roxanne Perez and heel Becky Lynch, a move to SmackDown could open up rivalries with new opponents instead.
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7. GUNTHER
Currently written off of WWE Raw “indefinitely” due to surgery, GUNTHER could make his return to SmackDown instead.
While GUNTHER has certainly accomplished a lot in his tenure on WWE Raw, there could be even bigger foes in his future.
Potentially launching a faction with another heavy hitter like Ilja Dragunov or even taking aim at WWE Champion Cody Rhodes – there could be some incredible things for GUNTHER to do on SmackDown.
Still rumored to potentially be the final opponent for John Cena, it could be a very big end to 2025 for GUNTHER.
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6. Rhea Ripley
Although Rhea Ripley remains one of the most popular and recognizable WWE stars, she has taken a backseat to others like IYO SKY and Stephanie Vaquer as of late.
While the WWE Raw women’s division continues to have a stacked roster of talent, perhaps Ripley could make the jump over to SmackDown.
Taking on the likes of Tiffany Stratton and Jade Cargill, Ripley could see another showdown with former foe Nia Jax in addition to any number of new call-ups from NXT headed for the blue brand.
Possibly looking to refresh her character, a move away from the somewhat repetitive drama involving the Eradicator could do a world of good.
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5. Lyra Valkyria
After being the inaugural winner of the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship, Lyra Valkyria has kept up momentum with top feuds.
Still embroiled in a chaotic dynamic with Bayley after her multi-match series against Becky Lynch, Lyra Valkyria could use a fresh group of opponents.
Having exhausted her feuds on WWE Raw it could make sense to see Valkyria depart the show.
Able to pick up on SmackDown and take on the likes of Alba Fyre and Chelsea Green, Valkyria could spread her wings as a character on the blue brand.
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4. Austin Theory
While fans had been looking forward to a big dust up between Austin Theory and Grayson Waller to end their A-Town Down Under tag team after months of strife instead, the break-up was quiet.
Revealed in a backstage segment featuring Waller talking to the New Day, he quickly noted Theory was injured and their team was done.
Whenever Austin Theory does return to active competition, it could be the opportunity for him to try his hand at being a babyface.
Able to make a fresh start on either brand after a long time away, Theory could fit in more smoothly with the current SmackDown cast and pick up immediate feuds with heels like Aleister Black or Solo Sikoa.
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3. Penta
A star that became a nearly instant fan favorite in WWE, Penta has had a remarkable singles run already since debuting in January.
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, it has been speculated that there was already a big storyline planned for Rey Fenix along with former partner Andrade on the blue brand which could be salvaged with a new partner.
Conversely of course, Fenix could join Penta on WWE Raw and continue feuding with Judgment Day and The New Day.
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2. Jey Uso
The Usos have reunited on Raw recently, with SmackDown’s Jimmy Uso appearing on the red brand.
With the issues between the two that have emerged, Jimmy could point out to Jey that Jey needs to help Jimmy with his own issues on SmackDown to repay the favor.
With Solo Sikoa and the MFTs on the blue brand, there could be a score to settle that results in Jey going over to SD.
It could also mean The Usos having some matches with new teams in the stellar SmackDown tag division that they haven’t been able to face previously, like Fraxiom, the Motor City Machine Guns and DIY.
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1. Kiana James
As of this writing, WWE still lists Kiana James as being on the Raw roster, which she was drafted to last year.
However, since her return from a long injury layoff, she’s actually been appearing on SmackDown instead as Giulia’s business representative.
It seems like a formality that Kiana James being moved from Raw to SmackDown will be made official soon.
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