WWE SmackDown is in good shape after replenishing talent up and down the card with various returns and new talent coming to the brand.
From the returns of Randy Orton and Sami Zayn to the debuts of Trick Williams and Jordynne Grace, the show feels better than it has over the past year, but it could be in line for some more changes coming soon.
Having a few stars leave the show to head to Raw or NXT could benefit the blue brand in the long run moving forward.
Here are eight WWE SmackDown stars to potentially leave the show.
8. Damian Priest
To start of the year, Damian Priest defeated Aleister Black in an Ambulance Match to put their rivalry to bed once and for all.
Over the past year, Priest has been a staple on the mid-card of Friday Night SmackDown despite being a former World Heavyweight Champion.
The former Judgment Day member feels like someone who deserves better and should be higher up the card.
Heading back to Monday Night Raw might be the best way to once again highlight Priest in a significant way.
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7. Motor City Machine Guns (Alex Shelley & Chris Sabin)
Signing with WWE in 2024, Motor City Machine Guns seemed like the hottest tag team in the entire company right from the start.
Winning the WWE Tag Team Championships in their third match, Chris Sabin and Alex Shelley proved themselves to live up to the hype as one of the greatest duos of their generation.
However, it has felt like over a year since the Motor City Machine Guns were prominently featured on Friday Night SmackDown.
Considering The Usos are the current World Tag Team Champions, Motor City Machine Guns would be a great addition to the Raw tag scene and become top contenders for the gold on the show.
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6. Johnny Gargano
2026 has proven to be a bad year for Johnny Gargano so far with major losses as well as his tag team partner Tommaso Ciampa leaving WWE.
Now without DIY, Gargano suffered a key loss to Axiom and had to give back his signature mask.
Ever since this loss, Gargano has been down in the dumps and depressed backstage with his wife Candice LeRae trying to comfort him.
Gargano leaving SmackDown might be the best move for him and head to either Monday Night Raw or WWE NXT where he might be more consistently highlighted as an in-ring competitor.
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5. Rey Fenix
Rey Fenix has been a highlight in the ring on Friday Night SmackDown, often delivering some spectacular matches.
Whether it be against Carmelo Hayes or Trick Williams, Fenix has shown himself to be one of the best high flyers in all of pro wrestling today.
However, many fans feel like Fenix may be better utilized by reuniting with his brother Penta in some form.
Heading to Raw to get back together with Penta, The Lucha Bros could become the premier tag team on WWE’s flagship show moving forward.
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4. Shinsuke Nakamura
Shinsuke Nakamura feels like he has more years behind him than ahead of him.
“The King of Strong Style” recently watched two of his greatest rivals call it a career with Hiroshi Tanahashi retiring at NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 20 and AJ Styles at WWE Royal Rumble 2026.
Now with that in mind, it feels like Nakamura needs one more run on Monday Night Raw where he can mix it up with new opponents.
Whether it be against CM Punk or Bron Breakker, Nakamura could put on some stellar encounters before he finally decides to hang up his boots for good in WWE.
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3. Sami Zayn
At WWE Royal Rumble 2026, Drew McIntyre defeated Sami Zayn to retain the Undisputed WWE Championship.
“The Scottish Warrior” is someone that Zayn has not been able to beat despite his strong desire to finally become a world champion for the first time.
After being screwed out of his chance to be part of the Elimination Chamber Match, Zayn might have to move to Monday Night Raw to put himself in line for the World Heavyweight Championship.
Issuing a challenge for the winner of the WrestleMania 42 main event between CM Punk and Roman Reigns, Zayn could be the perfect first opponent coming out of “The Show of Shows” this April.
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2. Giulia
To start 2026, Giulia regained the WWE Women’s United States Championship after defeating Chelsea Green.
“The Beautiful Madness” still feels like an under-utilized talent on Friday Night SmackDown despite being a two-time champion.
After being part of the blue brand for the past year, it might be the right time to have Giulia leave SmackDown to head to Monday Night Raw.
Giulia joining forces with The Kabuki Warriors on Raw could better use her talents and raise everyone involved to prominence on the brand.
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1. Tiffany Stratton
At WWE Royal Rumble 2026, Tiffany Stratton made her return to the company as the #30 entrant in the Women’s Royal Rumble Match.
Despite coming up short in this bout, Stratton qualified for the Women’s Elimination Chamber Match by defeating Chelsea Green and Lash Legend on the February 6 episode of SmackDown.
The former WWE Women’s Champion could go on to win the Chamber and set up a rematch with Jade Cargill at WrestleMania 42.
However, Stratton needs fresh scenery to explore and has been part of the SmackDown brand for quite some time. It would make a ton of sense to move Stratton to Monday Night Raw where she can mix it up with the likes of Rhea Ripley, IYO SKY and Asuka.
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