With the calendar changing over to 2026, there could be some roster changes made to both Monday Night Raw and Friday Night SmackDown.
Trying to freshen up the rosters especially with SmackDown returning to three hours, there could be some Raw talent that are transferred over to the blue brand.
Wanting to fill the additional TV time, there are several names on Raw right now that would benefit from a move to Friday nights in the new year.
Here are seven WWE Raw stars to potentially leave the show.
7. Bayley
At the December 13 edition of WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, Sol Ruca defeated Bayley in singles action.
While she is one of the most decorated female stars in the company today, Bayley has been more focused on the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship scene with her partner Lyra Valkyria.
However, Bayley may think that she wants another run in the singles scene and wants to get a shot at the title she once held in 2024.
Bayley returning to SmackDown and challenging Jade Cargill for the WWE Women’s Championship could be just what the new champion needs in this reign.
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6. Lyra Valkyria
Speaking of Bayley, her tag team partner Lyra Valkyria might join her over on the Friday Night SmackDown brand.
The former WWE Women’s Intercontinental Champion has had one of her best years ever with many big matches and wins throughout the past 12 months.
Valkyria has proven herself to be one of the best in-ring workers in the WWE women’s division and should be showcased in a major way.
After being on Raw since her main roster call-up, Valkyria might be due a change of scenery by heading over to SmackDown to mix it up with that women’s division.
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5. The War Raiders
On the December 8 episode of WWE Raw, AJ Styles and Dragon Lee defeated The War Raiders to retain the World Tag Team Championships.
Erik and Ivar have been a mainstay for the Raw tag team division over the past two years and could be in line for a change.
Over the course of 2025, The War Raiders have been less featured on WWE Raw, while the SmackDown tag team scene has only gotten hotter, with multiple teams jockeying for position.
The Wa Raiders heading to SmackDown would add another intimidating duo to mix it up with the likes of The Wyatt Sicks, The MFTs and The Motor City Machine Guns.
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4. El Grande Americano
Since debuting in WWE, El Grande Americano has become someone who has been used often in this company as well as Lucha Libre AAA.
Becoming a popular figure in Mexico, Americano has been gaining momentum in AAA, but he has not been featured quite often on Monday Night Raw.
Americano is someone who could play a bigger role on WWE TV and might be able to do so with a move to Friday nights.
El Grande bringing the rest of the Americano family to SmackDown could make them one of the prominent stables on the brand moving forward.
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3. Rhea Ripley leaves to go to SmackDown
There is no question that Rhea Ripley is one of the biggest and most popular stars in WWE today regardless of gender.
Usually receiving one of the loudest pops on every show she appears, Ripley is someone who remains a cornerstone on Raw.
Despite her elevated status, Ripley has found herself on the outside looking in on the WWE Women’s World Championship scene as of late.
Following her appearance on the December 12 SmackDown, Ripley could make an official move to the blue brand where she could be a formidable opponent for the likes of Jade Cargill, Tiffany Stratton, Charlotte Flair and Alexa Bliss.
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2. GUNTHER heads to SmackDown to challenge for the Undisputed WWE Championship
On the December 13 WWE Saturday Night’s Main Event, GUNTHER made a huge statement by making John Cena tap out in his final match.
Coming off this win, WWE needs to do everything in their power to present “The Ring General” as one of the biggest heels in the company.
After retiring a living legend again in 2025, GUNTHER could immediately make a clear statement by moving from Raw to SmackDown.
GUNTHER heading to SmackDown and immediately challenging Cody Rhodes for the Undisputed WWE Championship could set the stage for a massive main event match for Royal Rumble 2026.
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1. Roman Reigns returns to the blue brand
Following the WWE Survivor Series 2025 premium live event, it became clear that Roman Reigns might be on a collision course with Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes sometime very soon.
Over the past year, Reigns has become a presence on Monday Night Raw despite technically being a SmackDown star.
Returning to the blue brand, Reigns’ intentions should be clear that he wants his title back in 2026.
Reigns leaving Raw and heading back to SmackDown should lead to a power struggle with Rhodes that could alter the road to WrestleMania 42 completely.
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