The WWE SmackDown roster has seen many changes throughout the year, with NXT call-ups arriving, new signings debuting and stars switching over from Raw.
While there have been plenty of arrivals, the new year could see some stars depart SmackDown for new opportunities on other brands.
Here are six WWE SmackDown stars to potentially leave the show soon.
6. Damian Priest
While he arrived on SmackDown as a main event level star at the beginning of the year, Damian Priest closes out 2025 firmly slotted in SmackDown’s mid card.
Having come out on the losing end of his feud with Aleister Black so far and taking another loss to Rusev in the first round of the Last Time is Now Tournament, Priest could maybe do with some fresh character direction in 2026.
A heel turn could renew his push to the main event, or alternatively Priest could return to Raw.
Whilst not exactly fresh material, Priest reuniting with Judgment Day either as a rival or ally would be an interesting storyline and see fans get more invested in the former World Heavyweight Champion.
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5. Apollo Crews
Apollo Crews hasn’t been seen on WWE television since the very beginning of 2025, with the former United States and Intercontinental Champion forced to sit out almost the entirety of the year due to injury.
However, in a surprise return this past weekend he emerged during AAA Alianzas for a dark match with NXT coach Lince Dorado.
While it remains to be seen whether Crews will become a featured talent on AAA or not, it wouldn’t be the worst landing spot for him when he returns.
With opportunities proving limited for him on the main roster in recent years, Crews could flourish in AAA and provide extra strength and name recognition to the roster.
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4. Fraxiom
The SmackDown tag team roster has long outweighed Raw’s in terms of talent and prominence on television, with teams such as Street Profits, Motor City Machine Guns and Wyatt Sicks duking it out for the titles throughout 2025.
However things seem to be turning around for the red brand, as Raw’s new tag team champions AJ Styles and Dragon Lee have been defending the gold on a more regular basis – making it a much more attractive landing spot for WWE’s teams.
One duo who could perhaps benefit from a change to Raw is Fraxiom, with the pair yet to reach the top of the mountain on the blue brand as of yet.
Having already mixed it up with SmackDown’s teams, Nathan Frazer and Axiom heading to Raw would provide some fresh match-ups and opportunities for the former NXT Tag Team Champions.
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3. Roman Reigns
Despite rarely ever appearing on SmackDown these days, Roman Reigns is still listed as a member of the blue brand’s roster.
With “The OTC” seeming at home on Netflix and potentially in line to challenge CM Punk at some point for his World Heavyweight Championship, WWE should just make it official and move Reigns to Raw.
Admittedly, with WrestleMania 42 not too far off WWE could perhaps be tempted to run it back with the trilogy of Cody Rhodes vs. Roman Reigns matches in Las Vegas, however, Randy Orton seems like a perhaps more exciting option to take on “The American Nightmare” instead.
With Reigns teaming with Rhodes and Punk this Saturday at Survivor Series we likely won’t have too long to wait to find out which direction WWE will go in.
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2. Carmelo Hayes
This past Monday’s WWE Raw saw Carmelo Hayes take former World Heavyweight Champion GUNTHER to his limits in the Last Time is Now Tournament.
While he ultimately fell short to “The Ring General”, Hayes proved that he can hang with the best of the best inside the ring.
With Melo languishing for much of 2025 on SmackDown, perhaps the blue brand’s former number one draft pick should move to Raw for some fresh matches in the new year.
Whether it be mixing it up with former NXT rival Bron Breakker and The Vision, or reuniting with potential soon-to-be NXT main roster call-up Trick Williams, Monday Night Melo should become a reality soon.
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1. Tiffany Stratton
After an impressive 302 day WWE Women’s Championship reign, Tiffany Stratton finally tasted defeat at Saturday Night’s Main Event on November 1.
Losing her gold to Jade Cargill in convincing fashion, Stratton has remained off television since, with no update on her return as of yet.
While a rematch between she and Jade surely has to happen, it feels likely that WWE may pursue a Jade Cargill vs. Bianca Belair program heading into WrestleMania 42.
If that is the case then Stratton may find more opportunities on Monday Night Raw than remaining on SmackDown.
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