Traditionally, each year WWE promotes a “roster draft” where members of its three brands are reshuffled.
While a formal draft has yet to take place in 2025, we could very well see significant talent movement before the year is out.
In the wake of this year’s SummerSlam, WWE may look to shake up its storylines heading into the final third of the year by shifting stars between brands.
Below are six names we could see make the move.
6. Jacob Fatu
On the second night of SummerSlam, Jacob Fatu is set to challenge former Bloodline partner Solo Sikoa for the United States Title in a steel cage match.
Given the stipulation, this bout could serve as the culmination— or, at least, near end — of the feud between the cousins, with both Fatu and the MFT faction moving in different directions afterwards.
Winning the US Title could lead to Fatu moving to Raw, where he could be positioned as a future opponent for Seth Rollins — especially once Rollins inevitably cashes in the Money in the Bank briefcase to steal the WWE World Championship.
Fatu stands on the very cusp of top-tier stardom in WWE, and a move to Raw could be the catalyst that propels him into the company’s upper echelon.
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5. Oba Femi
NXT Champion Oba Femi defended his title again on 22 July, defeating Josh Briggs and Yoshiki Inamura in a standout three-way match.
In storyline terms, Femi has now effectively cleaned out the division – but more importantly, he has developed into a highly impressive performer, having been trained from scratch at the WWE’s Performance Center.
Exuding charismatic presence and delivering consistently strong performances in big-time main event spots, he looks more than ready for a call-up – and room at the top of either Raw or SmackDown should be made for the 27-year-old Nigerian star.
Post-SummerSlam could very well mark a brand switch for Femi – and with it, a significant WWE main roster push.
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4. Rusev
After a five-year hiatus, Rusev returned to WWE on the Raw after WrestleMania.
Despite the initial excitement of another major name jumping back from the competition, little has been done with the 39-year-old.
His current feud with Sheamus, while delivering in-ring, has failed to capture fan interest – with sporadic appearances on Raw doing little to build momentum.
A post-SummerSlam brand switch to SmackDown could give his run the jumpstart it clearly needs.
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3. Trick Williams
NXT star Trick Williams is arguably enjoying the best run of his career.
As TNA World Champion working across both NXT and TNA, he’s delivered standout character work as an arrogant heel, alongside noticeable in-ring improvement thanks to increased ring time.
Palpably charismatic and now a solid in-ring performer, it feels like the right moment to pull the trigger on a WWE main roster move.
In the post-SummerSlam period, we could well see him make the jump from Wednesdays to Monday or Friday nights.
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2. IYO SKY
At SummerSlam, IYO SKY competes in a three-way match for the Women’s World Title against Rhea Ripley and current champion Naomi – a bout with clear show-stealing potential.
Given Naomi only recently cashed in, stealing the title at Evolution, it seems unlikely SKY will reclaim the championship just yet.
In that case, a move from Raw to SmackDown could open the door to fresh matchups, new rivalries, and a run at the other WWE Women’s World Title.
Arguably WWE’s best in-ring performer of 2025 so far, SKY could be poised to make Friday nights her new home.
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1. LA Knight
At Saturday Night’s Main Event on 12 July, SmackDown star LA Knight defeated Seth Rollins after an apparent knee injury forced an in-ring audible to end the match.
The legitimacy of Rollins’ injury has been disputed, with speculation it’s a work setting up a surprise Money in the Bank cash-in during Gunther vs. CM Punk at SummerSlam.
If Rollins does walk out as WWE World Champion, he’ll need a first challenger – and Knight’s recent pinfall win provides the perfect justification.
A post-SummerSlam move to Raw for Knight could set the stage for Rollins’ first title feud.
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