Piper Niven, a standout star in WWE, has been notably absent from SmackDown due to a serious injury announced last month. This unexpected hiatus has left fans eager to discover who might step in to fill the void left by the former Women’s Tag Team Champion.
Recent updates reveal that Piper Niven is facing a potentially career-altering injury, causing speculation about her long-term involvement in WWE. In light of this, three possible replacements have emerged as intriguing candidates to join the SmackDown roster and maintain momentum in the women’s division.
Potential Main Roster Debut: Ethan Page
Ethan Page, currently holding the NXT North American Championship, has been the subject of much speculation about a main roster promotion. Despite frequent hints at a call-up to SmackDown, it has yet to materialize. Page’s connection with Chelsea Green is notable, as they previously teamed successfully at WWE Heatwave 2025, winning a mixed tag match against Tavion Heights and Tyra Mae Steele.
Given Chelsea Green and Piper Niven’s partnership on the blue brand, Ethan Page could debut on the main roster as part of Green’s faction. Chelsea has openly advocated for Ethan’s addition to the group, believing it would create a “perfect unit” on Friday Night SmackDown, enhancing both storylines and in-ring dynamics.
Bianca Belair as a High-Profile Replacement Option
Bianca Belair, known as the EST of WWE, remains a fan favorite but has not competed since WrestleMania 41. Her potential return to SmackDown would inject fresh energy and exciting storylines, positioning her as a strong candidate to replace Piper Niven in the women’s division.
Belair’s popularity and proven in-ring abilities mean she could quickly reestablish herself within the blue brand hierarchy, offering fans a compelling figure to rally behind amid the current roster changes.
Rising Talent: Karmen Petrovic’s Advancement
Karmen Petrovic has built a solid reputation on WWE NXT and Evolve, impressing audiences with her performances. Like Chelsea Green, Petrovic is Canadian, which might help foster a natural alliance if she moves up to SmackDown. Her arrival would not only fill the gap left by Piper Niven but also bolster WWE’s women’s division strategically.
On SmackDown, Karmen would have opportunities to compete against top talents such as Charlotte Flair and Jade Cargill, further elevating her status and providing fans with fresh matchups and storylines.
With Piper Niven sidelined, these three options highlight WWE’s potential strategies to maintain and build the strength of the SmackDown women’s roster. Whether through the established experience of Ethan Page and Bianca Belair or the rising promise of Karmen Petrovic, the brand’s future in women’s wrestling appears poised for intense competition and evolution.
Piper Niven is out due to an undisclosed injury – there is concern that it could be career ending.
(Bryan Alvarez F4WOnline) pic.twitter.com/btLubbi4Ry
— Female Locker Room (@femalelroom) September 22, 2025
