Following news that WWE Superstar The Miz is set to step away from SmackDown to host the Amazon Prime reboot of American Gladiators, speculation is rising about who might fill his spot on the blue brand. With Possible replacements for The Miz on WWE SmackDown being a pressing topic, several notable stars stand out as contenders to carry the torch during his absence.
R-Truth: A Familiar Face Returns to Blue Brand
R-Truth emerges as an immediate favorite to step in while The Miz is away. The seasoned performer, recently rehired following a wave of strong fan support, was previously released from WWE but made his return to RAW showcasing a more serious version of his Ron Killings persona. R-Truth’s past as a United States Champion and his previous partnership with The Miz position him as a logical fit. He remains capable of blending comedic elements into his character while adopting a more intense approach, which could see him interacting with both Carmelo Hayes and the new iteration of The Bloodline.
Ricky Saints and Tony D’Angelo: Rising Stars Poised for Main Roster Exposure
There has been considerable buzz about Ricky Saints and Tony D’Angelo making the leap from NXT to SmackDown. Both wrestlers have current storylines within NXT: Saints is locked in a battle with Ethan Page for the North American Championship, while D’Angelo is navigating ongoing drama involving his associates and the D’Angelo Family. The possibility of them appearing on both brands exists, especially if one becomes involved in a “Loser Leaves NXT” match. Amplifying their presence on national television ahead of a pivotal NXT showdown could serve WWE’s narrative interests.
Trick Williams: A Champion Ready to Make Waves on SmackDown
Bookers might revisit Carmelo Hayes’ past by granting Trick Williams a spot on SmackDown. Williams shocked many by claiming the TNA World Heavyweight Championship from Joe Hendry at Battleground. Despite his current reign, there’s potential for the reigning champion to appear concurrently on both brands, especially as Williams has recently adopted a villainous persona. The complex relationship between Williams and Hayes opens the door for either a team-up or a heated rivalry, both of which have precedent in WWE storytelling. Joe Hendry, the former championship holder, could also benefit from main roster exposure if not Williams himself.
Karrion Kross: A Fresh Start on the Blue Brand
Karrion Kross finds himself in need of a new direction after losing momentum following the transfer of both The Miz and the Wyatt Sicks to SmackDown. Up until now, Kross has mostly been featured in backstage exchanges with the likes of AJ Styles and Sami Zayn. Bringing Kross to SmackDown offers the chance to inject new energy into the brand, allowing him to confront Carmelo Hayes over The Miz’s mentorship tactics. Kross could then assume a teaching role, echoing The Miz’s own storyline with Hayes, and may even reignite his feud with the Wyatt Sicks, particularly within the tag team division now at the center of the faction’s focus.
What’s Next for WWE SmackDown in The Miz’s Absence?
The Miz’s hiatus leaves an opening that several stars are well-positioned to fill, each bringing a unique style and storyline potential. WWE faces a pivotal decision that could significantly influence the development of ongoing and future storylines on SmackDown. Whether a returning veteran like R-Truth, NXT standouts Ricky Saints and Tony D’Angelo, the reigning champion Trick Williams, or a reinvigorated Karrion Kross takes the spotlight, the next choice could shape the blue brand’s landscape in the coming weeks.
