Since Monday Night RAW moved to Netflix, Roman Reigns has primarily appeared on the red brand, with his WrestleMania 41 storyline and current SummerSlam feud being featured mostly on RAW. This shift has resulted in Reigns, once the defining figure on SmackDown, being absent from the blue brand for an extended period. As a consequence, WWE faces a gap on SmackDown’s main event scene that calls for a strong replacement.
WWE’s partnership with USA Network means that Triple H must establish either a new star or elevate an existing talent to fill the void left by Reigns on SmackDown. Although this transition poses challenges, several performers stand out as viable candidates to lead the blue brand’s main event in 2025.
Gunther: The Ring General Poised for a SmackDown Spotlight
Gunther has been a significant presence in Monday Night RAW’s main event scene for the past two years and currently holds the World Heavyweight Championship in his second reign. Known as the Ring General, Gunther has solidified his status as one of WWE’s top stars by building a formidable legacy. Moving him to SmackDown could create compelling new storylines, especially as the blue brand currently lacks a dominant villain similar to Reigns’ previous role.
The 37-year-old champion is scheduled to defend his title against CM Punk at SummerSlam, and if he drops the championship, it could mark the ideal opportunity for him to shift to SmackDown. This move would allow Gunther to refresh his career after a long stint on the red brand and add much-needed intensity to the blue brand’s main event scene.
Sami Zayn: A Fresh Direction to Revive His Career
Sami Zayn has experienced a rather directionless run on Monday Night RAW throughout 2025 and seems to be in need of a reset within WWE. Transferring Zayn to SmackDown could give him a fresh platform to thrive as a top contender. Known for his underdog persona, Zayn could become the centerpiece of Friday Night SmackDown, injecting new energy into its championship pursuits.
In particular, the Undisputed WWE Title picture on SmackDown could benefit from new challengers like Zayn, who could feud with stars such as Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, and Drew McIntyre. A move to the blue brand might revive Zayn’s momentum after a stagnant period on RAW, positioning him as a serious contender for top titles.
Jacob Fatu: Rising Star Ready for Main Event Status
Jacob Fatu has recently emerged as a key figure in SmackDown’s mid-card division, especially following his betrayal of Solo Sikoa, which has resonated well with fans and elevated his popularity. As the Samoan Werewolf, Fatu shows potential to become a leading star on the blue brand and a fitting successor to the main event spotlight once held by Roman Reigns.
WWE appears to be positioning Fatu as a flagship representative of the next generation of talent, making this an opportune time to promote him to the top of SmackDown’s card. Incorporating Fatu into the Undisputed WWE Championship picture could significantly shake up the dynamics of Friday Night SmackDown, maintaining excitement in the absence of the Tribal Chief.
CM Punk: A Proven Star with Main Event Appeal
Among current WWE talents, CM Punk arguably possesses an aura closest to that of Roman Reigns. Since returning to WWE in 2023, Punk has consistently drawn major attention and delivered high-quality matches, reaffirming his status as a top-tier performer. He is set to challenge Gunther for the World Heavyweight Title at SummerSlam, and a loss could prompt a shift in his career trajectory.
Moving Punk to SmackDown would enable him to begin a new chapter, pursuing the Undisputed WWE Championship on the blue brand while Reigns continues on RAW. This development could also rekindle rivalries with stars like Randy Orton and Drew McIntyre and potentially deliver the highly anticipated dream match with Cody Rhodes that WWE fans have awaited.
Shaping SmackDown’s Future Without Roman Reigns
With Roman Reigns focusing primarily on RAW, SmackDown faces a crucial juncture in establishing a new lead star to carry the brand’s main event scene. Each of the four wrestlers—Gunther, Sami Zayn, Jacob Fatu, and CM Punk—offers distinct qualities and narratives that WWE could explore to rejuvenate the blue brand. Whether through Gunther’s commanding presence, Zayn’s underdog spirit, Fatu’s rising momentum, or Punk’s established star power, SmackDown has several promising options as it looks ahead to 2025.
The company’s ability to successfully transition one or more of these stars into the top spot will be essential for maintaining SmackDown’s relevance and appeal, securing captivating storylines, and delivering memorable moments for fans moving forward.
