Sami Zayn suffered a brutal attack during the latest episode of WWE RAW, involving Karrion Kross and Bron Breakker, leaving him out of action for an indefinite period. After enduring a pipe strike to his ribs and multiple spears, Zayn’s absence has created an opportunity for other WWE stars to step in and fill the gap on the red brand. As WWE continues to evolve its roster, five unexpected replacements are poised to leave a lasting impact.
Emerging Contenders to Fill Sami Zayn’s Spot
Since WrestleMania 41, WWE has intermittently written Sami Zayn off television, such as after his confrontation with Kevin Owens and his return to acknowledge Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship victory. Now, with Zayn sidelined, Austin Theory emerges as a strong candidate to take a leading role on RAW. Theory, who has seen limited use since WrestleMania, has recently aligned with Grayson Waller in rivalries against Sheamus, gaining support from The New Day. With the duo’s partnership ended, and Theory’s face turn underway, he is well positioned to challenge Seth Rollins in a renewed storyline.
Ricky Starks is another contender ready to ascend. Though he is in pursuit of regaining the North American Championship from Ethan Page at the Great American Bash, his transition to RAW’s main roster remains a viable path. Starks’ experience performing as both a heel and a face before large audiences could enable him to initially oppose Seth Rollins’ faction before aligning with Rollins himself, deepening future narrative possibilities on RAW.
Potential Returns and Rising Stars
Ilja Dragunov, known as The Mad Russian, was actively contesting Bron Breakker’s dominance in the Intercontinental Championship division before his injury last year. If fully recovered, Dragunov could re-enter the scene and provide a compelling replacement for Zayn, bringing relentless energy and a proven ability to withstand setbacks. His history includes aiding Zayn during a previous altercation with Breakker, underscoring his relevance in current storylines.
Karrion Kross remains a significant figure among possible replacements. Despite minimal television presence, Kross has built strong support from the WWE Universe in recent months, often drawing cheers even when confronting Zayn. His psychological tactics and unpredictable style could make him an effective adversary to Seth Rollins while providing fresh narrative tension. Kross’s presence might also catalyze a face turn, capitalizing on audience enthusiasm and adding complexity to RAW’s character dynamics.
LA Knight as a Permanent Fixture on RAW
With SmackDown reverting to its original two-hour format, screen time for some performers will be limited, creating space for shifts across brands. LA Knight, currently embroiled in a feud with one of RAW’s top stars, is a prime candidate to transition permanently to the red brand. Known as The Megastar, Knight’s popularity and charisma could broaden RAW’s storyline options and elevate the brand’s profile. This move might also pave the way for Knight to pursue a world championship, highlighting WWE’s commitment to utilizing his growing fanbase effectively.
Implications of Sami Zayn’s Absence on WWE RAW’s Future
The removal of Sami Zayn from competition leaves a significant void on WWE RAW, challenging creative teams to integrate fresh talent into key roles. The five candidates—Austin Theory, Ricky Starks, Ilja Dragunov, Karrion Kross, and LA Knight—offer diverse styles and established connections that could reshape the show’s landscape. Their potential rivalries with Seth Rollins and other top stars promise engaging content for fans, ensuring RAW continues to evolve dynamically despite Zayn’s unexpected hiatus.
