The WWE SmackDown roster changes continue to make headlines, as speculation swirls around which wrestlers might be leaving the blue brand next. With NXT stars such as Je’Von Evans, Trick Williams, and Joe Hendry rumored to be joining Friday Night SmackDown, established names could soon find new homes on Raw or a return trip to NXT.
New Arrivals Signal Possible Departures
Recent weeks have brought growing anticipation about WWE NXT talent potentially moving up to the main roster. Sources indicate that Je’Von Evans, Trick Williams, and Joe Hendry are among the new faces being considered for a spot on Friday Night SmackDown. As the blue brand fills out its lineup with fresh talent, the natural result may be a series of shake-ups for several current superstars.
Established Superstars Eye New Opportunities
With the addition of new wrestlers, speculation intensifies about who might be leaving SmackDown. There is buzz within WWE circles that some current stars are set to explore fresh opportunities—not only on Raw, where the competition is fierce, but also with potential returns to NXT. This underscores a period of transition, where both established and emerging talent vie for prominent positions across the WWE landscape.
Spotlight on Ilja Dragunov’s Uncertain Future
Ilja Dragunov’s trajectory has especially drawn attention lately. During the special Boxing Day edition of SmackDown, Dragunov’s impressive streak came to an end with his eighth United States Championship defense. He lost the title to Carmelo Hayes, who has quickly become a crowd favorite, leaving Dragunov’s future on SmackDown somewhat unclear.
The title loss opens up different possibilities for Dragunov. Although he could remain a fixture on the blue brand, some believe he would benefit greatly from a move to Raw. This shift might allow him to reignite his intense rivalry with GUNTHER, known as The Ring General, especially after GUNTHER’s recent victory over John Cena at Saturday Night’s Main Event—Cena’s final appearance as a 17-time world champion.
What Comes Next for WWE Talent?
As the WWE SmackDown roster changes continue, the potential departure of seasoned competitors and the arrival of new talent promise to reshape the landscape of Friday Night SmackDown, Raw, and even NXT. What unfolds over the coming weeks will not only influence the branding and storylines but also provide new matchups and rivalries for fans to follow. The coming months are set to be pivotal, with established names like Ilja Dragunov and notable new arrivals all looking to leave their mark on WWE’s evolving main event scene.
