Sami Zayn has recently transitioned to SmackDown, marking another shift in WWE‘s roster dynamics. This move follows the ongoing activity of LA Knight and Roman Reigns on RAW, highlighting the need for fresh storylines that come with stars switching brands as part of the WWE stars leaving SmackDown debate.
Jimmy Uso has appeared on RAW to support his brother Jey in confrontations with Bron Breakker and Bronson Reed. However, the absence of an official draft this year has led to booking patterns that many view as repetitive and predictable, making brand shifts critical to reinvigorate the programming.
Michin’s Move Could Increase Her Impact and Fan Connection
Michin has attempted to climb the ranks, including challenging for the Women’s United States title, but has fallen short, most recently losing to Giulia. Despite her smooth in-ring performances and ability to work effectively with various opponents, Michin struggles to build a consistent connection with fans.
Relocating Michin to NXT could provide her the opportunity to develop her character more deeply. Her prior feud with Jaida Parker demonstrates her potential as both a competitor and mentor, helping emerging female talent sharpen their skills. The HBIC might also capture the Women’s North American title in NXT, which would bolster the brand and its rising stars.
Andrade’s Talent Isn’t Fully Utilized on SmackDown
Andrade consistently impresses fans when he performs, whether in singles matches or alongside Rey Fenix in tag team bouts. However, SmackDown’s crowded roster, featuring veterans like Randy Orton and The Miz and the prevailing dominance of the Motor City Machine Guns and Street Profits, limits his opportunities.
For Andrade to regain momentum, a move back to NXT or a transfer to RAW would be beneficial. Teaming with Dragon Lee or Penta, or even turning heel, could revitalize his character. Currently, his sporadic appearances make it difficult for the audience to invest in his storylines, diminishing his overall impact.
Tag Teams Like DIY Could Flourish with a Brand Change
The duo of Tommaso Ciampa and Johnny Gargano, known as DIY, is already set to appear at the NXT Homecoming event, facing Carmelo Hayes and Trick Williams in a match featuring four former NXT Champions. However, with many strong tag teams saturating SmackDown, such as the Motor City Machine Guns, Legado Del Fantasma, and the Wyatt Sicks, some teams inevitably get limited airtime.
Moving DIY to RAW, which needs fresh teams to invigorate its tag division, or keeping them in NXT would benefit both the team and the brands. SmackDown’s tag team scene is currently overloaded with talent, meaning that teams like DIY are not utilized to their fullest potential.
Nia Jax’s Career Stagnation Calls for Brand Reassessment
Throughout the past year, Nia Jax’s main focus has been the WWE Women’s Championship, which she lost in January after Tiffany Stratton cashed in for the title. Since then, she has suffered multiple defeats, including four losses to Stratton and one to Rhea Ripley in 2024.
With Jax continuing to reenter the title picture without success, her character risks becoming one-dimensional, a common issue for wrestlers who repeatedly chase gold without varied storylines. WWE officials might better serve her career by creating new angles or moving her to RAW or NXT, where fresh narratives could breathe new life into her persona. A parallel is drawn with Charlotte Flair, who overcame similar challenges and found success through her partnership with Alexa Bliss, producing some of her best work.
Why Switching Brands Matters for These WWE Stars
The WWE stars leaving SmackDown debate centers around the need to avoid stagnation and stale storylines. Several performers are hindered by insufficient use on SmackDown’s already crowded roster. By switching brands or moving between WWE’s developmental and main rosters, these stars can find renewed momentum, new rivalries, and fresh character directions.
Such changes are essential to maintaining viewer interest and developing WWE’s growing talent pool. Whether it’s Michin’s move to NXT to connect better with fans, Andrade’s transfer to RAW for more consistent appearances, DIY’s shift to bolster tag team divisions, or reimagining Nia Jax’s role outside the current title chase, these adjustments could revitalize careers and enrich WWE programming overall.
