In recent weeks, Friday Night SmackDown has hinted at some new additions to the roster, including WWE NXT talents Jevon Evans, Trick Williams, and Joe Hendry, who may be making the jump to the blue brand. As fresh faces join SmackDown, some current stars might find new roles on Raw or back in NXT. Here are seven WWE SmackDown wrestlers who might be heading out of the show.
7. Ilya Dragunov
On the special Boxing Day episode of Friday Night SmackDown, Ilya Dragunov experienced his first loss after successfully defending the United States Championship seven times since capturing the title on October 17th. Dragunov lost the belt to the rapidly rising Carmelo Hayes, casting uncertainty over his future on SmackDown. While he is expected to stay on the show for now, there’s a strong possibility he might move to Raw for better opportunities. A shift to Raw could reignite his classic rivalry with Gunther as 2026 approaches. Dragunov, known as “The Ring General,” has been improving steadily, recently defeating John Cena in a major championship match on Saturday Night.
Fan Take: This news is significant for WWE fans as it signals a potential shake-up in the roster that could lead to exciting new storylines and rivalries. Dragunov’s move, in particular, could elevate the competition on Raw, offering fresh matchups and renewed energy to WWE programming.
