Seven WWE stars who need massive push in 2026 to fill the void on SmackDown

Nik O Connor has been Khel Now since 2024 and covers WWE.

Published at :November 20, 2025 at 11:00 PM

Modified at :November 20, 2025 at 11:00 PM

(Courtesy : WWE)

Some rising stars can ascend to the next level on SmackDown in 2026.

WWE has one of the remarkable rosters in today’s landscape, especially on Friday Night SmackDown. There are multiple names with the potential to become future main eventers, and for some, 2026 could be the year.

With top stars retiring, these rising athletes would need to step up to the challenge. Here are seven top WWE superstars who need a massive push in 2026.

7. Damian Priest

WWE SmackDown Damian Priest Saturday Night's Main Event — LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY – JUNE 13: Damian Priest makes his entrance during SmackDown at Rupp Arena on June 13, 2025 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Craig Melvin/WWE via Getty Images)

The WWE fans witnessed the ascension of Damian Priest beginning in 2023, and then winning the World title at WrestleMania 40.

However, since he lost the title at SummerSlam that year, Priest has not been a part of significant storylines and has been a mid-card star. The new year could see his resurgence and WWE might push him back to major programs again.

6. Chelsea Green

Chelsea Green WWE SmackDown Women's US Title — GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA – NOVEMBER 07: Chelsea Green celebrates her win with Ethan Page and Alba Fyre during SmackDown at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on November 7, 2025, in Greenville, South Carolina. (Photo by Andrea Kellaway/WWE via Getty Images)

Chelsea Green has proved herself to be a prominent fixture for WWE, especially during her tenure on SmackDown. WWE is seemingly pushing her again after she won the US title for the second time, and 2026 could see her ascend to the next level on the blue brand.

5. Aleister Black

WWE SmackDown Aleister Black — Fort Worth, TEXAS – APRIL 25: Aleister Black returns to WWE during SmackDown at Dickies Arena on April 25, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas. (Photo by Heather McLaughlin/WWE via Getty Images)

After being paired with his real-life wife, Zelina Vega, on SmackDown, the WWE Universe has been paying close attention to Aleister Black.

The unorthodox star has always had incredible talent and charisma. Now that his wife is on his side, 2026 could be his breakout year to become a major WWE name on the blue show.

4. Logan Paul

Logan Paul WWE RAW — GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA – MAY 19: Logan Paul makes his entrance during Monday Night RAW at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on May 19, 2025 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Photo by Michael Marques/WWE via Getty Images)

Logan Paul has superstardom written all over his personality. From conquering social media and multiple business ventures to becoming a top-level WWE performer, he is bound to be a main event attraction.

The Maverick could switch sides to SmackDown next year and make it his proving ground with a significant push from the management.

3. Carmelo Hayes

The wrestling fans saw Carmelo Hayes become a top name in WWE NXT. Upon being drafted to SmackDown this year, The Him has squared off against major stars and even been a part of great storylines.

WWE could channelise his talent with a monster push in 2026 and make him a top star, much like he was back in NXT.

2. The Wyatt Sicks

WWE SmackDown The Wyatt Sicks Joe Gacy, Uncle Howdy, Nikki Cross, and Dexter Lumis — LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY – JUNE 13: Joe Gacy, Uncle Howdy, Nikki Cross, and Dexter Lumis (Wyatt Sicks) make their entrance during SmackDown at Rupp Arena on June 13, 2025, in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Craig Melvin/WWE via Getty Images)

The Wyatt Sicks are carrying on the legacy of the late Bray Wyatt and establishing their dominant presence on SmackDown.

With the Tag Team titles firmly in their grasp, 2026 could be the time their leader, Uncle Howdy, gets a main event level push and becomes a marquee star like his older brother in WWE.

1. Jade Cargill

Jade Cargill was done playing nice and switched to the dark side to win her first-ever WWE Women’s Championship this year.

The Storm has the talent and stature to become the face of the women’s division, which could lead the WWE regime to carry forward her rise to the top in 2025.

Is SmackDown moving to a three-hour format in 2026?

Yes, as per WrestleVotes, Friday Night SmackDown is heading back to a three-hour format beginning in early 2026.

Is the move to the three-hour format permanent?

No, as per Bryan Alvarez, many within the company expect the longer runtime to last only briefly next year before WWE quietly shifts SmackDown back to its two-hour format.

When will the change take place?

As per reports, WWE and USA Network have agreed to move to the three-hour format, beginning with the January 2, 2026, episode at the KeyBank Center in Buffalo, New York.

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N. O'Connor

Nik O Conner is a long-time fan of professional wrestling. After dropping his Engineering regular studies in 2020, he decided to pursue his passion and became a writer. Over the last few years, he has written for multiple webs bringing a lot of skills and creativity to the table.