Charlotte Flair's big comeback, absent star to return after over a year? - 4 Potential replacements for Bayley if she leaves WWE SmackDown forever
WWE SmackDown has undergone a major shift. For the last five years, the blue brand would air just about every Friday on the FOX Network, with the only exception being when it would be preempted to FS1.
As of last week, however, SmackDown now has a new home. The blue brand returned to the USA Network last Friday night where it will be remaining for the next five years, although it could be on the network for even longer than that.
That is not it for possible changes, however, as one SmackDown star may soon be banished from the brand. Tiffany Stratton and Nia Jax are set to battle Bayley and Naomi. If either Bayley or Naomi get pinned, the loser has to leave the blue brand forever.
Many people believe that Bayley could end up getting pinned from the bout. If she is the one defeated, it would leave a major hole on Friday Night SmackDown. This article will take a look at a handful of names who could potentially step up or step in to fill that spot if The Role Model does indeed leave the blue brand.
Below are four potential replacements for Bayley if she leaves WWE SmackDown forever.
#4. Tegan Nox is currently not doing anything in WWE
Tegan Nox is arguably the most underrated and underutilized talent in WWE today. She has had a few runs on the main roster now, and while she has had a few programs, Tegan is mostly used as a background character when featured at all.
The Girl with the Shiniest Wizard has not been seen in a while. Her last televised match took place on the April 1, 2024, episode of Monday Night RAW where she and the duo of Shayna Baszler and Zoey Stark lost to Damage CTRL. She was then moved to WWE SmackDown.
Since Nox is yet to feature post-2024 WWE Draft, she is a good choice to fill the large hole Bayley would leave if she gets pinned next week. Nox is waiting for an opportunity and this could be her chance to be elevated higher than ever before in her career.
#3. Charlotte Flair could make her grand return
Charlotte Flair is one of the greatest female superstars in pro wrestling history. She is a 14-time World Champion. Additionally, The Queen is a two-time NXT Women's Champion and she even once held the WWE Women's Tag Team Championship.
Unfortunately, Flair suffered a very serious injury last year. During a bout with Asuka, things went awry on the ropes, and The Queen sustained an injury. She has been absent ever since, but many hope to see Charlotte back on WWE television soon.
Bayley is a big name and a beloved star. While there are a lot of talented women, few have the name and reputation that The Role Model does. Charlotte is one of few who can truly compare, so Flair taking Bayley's spot would make a lot of sense.
#2. Roxanne Perez could be called up from NXT
Roxanne Perez is called The Prodigy and for good reason. Despite being so young, she is already a former NXT Women's Tag Team Champion and currently holds the NXT Women's Championship as well.
The Prodigy is set to have a major title match on NXT's premiere show on the CW Network in October. She will be going one-on-one with Giulia and many believe that she could drop her NXT Women's Championship to the 30-year-old star.
If that does happen, a call-up to the main roster is certainly possible. Roxanne is extremely talented and can play both a convincing heel and babyface depending on what is required. With her talent, age, and diverse set of skills, she could be the perfect replacement for Bayley.
#1. Alexa Bliss' return has been eagerly anticipated by fans
Alexa Bliss is another successful pro wrestler. While she never held gold on WWE NXT, she has gone on to win both the RAW Women's Championship and the SmackDown Women's Championship. She is also a multi-time tag team champion with a handful of different partners.
The Goddess has also been absent from WWE television, although not due to an injury, nor because of being passed over by booking. Instead, Alexa has been absent for over a year and a half due to being pregnant and having a child.
Fans believe that Little Miss Bliss could return at any time. While most people think her highly anticipated comeback will be somehow linked to The Wyatt Sicks, the 33-year-old star could instead return on SmackDown and take Bayley's spot as a top babyface on the blue brand. Alexa Bliss and Nia Jax have a lot of history together, so the two feuding would make sense.