WWE Raw Roster Faces Major Changes Ahead of WrestleMania 41

STAMFORD, Conn. — With the excitement ramping up for WrestleMania 41, WWE‘s Raw brand is poised for significant roster changes. As several storylines unfold on Netflix, the potential swapping of wrestlers from SmackDown and promising call-ups from NXT could breathe new life into the show.

Recent speculation suggests that Roman Reigns, a longstanding figure on WWE SmackDown, may eventually transition to Raw, particularly as the ‘Road to WrestleMania’ continues. He is rumored to be gearing up for a showdown against Seth Rollins and/or CM Punk, adding urgency to his potential move. Reigns is known for rarely venturing out alone, leading fans to expect he could bring along a group to bolster his Raw presence.

While the excitement builds, it comes amidst concerns for several WWE superstars who were recently released. The company has parted ways with several wrestlers, marking the first such releases since November when Indi Hartwell, Baron Corbin, and Tegan Nox left the company. Among those recently let go, Sonya Deville’s exit stands out as especially surprising. Deville, who has been a part of WWE for nearly a decade, was last seen competing in the Royal Rumble and was active in the ‘Pure Fusion Collective‘ faction.

The reasons behind Deville’s release seem to be connected to WWE’s restructuring of factions, possibly indicating a change within the Pure Fusion Collective. With her contract nearing its end, analysts predict that Deville may find a new home in AEW, where her established reputation could be a strong asset.

The Good Brothers, another notable team released, have seen limited appearances on screen after their split from AJ Styles. Their absence from WWE programming over the last year suggests they were underutilized, making a return to TNA a likely possibility, where they have previously succeeded.

Isla Dawn, who gained fame in NXT UK and later collaborated with Alba Fyre as the tag team ‘The Unholy Union’, is also expected to explore independent circuit opportunities. Throughout her stint in WWE, she had minimal chances to showcase her mic and wrestling skills, which could change in a less constraining environment.

Blair Davenport, known for her global wrestling presence, has faced setbacks in WWE, including lackluster character development and reduced on-screen time after being drafted to the main roster. Many believe her return to AEW could revitalize her character, given her skills and youth.

Akam and Rezar from the ‘Authors of Pain’, who had difficulty finding their footing in recent storylines, might also look to AEW following their exit. Their powerful presence could enhance the AEW tag team division, especially if they revisit past rivalries.

With the wave of changes, Cedric Alexander’s anticipated signing with AEW seems all but confirmed. Having thrived in Ring of Honor and with the newly formed faction ‘Hurt Syndicate’ in AEW, his experience could be beneficial. Meanwhile, Elektra Lopez, who began her career in Ring of Honor, may explore options there to help improve the struggling women’s division.

As WWE prepares for WrestleMania 41 in April, the potential shifts in its Raw roster and upcoming releases highlight a transitional phase for the brand. With fresh talent and storylines up in the air, fans are eager to witness how these developments will impact the events leading up to the largest spectacle in professional wrestling.