While some WWE stars made SmackDown this week, others saw their holdings with the company end before and during the show. Alexa Bliss and Charlotte Flair appeared on SmackDown for the first time in years.
Bliss qualified for the Women's Elimination Chamber Match while Flair still meditated for his decision for Wrestlemania 41.
The wrestling business is usually full of template rotation, and some stars have not been used for a while. Others had expiring contracts that were not renewed. The time of the next six stars in WWE changed on February 7, 2025.
#5 Blair Davenport was barely used in SmackDown
Davenport was one of the few technically solid women in NXT while it was traveling during its 2.0 phase. Together with Fallon Henley and Roxanne Perez, Davenport helped many stars with limited experience to learn the trade.
He did not win any title but challenged the NXT women's championship after winning the second Iron Survivor Match. SmackDown selected Davenport in the WWE Draft of 2024 but barely used it out of a story with Naomi.
The same destination also happened to Dijak. Despite the need for fresh faces both in RAW and SmackDown, the Bookers did not find a consistent place for the talented superstar, releasing it instead.
#4. & #3. Paul Ellering & The Authors of Pain have been out of WWE programming
WWE's fame hall member returned to the company with the Authors of Pain to join Karrion Kross in The Final Testament. The group mainly faced Bobbly Lashley and The Street Profits, even fighting the trio in Wrestlemania 40.
The faction of trial day then pivot a rivalry with The Wyatt Sicks in RAW. Both sides had the advantage at different points but the story never had an adequate conclusion.
Kross mentioned that The Wyatt Sicks had been transferred to SmackDown during the transfer window. With the rivalry with Uncle Howdy finished, it seems that the creative team led by Triple H had no plans for anyone in the faction except Kross. Akam, Rezar and Ellering were all released on February 7.
#2. Cedric Alexander joined WWE at the Cruiserweight Classic
Cedric Alexander has been bouncing between the main roster and NXT during the last year. Despite winning Raw's team titles, he never really recovered after The Hurt Business dissolved a few years ago.
The former cruise weight champion spent his last days as WWE star working at Nxt with Je'von Evans. Both men fought a freshly deranged Ethan Page.
Alexander lost to All Ego two weeks ago. He confirmed his release before SmackDown came to the air.
#1. Sonya Deville led the Pure Fusion Collective
Sonya Deville never reached the same success in WWE after his separation from Mandy Rose. The dissolution of his friendship allowed Deville to shine in the microphone but the bookers never capitalized their impulse during history.
After some time outside, Deville returned as an officer and then, as an active star. He lost numerous times to first stars like Charlotte Flair and Ronda Rousey. The climax of his career was to win the female titles in WWE couples with Chelsea Green. Unfortunately, an injury ended that streak.
Deville returned to form the Pure Fusion Collective with Zoey Stark and Shayna Baszler, but the group lost much more than he won. The three women participated in the Royal Rumble Women.
Deville's career was also remarkable for being one of the first open members of the LGBTQ community in the company. His contract was about to expire in a few months but apparently a new agreement was not reached.
