Every Change That Happened During WWE’s Transfer Window

WWE's Transfer Window for Raw, SmackDown and NXT just slammed shut. Here's EVERY brand jump.

Triple H
WWE

The first WWE Transfer Window slammed shut following close of business on the post-Royal Rumble episode of Raw on 3 February, or so everyone thought. Instead, the company kept it going a little while longer until the 7 February SmackDown. There, they announced one more big move. All in all, Triple H signed off on 18 different jumps across Raw, SmackDown and NXT between December-February.

We've got every single one listed in chronological order here.

Perhaps the most interesting thing about this Window will be finding out how long the company sticks to it. Let's be honest, they haven't exactly been kind to the 2024 Draft - following that, countless wrestlers blurred the lines by ignoring "ironclad contracts". People seemed to show up on other programs without any real storyline explanation. It just happened because it could happen.

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In a perfect world, soft shakeups like this one would reveal completely fresh matches and combos fans can look forward to, but that idea means little if the creative team don't at least try to keep things separate. Early clues dropped for some rivalries heading into WrestleMania 41 suggest nothing will change on that front, sadly.

It's worth detailing every brand jump anyway, because some of them are better than others. Even non-wrestlers have been included for completion, and there's at least one tasty story hiding in the midst when it comes to announce teams. Someone wasn't very happy about going from main roster to developmental.

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Here's every change WWE made during the Transfer Window. It was open for nearly two months. Here's what you need to know!

1. Braun Strowman (Raw > SmackDown)

Braun Strowman
WWE.com

When: 13 December

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Big Braun Strowman started his latest comeback run by squashing Carmelo Hayes. He quickly moved on from that into a feud with ex-New Bloodline mauler Jacob Fatu, and that reaped some surprisingly great results for WWE. Together, those guys worked well at Saturday Night's Main Event - the post-match attack angle made Fatu look like a million bucks.

This is expected to be Braun's role on SmackDown going forwards. He isn't quite a 'jobber to the stars', but he won't be picking up many impactful wins that push him towards titles either (at least not for a while). Hey, a gig's a gig, and Strowman did well to make Jacob look like a megastar World Champion in the making.

2. Logan Paul (SmackDown > Raw)

WWE Raw Logan Paul
WWE.com

When: 18 December

Mr. Popular (ahem) Logan Paul is in the running to work opposite returning hero John Cena at WrestleMania 41. Many fans might not like it, but he has to be in contention. Cena eliminated Logan at the Rumble, so you just know there's a verbal receipt coming for that one. Paul isn't the shy and retiring type who'll go quietly!

Moving him from SmackDown to Raw in the Transfer Window was a shrewd decision. Despite hatred from hardcore wrestling fans, Logan brings an army of casual eyeballs with him. Netflix must've demanded that he play a part in Raw's jump to the streaming behemoth.

3. Alicia Taylor (SmackDown > Raw)

Alica Taylor WWE
WWE.com

When: 2 January

Samantha Irvin's hasty departure from WWE meant the company had to reshuffle their ring announce crew towards the end of the year. NXT's Alicia Taylor benefitted from Irvin leaving the most of all. She'd already jumped up from NXT to SmackDown in May 2024, but made another leap by becoming top ring announcer on Raw starting with the show's Netflix bow on 6 January 2025.

Even more impressively, that sent someone who's way more established the other way onto Friday nights. This was a huge show of faith in Alicia from Triple H and WWE higher ups. They must like what they're hearing from those in-ring title match announcements.

4. Lilian Garcia (Raw > SmackDown)

Lillian Garcia WWE 2025
WWE.com

When: 2 January

Stalwart announcer Lilian Garcia was the one who traded places with Alicia Taylor. She'd been brought back in as a last-minute replacement for the outgoing Irvin, but Garcia's latest stint on Raw was short lived. That's OK, because she's a welcome addition to SmackDown - Lilian has always been a popular figure with WWE fans, and her longevity across multiple spells since 1999 adds credibility.

That wasn't the last bit of announce team shaking up creative decided to do during the Transfer Window. They probably didn't foresee some of the drama that was coming their way on social media due to certain decisions though...

5. Michael Cole (SmackDown > Raw)

Michael Cole
WWE

When: 6 January

There's no drama to be found with Michael Cole.

He's worked diligently since 1997 to improve himself as a commentator best-suited to WWE's product. That wasn't always easy under Vince McMahon, but Triple H has loosened restrictions somewhat since taking charge. Cole is enjoying that freedom, and it's clear from listening to him nowadays that he's calmer at the desk.

As WWE's lead announcer, it was no shocker when Cole returned to Raw after leading SmackDown on FOX for so many years. He's considered the voice of the company, and was the best choice to usher in a brand era new on Netflix for WWE's flagship brand.

6. Corey Graves (SmackDown > NXT)

WWE NXT Booker T Vic Joseph Corey Graves
WWE

When: 7 January

Corey Graves reportedly wasn't too chuffed at the thought of missing out on Raw's Netflix glory or even SmackDown's main roster goodness. WWE plonked the announcer back on NXT in early January, which led to complaints from Graves himself on X about deserving better. That, it seems, didn't sit well with current third brand partner Booker T.

He and Vic Joseph have been an excellent pairing on NXT, so Book didn't take kindly to the thought of Corey dismissing it as less than. Graves has no choice but to get on with things and hope he does enough to catch Triple H's eye again. The bizarre thing here is that this probably wasn't considered a punishment for Corey when the decision was made.

Graves has taken it that way though.

7. Joe Tessitore (Raw > SmackDown)

Cody Rhodes Joe Tessitore
WWE.com

When: 10 January

Former NFL anchor Joe Tessitore proved he was better than recent WWE experiments like Jimmy Smith, Kevin Smith and the very short lived Adnan Virk during his layover on Raw. Tessitore has a great commanding voice, and is clearly more in-tune with how wrestling works than some of his predecessors as play-by-play man.

He was moved to Fridays during the Transfer Window because Michael Cole and Pat McAfee were taking over on Raw. Since then, Joe Tess has continued to be a real credit to the company by getting even better on commentary, forging his partnership with Wade Barrett and even turning his hand to some Gene Okerlund-style interviewing.

Tessitore should be applauded for slotting in so neatly.

8. Wade Barrett (Raw > SmackDown)

WWE SmackDown Wade Barrett Joe Tessitore
WWE

When: 10 January

There's a chance Wade Barrett will work another match or two before all is said and done, but there's no rush on that. He's excellent at commentary. The Brit has found his niche in WWE, that's for sure. The way Barrett flits between outraged banter merchant who cheerleads the heels and distinguished, credible colour commentator is fantastic to witness.

He clicked with Michael Cole, provided a solid base when Corey Graves was trying his hand at play by play, and has been a fabulous partner for newbie Joe Tessitore. Triple H knows he has a safe pair of hands when Wade is helping to steer the ship on SmackDown.

Mark him down as a possible replacement for McAfee on Mondays if Pat leaves again.

9. The Wyatt Sicks (Raw > SmackDown)

The Wyatt Sicks WWE
WWE.com

When: 13 January

Yes, all of them.

Uncle Howdy, Erick Rowan, Nikki Cross, Joe Gacy and Dexter Lumis all moved from Raw to SmackDown during this post-Draft Transfer Window. They haven't made a splash on the blue brand yet, but the fact Monday night foe The Miz also made the leap hints that WWE aren't quite finished with that story.

Is the bloom off the rose for The Wyatt Sicks? Keeping supernatural characters like they are ticking along is tough business long term, which is something the writers are finding out. Don't write them off completely before they get started on Friday evenings though. The act deserves a chance to flourish.

10. Bayley (SmackDown > Raw)

Bayley WWE
WWE.com

When: 20 January

Bayley was moved to SmackDown last year partly to get her away from her old Damage CTRL associates on Raw. Enough time has passed that Triple H felt comfortable putting the ex-hugger back on the flagship as a standalone character. Of course, it's only a matter of time before she has another match or two against old partner-turned-enemy IYO SKY.

They have previous, and they've shown they can deliver as rivals.

Bayley jumped in late-January. That ended her on screen alliance with Naomi, and meant the 'GLOW' could move on to teaming with Bianca Belair as a substitute for Jade Cargill. The rest of 2025 is about rebuilding for Bayley.

11. The Miz (Raw > SmackDown)

The Miz Andrade
WWE.com

When: 24 January

Utility man The Miz could be sent to TNA as part of WWE's partnership and he'd still thrive. He's a valuable foot soldier for Triple H, and it must be awesome (ahem) for 'The Game' to know he has stalwarts like Miz who can lose multiple matches/do anything creatively without protest. That'll keep Miz under WWE contract for as long as he wants to be.

He's arrived on SmackDown and has already started bickering with brand GM Nick Aldis. Whether or not that leads to former NWA Champ Aldis getting back inside the ring is anyone's guess. Who knows? Miz might make that GM role his own someday.

12. Damian Priest (Raw > SmackDown)

Damian Priest
WWE.com

When: 24 January

Realistically, Damian Priest had to get away from the Judgment Day mob and do something totally different on another show. Moving him from Raw to SmackDown was the smartest call for his career prospects. Now, Priest can interact with top liners like Cody Rhodes, and there's clear potential in a series of matches against the bruising Jacob Fatu.

Priest's SmackDown run looks fresh, and that was needed.

He adds quite a lot of star power to the blue brand without having to be the top guy. An upper midcard babyface role suits Damian down to the ground, but he'll probably still battle for the WWE Title eventually. He's adaptable, and that's a good thing.

13. A-Town Down Under (SmackDown > Raw)

Grayson Waller Austin Theory
WWE

When: 24 January

No, A-Town Down Under duo Austin Theory and Grayson Waller haven't split yet. That was teased for much of 2024, but WWE apparently decided there was no value in either guy as a singles star. This cancellation was a bit of a bummer, particularly for Theory. He's choking for a breakout babyface run, but the ship may have sailed by now.

If nothing else, at least A-Town can pad out the doubles division on Raw. Seeing them work opposite The War Raiders would be lovely, as would seeing what Theory and Waller can do if they're a little less comedic and a tad more serious. It's worth exploring now they've got a change of scenery.

14. Zelina Vega (Raw > SmackDown)

Zelina Vega Tiffany Stratton
WWE

When: 27 January

This is a brave call, because Zelina Vega had a snug spot as part of the Rey Mysterio-led LWO. That was true when the group were on SmackDown and on Raw, but times change. Post-Transfer Window, Zelina is tasked with going out on her own all over again. Can she make the best of it? Fingers crossed, but she probs won't be a top star in the women's division any time soon.

Vega did get to rub shoulders with new Women's Champ Tiffany Stratton after revealing she'd moved in the Window. Don't be shocked if she's booked as a relatively easy speed bump for 'Tiffy Time' soon then.

15. R-Truth (Raw > SmackDown)

R-Truth WWE
WWE

When: 31 January

Someone might need to tell R-Truth that he's on SmackDown incase he brings up WCW Thunder or TNA Impact during a backstage promo. Actually, that'd be pretty funny. Nobody clue the class clown in. Shh! Truth's nonsensical prattling in various skits rarely eats up much time, and he proved he can make it work as an honorary member of Judgment Day on Raw.

Truth moved late in the Transfer Window. He was the second last wrestler to make a jump, which either says everything about this Draft offshoot or shows that WWE know what he brings to the party as a comedy star. It's a mystery what he'll do on Friday nights though.

16. AJ Styles (SmackDown > Raw)

WWE Royal Rumble 2025 AJ Styles Drew McIntyre
WWE

When: 3 February

AJ Styles returned to a heroic response at Royal Rumble, then worked 21 minutes in the match before being eliminated by Logan Paul. After that, it was announced on the 3 February episode of Raw that he's made the move from SmackDown to the flagship. That means revenge on Paul could be coming, or maybe AJ will challenge Bron Breakker for the Intercontinental Title instead.

He has options on Mondays. A match with newcomer Penta would be seriously fun, and so would bouts vs. Bronson Reed (when he's back), Chad Gable, Drew McIntyre, Ilja Dragunov (another injury returnee eventually) and more.

17. Drew McIntyre (Raw > SmackDown)

Drew McIntyre
WWE.com

When: 7 February

Drew McIntyre is on SmackDown for two reasons. One, to facilitate a possible WrestleMania 41 clash with fellow brand hopper Damian Priest. Two, to add extra star power to the main event mix and maybe even challenge for the WWE Title once April's bumper weekender is in the history books.

The Scot's debut appearance on the blue brand included a so-so promo segment alongside Jimmy Uso and LA Knight, but the three way match that followed was urgent and exciting. A win there puts Drew in the men's Elimination Chamber match next to CM Punk and John Cena.

This could be good.

18. Katana Chance & Kayden Carter (Raw > SmackDown)

Nick Aldis Katana Chance Kayden Carter
WWE

When: 7 February

Here it is - the final Transfer Window move before WWE slammed the thing shut. Or so it seems.

SmackDown GM Nick Aldis welcomed ex-Raw pair Katana Chance and Kayden Carter to Friday nights on the 7 February edition. It remains to be seen if they'll make a splash or be bit part players, and it'd feel like the answer to an obscure trivia question if they did turn out to be the final ones moved in this Transfer Window.

Without being cruel, Chance and Carter are hardly the biggest double act going. Who knows? Maybe things will pan out for them on SmackDown. They weren't exactly doing much on Mondays - neither had appeared in-ring on the flagship since December 2024.

What did you think of WWE's Transfer Window? For more wrestling, check out 5 New Directions For WWE After Royal Rumble 2025 and 10 WrestleMania 41 Card Predictions After WWE Royal Rumble 2025!

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.