Raw Superstar and Former WWE Universal Champion Traded to SmackDown Brand

SmackDown has acquired a former WWE Universal Champion in a blockbuster deal with the Raw brand.

During today's episode of WWE Raw in Turin, Italy, Byron Saxton announced that Finn Balor was traded to SmackDown. Saxton shared the news during an interview with JD McDonagh and Dominik Mysterio, Balor's former allies in the Judgment Day.

Finn Bálor confirmed to have been traded to Smackdown #WWERAWpic.twitter.com/qaNgzshg8z

— hannah (@grandslamfinn) June 1, 2026

Balor left the Judgment Day when his allies attacked him on the March 9 episode of WWE Raw. That would set up a feud with Dominik Mysterio for WrestleMania 42, with Balor defeating the former Intercontinental Champion in a street fight.

WWE stopped holding its annual draft last year, so the trade route will be the way going forward if a superstar is to switch brands.

The Balor trade comes one day after WWE ran its Clash in Italy pay-per-view. There was one title change on Sunday, with Sol Ruca defeating Becky Lynch to claim the WWE Women's Intercontinental Championship.

Trade to ‘Smackdown' Should Serve Finn Balor Well

Roster imbalance between Raw and SmackDown has been a problem for years, with WWE giving the red brand far more main event-caliber talents to work with.

A longtime fan favorite, Balor should greatly benefit from a move to SmackDown. He'll presumably maintain the babyface status for the long haul, so there are plenty of avenues for WWE to explore here.

Drew McIntyre, Gunther and The Miz are among the top heels that Balor could enter a feud with.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Jun 1, 2026, where it first appeared in the Sports section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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This story was originally published June 1, 2026 at 4:25 PM.