More WWE stars to join new Sami Zayn ‘Ride or Die’ faction: Who might follow Johnny Gargano & Candice LeRae?

WWE

Although Sami Zayn’s second Undisputed WWE Title reign has now surpassed the nine days of his first, the champion is no less paranoid about his situation on SmackDown, and rightfully so.

As Finn Balor pointed out on Friday’s show, Zayn has angered several on his way to the top. But thankfully for Zayn, he has two “ride or die” friends alongside him in Johnny Gargano and Candice LeRae.

While there has certainly been a great amount of manipulation involved in getting them onside, Zayn has some real allies in his corner to attempt to combat the sharks circling his championship.

But he may not be content at just Gargano and LeRae, Zayn may soon turn to others on the roster and promise them opportunities in exchange for their help.

Here are three WWE stars who could potentially join Sami Zayn’s new “Ride or Die” faction:

Hank and Tank

Former NXT Tag Team Champions Hank and Tank have not been seen competing regularly on WWE TV for quite some time, in fact their 2026 has overall been a far less active one for “The Belly Boys.”

Only competing six times on NXT programming all year, Hank and Tank seem to be in need of a change, and that change could very well be a main roster call-up.

While WWE could bring them up in their current form, doubts remain whether their act would get over on the main roster like it has in NXT.

A repackaging of sorts – where they keep their brash personalities but instead play gullible heels easily duped by Zayn – could bring about greater success than if they were to arrive on SmackDown as they are.

Ricky Saints

While Hank and Tank await their NXT call-up, Ricky Saints has thus far been an example of stars actually regressing once they hit the bigger stage.

For whatever reason, Saints failed to connect with the WWE audience on main roster during his first few months on SmackDown, and has rarely been seen on the show since losing to Trick Williams at WWE Night of Champions 2026.

Saints is someone who can certainly excel in the right role, and an allegiance with Sami Zayn may very well give him more opportunities to show off his personality and establish a character outside of being a cocky heel.

Big Cass

Big Cass’ return to WWE has seemingly fallen flat less than two months after he first re-emerged on the August 3 episode of Raw.

After just one win on Raw, Cass has now tasted back-to-back pinfall losses to Je’Von Evans; the latest being in a Money in the Bank qualifier three-way where WWE could have very easily chosen not to have him be the one to take the fall.

If a reunion with Enzo Amore is not in WWE’s plans, they should send Cass to SmackDown for a partnership with Sami Zayn.

Cass has long thrived as the big threatening presence accompanying a smaller tag team partner; whether it be Enzo Amore in WWE, or Ricky Saints and Chris Jericho in AEW. Sami Zayn would be perfect for this same role, especially as he grows increasingly paranoid about opponents coming at him from all angles.

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• wwe
• Sami Zayn
• johnny gargano
• candice lerae

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