The WWE Draft is underway, and details on how wrestlers learned about the draft processes have emerged.
As of Wednesday, according to Fightful, wrestlers had not received information on the draft mechanics, their potential new brand, or other specifics except for upcoming bookings listed in their talent relations app. WWE did not clarify whether there would be selective drafts for a few stars or a complete redraft. Wrestlers discovered which day they would be drafted via a social media post. By Friday morning, many still did not know their brand assignments but anticipated updates that afternoon.
It was also revealed that adjustments in title designs and branding were made to grant the company greater flexibility. The women’s and tag team championships no longer carry the “Raw” or “Smackdown” designations or brand-specific color schemes. This strategy is partly to prevent awkward situations seen in past drafts where champions were traded to brands opposite of their titles. However, champions remain tied to their current brands.
The women’s tag team champions are draft-eligible, ensuring the titles are associated with a “home brand.”
NXT participants were deliberately omitted from the visible draft pools to add an element of surprise, and a “draft party” for fans is set at the WWE Performance Center.
Regarding NXT, sentiments are mixed. Corey Brennan of Fightful Select reported concerns among NXT talent and insiders about the brand being heavily drafted, a recurring issue. Moreover, many NXT wrestlers are unsure about potential call-ups to the main roster, raising worries about the lack of planning for such transitions, a frequent critique of how NXT call-ups have been handled.
Concerns also exist about how drafting main roster talent to NXT might be perceived as a demotion. However, one source indicated that a stint in NXT could be beneficial for several main roster talents. According to Sean Ross Sapp, insiders believe NXT will have sufficient star power for its debut on the CW network.
BetOnline AG’s odds predict that Bloodline and Randy Orton will be the first two picks tonight.
