by The 2024 WWE Draft promises to reshape the landscape of professional wrestling as we know it. Set to take place across two high-octane days, the draft will commence on Friday at SmackDown and conclude on Monday at Raw. This article will provide an in-depth guide to understanding the draft, from the rules to the roster changes and everything in between.
The WWE Draft is a pivotal event in the wrestling world, allowing WWE to revamp its roster for both the Raw and SmackDown brands. It is a time of strategic decisions that could dictate the success of these brands for the upcoming year.
Protected Champions
Certain marquee champions will not feature in the draft pool, securing their place due to their current title holdings. Champions such as Damian Priest, Becky Lynch, Awesome Truth, and Sami Zayn will continue their tenure on Raw, while Cody Rhodes, Bayley, A-Town Down Under, and Logan Paul will remain fixtures on SmackDown.
Draft Eligibility
The draft rules permit most superstars to be eligible for selection, with a notable exception for champions with brand-specific titles. However, the WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions, Asuka and Kairi Sane, are unique in their eligibility. They could potentially be drafted unless they relinquish their titles beforehand.
Draft Schedule
The drafting process will unfold over two main events: the initial round on Friday’s SmackDown and the concluding session on Monday’s Raw. SmackDown will lead with the first pick, followed by an alternating selection process that ensures both brands have the opportunity to strategically bolster their rosters.
Draft Process
Each brand’s selection sequence is pivotal, with SmackDown and Raw allotted two picks per round. The process will see SmackDown making 16 total picks and Raw selecting 24 superstars by the end of Monday.
Key Superstars in the Draft
The draft pool includes high-profile names like CM Punk, Drew McIntyre, IYO SKY, AJ Styles, Bianca Belair, and Roman Reigns, among others. These superstars are critical for their drawing power and in-ring abilities.
SmackDown Friday’s Available Draft Pool:
- AJ Styles
- Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn
- Alpha Academy (Chad Gable, Otis, Akira Tozawa, Maxxine Dupri)
- Andrade
- Bianca Belair
- Bron Breakker
- Cedric Alexander and Ashante “Thee” Adonis
- Ivar
- Jey Uso
- LA Knight
- Liv Morgan
- Nia Jax
- Randy Orton
- Ricochet
- Seth Rollins
- Shayna Baszler
- Sheamus
- The Bloodline (Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa, “MFT” Tama Tonga, Paul Heyman)
- The O.C. (Luke Gallows, Karl Anderson, Michin)
- Zoey Stark
RAW Monday’s Available Draft Pool:
- #DIY
- Apollo Crews
- Braun Strowman
- Bronson Reed
- Candice LeRae and Indi Hartwell
- Chelsea Green and Piper Niven
- CM Punk
- The Creed Brothers (Julius Creed, Brutus Creed, Ivy Nile)
- Damage CTRL (IYO SKY, Dakota Kai, Kabuki Warriors)
- Drew McIntyre
- Final Testament (Karrion Kross, AOP, Scarlett, Paul Ellering)
- Giovanni Vinci
- Imperium (Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser)
- Jade Cargill
- Judgment Day (Finn Bálor, Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh)
- Kayden Carter and Katana Chance
- Kevin Owens
- Legado del Fantasma (Santos Escobar, Angel, Berto, Elektra Lopez)
- LWO (Rey Mysterio, Carlito, Dragon Lee, Cruz Del Toro, Joaquin Wilde, Zelina Vega)
- Naomi
- Natalya
- New Catch Republic (Pete Dunne, Tyler Bate)
- New Day (Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods)
- Odyssey Jones
- Pretty Deadly (Elton Prince, Kit Wilson)
- Shinsuke Nakamura
- Tegan Nox
- The Pride (Bobby Lashley, Street Profits, B-Fab)
- Tiffany Stratton
- Strategic Implications
The strategic selection of superstars is anticipated to dramatically impact each brand’s storyline and marketing strategy, potentially reshaping fan allegiances and viewing patterns. Brand managers will need to carefully consider their choices to maximize narrative impact and audience engagement.
Fan Reactions
Fan anticipation and reaction are poised to play a critical role in the success of the draft. Popular choices could enhance viewership and social media engagement, while controversial picks might provoke intense debate within the community.
Historical Context
This year’s draft could be compared with previous iterations to gauge shifts in WWE’s strategic focus, highlighting how the organization adapts to changes in viewer preferences and broader entertainment trends.
Predictions
While the draft’s nature lends itself to unpredictability, expect some strategic moves aimed at balancing star power across brands. Surprises are likely, as WWE has historically used the draft to shock and delight its audience.
Conclusion
As the 2024 WWE Draft concludes, its impact will unfold in the weeks and months to come. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how the new alignments shift the dynamics of WWE’s storied rivalries and pave the way for fresh confrontations.
FAQs
1. Which superstars are exempt from the draft?
Champions with brand-specific titles are typically exempt, including those listed as protected at the beginning of this article.
2. When will the new rosters take effect?
The newly drafted rosters will be effective from Monday, May 6, following the Backlash event in France.
3. Can NXT superstars be drafted?
Yes, NXT superstars are eligible to be drafted, adding a layer of unpredictability and fresh talent to the roster.
4. What happens if a champion is drafted?
Champions who are not brand-specific and are eligible for drafting will move with their titles to their new brand.
5. How does the draft affect WWE programming?
The draft typically leads to new storylines, feuds, and character developments, potentially reshaping WWE’s programming across both brands.
