The WWE Draft is a process used by the American professional wrestling promotion WWE while a brand extension, or brand split, is in effect. The original brand extension occurred from 2002 to 2011, while the second and current brand split began in 2016. During a brand extension, the company divides its roster into what they call brands and wrestlers exclusively perform for each brand's respective television show, albeit with some exceptions. The draft is used to refresh the rosters of the brand divisions, typically between the Raw and SmackDown brands, which are regarded as the main roster. Since 2016, wrestlers from WWE's developmental brand, NXT, have been eligible to be drafted to either Raw or SmackDown.[1]
During an appearance on WWE wrestler Logan Paul's podcast Impaulsive on April 5, 2024, WWE Chief Content Officer (CCO) Triple H revealed that the 2024 draft was imminent.[2] Just three days later on April 8, the draft was confirmed for the April 26 and April 29 episodes of Friday Night SmackDown on Fox and Monday Night Raw on the USA Network, respectively.[3][4] Draft results went into effect beginning with the May 6 episode of Raw, two days after the Backlash Francepay-per-view and livestreaming event.[5]
There were four rounds of draft picks on Night 1 with each brand receiving two picks each round; SmackDown went first due to Night 1 taking place as that night's episode of SmackDown. Draft selections were announced by various WWE Hall of Famers, veterans, and wrestlers. In the first round, Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Cody Rhodes announced SmackDown's picks while Hall of Famer and WWE CCO Triple H announced Raw's. Round two picks were announced by women's wrestling veteran Michelle McCool for SmackDown and Hall of Famer Torrie Wilson for Raw. The third round picks were announced by Hall of Famers The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley), with Bubba announcing SmackDown's and D-Von announcing Raw's. The fourth and final round picks were announced by Hall of Famers Teddy Long for SmackDown and John "Bradshaw" Layfield for Raw.[6]
These wrestlers were included in the Night 1 draft pool, but were not drafted on SmackDown. Their draft selections were revealed on WWE's social media platforms after SmackDown went off air.[7]
There were six rounds of draft picks on Night 2 with each brand receiving two picks each round; Raw went first due to Night 2 taking place as that night's episode of Raw. Draft selections were announced by various Hall of Famers, veterans, wrestlers, as well as a celebrity. Both Raw and SmackDown's first round picks were announced by Stephanie McMahon. YouTuber and rapper iShowSpeed announced Raw's second round picks while SmackDown's were announced by United States Champion Logan Paul. Round three picks were announced by Hall of Famers John "Bradshaw" Layfield and Ron Simmons of the Acolytes Protection Agency, with Bradshaw announcing Raw's picks and Simmons announcing SmackDown's. The fourth round picks were announced by Hall of Famers Teddy Long and Alundra Blayze, with Long announcing Raw's picks and Blayze announcing SmackDown's. Hall of Famers The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley) returned to announce the fifth round picks, with Bubba announcing Raw's picks and D-Von announcing SmackDown's. The sixth and final round picks were announced by the respective General Managers of Raw and SmackDown, Adam Pearce and Nick Aldis.[9]
These wrestlers were included in the Night 2 draft pool, but were not drafted on Raw. Their draft selections were revealed on WWE's social media platforms after Raw went off air.[10]
Last appeared on the April 5, 2024, episode of SmackDown. Remained listed as free agents following the draft. MVP left WWE shortly after the draft and was signed by rival promotion All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in September 2024.
Last appeared on the April 15, 2024, episode of Raw. Remained listed on the Raw roster following the draft. Returned on the July 8, 2024 episode of Raw.
Last appeared on the March 3, 2023, episode of SmackDown. Returned on the June 17, 2024, episode of Raw, now portraying both Howdy and his original persona of Bo Dallas.
Originally included as part of The Bloodline in the Night 1 draft pool, but his special counsel Paul Heyman withdrew Reigns from eligibility prior to draft selections being made due to the turmoil within The Bloodline.[14]
Last appeared on the September 14, 2023, episode of Main Event, prerecorded on September 11, 2023. Returned with Ivar as the renamed War Raiders on the October 14, 2024 episode of Raw which was prerecorded on October 7, 2024.
Last appeared on the March 4, 2024, episode of Raw.
Aftermath
Post-draft moves and changes
Main roster wrestlers would continue to appear in NXT with WWE president Nick Khan stating this cross-over of talent from Raw and SmackDown to NXT was intentional, as he said there was potential for NXT to become WWE's third brand again while still developing younger wrestlers. Meanwhile, WWE began a wider talent exchange with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA). Several TNA wrestlers would subsequently make appearances on NXT's weekly television series and livestreaming events.
The day after the draft on May 8, it was revealed that ring announcers Mike Rome and Alicia Taylor, who announced for the SmackDown and NXT brands respectively, would switch brands beginning May 10.[23]
On June 1, it was reported that Becky Lynch's WWE contract had expired and was now a free agent.[24]
On June 17 episode of Raw, NXT's Joe Gacy made his main roster debut as a member of the Wyatt Sicks stable, with his promotion to the main roster on the Raw brand; Nikki Cross, Dexter Lumis, and Uncle Howdy, all of whom had been undrafted, were also part of the group, as was Erick Rowan, who had last been under WWE contract in 2020.[25]
Dijak left WWE on June 28 after revealing that the company did not reach out to renew his contract and was now a free agent.[26] On June 29, Ricochet's profile on WWE's website was moved to the alumni section.[27] The next day, it was reported that his contract had expired and was now a free agent. A few months later, Ricochet would go on to sign a multi-year contract with rival promotion All Elite Wrestling (AEW). On August 16, 2024, MVP and Bobby Lashley's WWE contracts expired and they were moved to the alumni section of WWE.com and subsequently joined AEW.[28]
Cedric Alexander and Ashante "Thee" Adonis were initially drafted to SmackDown, but were shown on the July 9 episode of NXT to have been transferred to that brand.[8]
In September 2024, Odyssey Jones was abruptly removed from WWE television after allegations of domestic abuse were made against him and subsequently fired by WWE.
On October 21, 2024, Raw's ring announcer Samantha Irvin announced her departure from WWE. On the same night, Lilian Garcia would serve as announcer for the entire night in place of Irvin, and it was later announced that she had re-signed with the company on a full time basis.
On November 1, 2024, it was reported that Baron Corbin's WWE contract would not be renewed after expiration. On the same day, Tegan Nox and Indi Hartwell were released from their WWE contracts.[29]
Notes
^Alexander and Adonis were moved to NXT on July 9, 2024.[8]
^Carlito left the group during Night 1 of the draft after attacking Dragon Lee and leader Rey Mysterio, but he was still drafted to Raw as part of the group.
^Uncle Howdy was also not included in the 2023 WWE Draft for the same reason, but SmackDown was his previous brand before then.
^Alexa Bliss was also not included in the 2023 WWE Draft for the same reason, but Raw was her previous brand before then.
^Carmella was also not included in the 2023 WWE Draft for the same reason, but Raw was her previous brand before then.
