Fightful Select has shared additional backstage notes from last night’s episode of SmackDown, which featured Night One of the 2024 WWE Draft.
Most of the roster was kept in the dark until last night, and the talent was not informed about which roster they would be heading to. Some even discovered their status during the show. The Superstars listed in the RAW pool are still on tenterhooks, waiting to find out where they will be drafted.
According to the report, Carmelo Hayes was widely expected to be drafted to SmackDown, as he was listed for the show that day. Hayes was also mentioned on internal rundowns throughout the afternoon.
WWE NXT Superstar Kiana James was genuinely surprised by the call-up and was not informed which brand she would be drafted to. However, it was noted that WWE had already prepared her video package earlier this week. An NXT talent even gushed about James, hailing her as one of the best in-ring workers in the NXT women’s division.
During last night’s broadcast, the roster changes were evidently strategic, focusing on retaining familiar talents and introducing fresh faces.
The report highlights the importance WWE placed on this strategy, as indicated by the line about “preserving” the rosters. It also anticipates more roster switches on RAW this Monday and additional NXT talents being drafted, hinting at the ongoing shakeup of WWE’s main roster.
While Bron Breakker is moving to RAW, his former Wolf Dogs tag team partner, Baron Corbin, was drafted to SmackDown.
The report notes that WWE drafted them to separate brands because Breakker is seen as a potential major singles star. Meanwhile, Corbin will sport a renewed look now that he is back on SmackDown. Corbin was present at SmackDown last night. As noted, WWE later released a video showing him interacting with Breakker at the event.
And finally, WWE NXT star Wendy Choo attended the NXT party at the WWE Performance Center last night during the Draft. She is expected to return soon.
Backstage Notes from Night One of the 2024 WWE Draft Revealed
Last night’s episode of SmackDown marked the beginning of the highly anticipated 2024 WWE Draft, and Fightful Select has shared some intriguing backstage notes from the event. It seems that most of the roster was kept in the dark until last night, leaving the talent uncertain about which brand they would be heading to. In fact, some Superstars only discovered their draft status during the show itself. As a result, those listed in the RAW pool are currently on tenterhooks, anxiously awaiting their fate.
One notable revelation from the report is that Carmelo Hayes was widely expected to be drafted to SmackDown. This assumption was based on his listing for the show that day, as well as his mention on internal rundowns throughout the afternoon. However, surprises were not limited to the main roster. WWE NXT Superstar Kiana James was genuinely caught off guard by her call-up and was not informed which brand she would be drafted to. Interestingly, WWE had already prepared her video package earlier in the week, indicating that they had plans for her regardless of the draft outcome. An NXT talent even praised James, considering her one of the best in-ring workers in the NXT women’s division.
The strategic nature of the roster changes during last night’s broadcast was evident. WWE aimed to retain familiar talents while introducing fresh faces to keep the product exciting and dynamic. This emphasis on strategy is highlighted by the report’s mention of WWE’s intention to “preserve” the rosters. It is expected that there will be more roster switches on RAW this Monday, further shaking up WWE’s main roster. Additionally, there are hints that more NXT talents will be drafted, adding to the ongoing evolution of WWE’s talent pool.
One interesting development from the draft is the separation of former Wolf Dogs tag team partners Bron Breakker and Baron Corbin. Breakker is moving to RAW, as he is seen as a potential major singles star. On the other hand, Corbin will be returning to SmackDown with a renewed look. WWE even released a video showing Corbin interacting with Breakker at the event, teasing potential storylines between the two.
Lastly, WWE NXT star Wendy Choo made an appearance at the NXT party held at the WWE Performance Center during the draft. This suggests that Choo may soon be making her return to the main roster, exciting fans who have been eagerly awaiting her comeback.
As the WWE Draft continues to unfold, fans can expect more surprises, strategic moves, and fresh faces on both RAW and SmackDown. The shakeup of the rosters is sure to bring new rivalries, storylines, and excitement to the world of professional wrestling.