Both Friday and Monday night will be big nights for WWE. The 2024 WWE Draft begins on SmackDown where both GMs will be on the show to make their selections and begin rebuilding their respective brands. For fans, the excitement is always palpable as the annual WWE Draft offers surprises, new storylines, and the makings of new rivalries. However, each year tends to offer new wrinkles and rules that, in some cases, can make the WWE Draft rather confusing.
With that in mind, WWE clarified the rules of this year’s draft this week. There are some details worth noting.
How the WWE 2024 Draft Will Work
With the draft set to kick off this Friday on SmackDown, SmackDown will get the very first pick of the draft. Each brand selects first on their night of programming, thus SmackDown can pick the top star that doesn’t hold a championship. From stalwarts like Seth Rollins, Bianca Belair, Roman Reigns and the rest of The Bloodline, to emerging talents like LA Knight, Tiffany Stratton, and Bron Breakker, the roster is brimming with potential game-changers.
SmackDown will select 16 names over four rounds. Raw will select 24 names over six rounds. The list of stars is much bigger on Monday, but the extra hour of programming is why. The draft won’t be finalized until May 6th, leaving the card for Backlash in question and possible trades or free-agent signings to occur after the formal selections are made.
Both SmackDown and Raw Could Look Vastly Different
As WWE begins to unveil the list of eligible superstars for the draft, it’s clear that both SmackDown and Raw are in for some seismic shifts. Groups could potentially be drafted together, but individuals can be selected as well. That leaves a serious question that requires an answer when it comes to members of The Bloodline, Judgment Day, Damage CTRL, and the LWO. The dynamics of the draft could significantly alter the landscape of WWE programming, making every selection a momentous occasion for fans and wrestlers alike.
The draft’s magnitude only intensifies with the inclusion of NXT stars, whose potential ascension to the main roster adds an extra layer of unpredictability. While their absence from the initial draft list raises eyebrows, it sets the stage for potential surprises and roster shake-ups throughout the two nights.
With names like CM Punk, Seth Rollins, Jade Cargill, and Finn Balor looming in the shadows, the draft promises to be a rollercoaster ride. There’s always some predictability considering real-life relationships and friendships that have been building on the shows, but there is always a swerve or two.
One big change this year is the protection of champions. Only the Women’s Tag Team Champions can be selected, but all other champions are off-limits. That ensures that reigning titleholders remain integral to their respective brands, safeguarding the integrity of championship reigns amidst the chaos of the draft.
Injured Stars Not On the List of Eligible Draftees
Neither Charlotte nor Jimmy Uso appeared on the eligible list and neither are champions. This suggests that serious injuries will leave typically eligible stars as free agents. However, not all injured stars have been left off the list. Seth Rollins is said to be out for at least a couple of months and he can be drafted. However, with Becky Lynch winning the Women’s World Championship this past week, Rollins is likely staying on Raw.
Jimmy Uso’s status is intriguing because as a free agent, it leaves open a few options for his storyline. It may also signal he’ll be out for a bit.
The WWE Draft has been hit and miss in past years. But, under a new era run by the creative direction of Triple H, the two nights that feature the draft could be more memorable.
