Well, folks, now that the WrestleMania 40 fireworks have fizzled out, it’s time for WWE to roll up its sleeves and dive into the annual spring cleaning—a.k.a. the WWE Draft. Kicking off on April 26 on “WWE Smackdown” and wrapping up on April 29 on “WWE Raw,” this year’s draft is buzzing with more energy than a backstage espresso machine during a doubleheader.
This isn’t just any old roster shuffle. Oh no, this year, the spotlight is shining bright on “WWE NXT,” which is gearing up to reclaim its glory days as the third sibling in the main roster family. Remember the brand warfare at Survivor Series 2019? That’s the spirit WWE is channeling once again. Sources whispering to Fightful Select suggest that big names from “Raw” and “Smackdown” might just find new digs on Tuesday nights. Think Ivar waving goodbye or The Final Testament penning their NXT chapter.
But what about the NXT stars itching for the big leagues? Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes are reportedly packing their bags for a main roster adventure, while whispers around the water cooler include potential call-ups for Roxanne Perez and the formidable Tony D’Angelo’s Family. Yet, in true wrestling fashion, Shawn Michaels is keeping the cards close to his chest, leaving everyone guessing who’s going where.
And just when you thought the plot couldn’t thicken any more, WWE is trying to sync up with the NFL Draft fever. That’s right, they’re dropping their draft smack dab in the middle of the NFL’s own pick party from April 25-27. Talk about stealing some thunder!
Now, as WWE prepares for a network shuffle—with “Smackdown” heading to USA Network and “NXT” making a leap to The CW, and “Raw” setting the stage for a grand Netflix debut in 2025—there’s more at stake than ever. Each network is eyeing the draft, possibly looking to snag some star power to light up their lineups. And while 2025 might seem like a ways off, the chess pieces are already moving on the board.
So, gear up, WWE Universe! The draft is not just about who goes where—it’s about setting the stage for a whole new era of wrestling. With every pick, WWE is drafting its blueprint for the future, one superstar at a time.