Las Vegas, NV – The first night of the 2024 WWE draft has wrapped up with plenty of exciting moments and developments. From Bianca Belair being selected as the number one overall pick to Roman Reigns pulling out of the draft, the night was filled with surprises. Carmelo Hayes also made a significant move, transitioning from NXT to SmackDown, while Bron Breakker shifted from SmackDown to Raw.
The draft results from Friday’s SmackDown episode unveil a lineup of champions and rising stars. The roster now includes names like Cody Rhodes, Bayley, and the duo of Austin Theory and Grayson Waller as tag team champions. Among the drafted superstars are Randy Orton, Nia Jax, and AJ Styles, setting the stage for new storylines and rivalries in the WWE universe.
As the two-day draft unfolds, general managers Nick Aldis and Adam Pearce have the opportunity to select from a pool of talented stables, tag teams, and solo wrestlers. The process involves multiple rounds, with each round alternating between SmackDown and Raw picks, leading to a diverse roster on both brands.
Following the conclusion of SmackDown, WWE announced the placements for free agents who were not chosen during the show, setting the stage for further roster adjustments come the next episode. Monday night’s Raw will see six rounds of picks, with Raw initiating each round and shaping the new rosters that will come into effect post-Backlash France.
Each night of the draft presents a fresh pool of WWE talent for selection, with remaining superstars categorized as free agents until chosen. With stars like Bianca Belair leading the charge, the stage is set for compelling matchups and exciting narratives on both SmackDown and Raw.
Hayes wasted no time making his mark on SmackDown, challenging Universal Champion Cody Rhodes to a match on the same night he was drafted. Rhodes accepted the challenge, culminating in a hard-fought battle that showcased the potential of the new roster additions.
Elsewhere, Breakker made a quick impact by swiftly dispatching Cedric Alexander with a spear, signaling his intent to establish himself on Raw. Meanwhile, Reigns’ decision to withdraw from the draft adds an air of mystery and anticipation to his future in the WWE, with Heyman hinting at potential changes for the Bloodline moving forward.
As the draft continues to unfold, fans can look forward to new rivalries, alliances, and showdowns as the WWE landscape undergoes a transformation with fresh talent and unexpected developments. Stay tuned as the drama unfolds in the world of professional wrestling.