WWE Draft: The annual Draft for 2021 is about to shake things up across the rosters. WWE Draft 2021 is all set to take place on October 1 at the Royal Farms Arena in Baltimore, MD, on Friday Night Smackdown, and continue on Monday Night Raw at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennesse. In this post, we will explain the concept of Draft 2021 and its full rundown.
WWE Draft: What exactly is the Draft?
WWE Draft is not a separate PPV event or anything of that sort, but an event that simultaneously takes place on Smackdown and Raw or vice-versa. The concept is simple- the company assigns superstars to switch brands like Smackdown to Raw or Raw to Smackdown. In recent times, WWE NXT has also been included in the Draft process as the budding stars from NXT get a chance to feature on the main roster.
Also Read: 3 male & 2 female stars who could move to Smackdown from Raw in the WWE Draft 2021
WWE Draft: Its History
The roots of WWE Draft were formed back in 2002. At that time, only Raw and Smackdown were the two brands in the game. Vince McMahon represented Friday Night Smackdown, and WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair acted as the General manager of Monday Night Raw and made the picks for the red brand.
The Rock was the first-ever draft pick in history. He got picked by Vince McMahon representing Friday Night Smackdown. Meanwhile, despite his personal differences with The Undertaker, Ric Flair chose him as the first pick for Monday Night Raw. Smackdown made the first call as Vince McMahon won the coin toss to determine who would receive the first draft selection.
Also Read: WWE News: 5 top Superstars who could switch brands
Why is Draft conducted annually? What is the need for a Draft?
The primary objective of conducting a draft is to freshen up the roster and build new feuds among superstars. By doing this, the ardent audience witnesses new storylines & rivalries between superstars who were previously separated courtesy of their respective brands.
The Draft gives a massive opportunity to the NXT stars who have always dreamt of featuring on the main roster. WWE Draft helps them live their dream and go head-to-head with the biggest names of the company.
Who is expected to switch brands in WWE Draft 2021?
Yes, WWE does give spoilers, but the revelation of the annual WWE Draft is something the company believes in not spilling the beans. As of now, former WWE Champion Drew McIntyre is rumored to head to Friday Night Smackdown in WWE Draft 2021, but the final list of the superstars drafted will be revealed on October 4. Till then, have a look at Superstars, who are likely to switch brands in WWE Draft 2021.
Smackdown Superstars who could find a place on Raw
- Cesaro
- Dolph Ziggler
- Carmella
- Bayley
- The Alpha Academy (Otis & Chad Gable)
- Brock Lesnar
- Shinsuke Nakamura
- Finn Balor
- Natalya
Raw Superstars who could find a place on Smackdown
- Asuka
- Bobby Lashley
- Drew McIntyre
- Jeff Hardy
- Ricochet
- Damian Priest
- Elias
- Doudrop
