The first night of the WWE Draft has concluded. According to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful, many wrestlers were unaware of their draft destinations until the event aired, and those in the Raw Draft Pool remained uninformed even by Saturday. There was a general expectation that Carmelo Hayes would move to Smackdown, suggested by his inclusion on the travel list and internal rundowns.
Concerning the minimal brand switches on Friday, sources indicated the importance of retaining familiar talent, though more changes are anticipated on Monday, including more NXT talents being drafted.
Baron Corbin was drafted, as predicted by Fightful Select’s Corey Brennan. Both Sapp and Brennan noted that WWE plans to develop Bron Breakker as a major singles star, leading to Corbin and Breakker being placed on separate brands. Corbin, who has not been prominently featured since 2022, is expected to receive a significant push on Smackdown.
CM Punk, though locally advertised, engaged the audience with a live promo and watched the main event from the crowd.
Cody Rhodes, reached for a comment about the main event, simply replied “always,” leaving his status unclear. He had previously drawn a large crowd at a signing in Newport, Kentucky.
Wendy Choo, absent from the ring for some time, was present at the WWE Performance Center, with insiders hopeful for her return. Kiana James was surprised by her call-up, having been unaware of her post-Draft brand assignment. Her video package had been prepared earlier in the week, and she is recognized as one of the top in-ring performers in NXT’s women’s roster.
