Amidst the anticipation surrounding the 2024 WWE Draft and its promised upheaval within the company, Night One unfolded with minimal fireworks, leaving much to be desired.
While notable shifts occurred, such as Bron Breakker’s move to RAW and Andrade’s migration to SmackDown, the overall impact felt somewhat underwhelming. As the dust settles, it’s evident that several missteps occurred during SmackDown’s segment of the draft, shedding light on five key mistakes made by WWE.
#5. Underrepresentation of NXT Women:
The selection of Kiana James as the sole female representative from NXT on Night One sparked debates. While James possesses potential, the limited number of picks failed to capitalize on established veterans like Lyra Valkyria or Blair Davenport, who could have added more depth to the draft.
#4. Absence of Trade Mentions:
The failure to acknowledge the possibility of trades, given the protection of brand champions, left a void in the narrative. Past drafts have seen champions swapping shows as significant plot twists, and the oversight in addressing potential trades felt like a missed opportunity.
#3. Overcrowding of Popular Faces:
The retention of familiar faces on SmackDown, including AJ Styles, Roman Reigns, Randy Orton, and LA Knight, perpetuated a sense of stagnation. With the influx of top-tier talent, the brand’s dynamics remained largely unchanged, hinting at a potential need for character developments to keep storylines fresh.
#2. Predictability in NXT Additions:
While Carmelo Hayes’s elevation to the main roster was expected, the lack of surprise in his selection and placement on SmackDown failed to generate the anticipated shock factor. A deviation from the anticipated script could have injected excitement into the draft process.
#1. Lack of Significant Movement Among Established Stars:
Despite the hype surrounding the draft’s potential to reshape rosters, the absence of major shifts among established names like Seth Rollins and LA Knight left fans wanting more. The promised ‘big changes’ failed to materialize, dampening the impact of Night One.
As WWE navigates the aftermath of the 2024 Draft, addressing these missteps could pave the way for a more dynamic and engaging future for the company.
