In a nostalgic twist, WWE Hall of Famers Teddy Long and John “Bradshaw” Layfield (JBL) made a triumphant return to SmackDown this week, adding a touch of classic flair as they revealed the latest draft picks for the WWE Draft 2024.
With twenty superstars in the spotlight, the draft saw several notable shifts in the WWE terrain, including the debut of NXT standouts Carmelo Hayes and Kiana James on the main roster. Hayes wasted no time in making an impact, clashing with Cody Rhodes in the night’s main event.
In a moment of anticipation, Long and JBL revealed SmackDown’s final selections for Night One of the draft. First up was the announcement of AJ Styles’ retention, ensuring that The Phenomenal One will continue to shine on the blue brand post-Backlash.
Meanwhile, RAW secured the talents of Chad Gable, Otis, Maxxine Dupri, and Akira Tozawa, known collectively as the Alpha Academy, bolstering their roster for future showdowns.
Teddy Long added another twist to the proceedings by announcing the acquisition of Andrade, signaling a brand switch for the seasoned star.
And in a move that thrilled fans, Kiana James was named as SmackDown’s final pick for the fourth round, marking her official promotion to the main roster on Monday Night RAW.
With the draft roster taking shape and new opportunities on the horizon, the stage is set for exhilarating matchups and fresh rivalries to unfold across both SmackDown and RAW. As WWE continues to evolve, the legacy of legends like Teddy Long and JBL adds an extra layer of excitement to the ever-changing terrain of sports entertainment.
