The much-anticipated 2024 WWE Draft took center stage on the latest episode of SmackDown, unveiling four pivotal picks in the first round, including notable names like Seth Rollins and Jey Uso.
While the draft continued throughout the show, with further selections slated for Monday Night RAW next week, this year’s edition introduced a new twist: champions were granted protection.
As a result, Cody Rhodes, A-Town Down Under, Bayley, and Logan Paul will remain fixtures on the blue brand, with RAW champions retaining their status on the red brand.
Following a tense contract-signing segment between AJ Styles and The American Nightmare, Triple H made a surprise appearance.
Joined by Rhodes, they announced the first-round draft picks for SmackDown, kicking off with a momentous selection: Bianca Belair, securing her position as the top pick in this year’s draft.
In a subsequent revelation, Triple H declared that Jey Uso would continue his journey on RAW, maintaining his allegiance to the red brand.
Rhodes then revealed a game-changing pick, welcoming NXT Superstar Carmelo Hayes to SmackDown, signaling his official promotion to the main roster.
Rounding off the first round with a blockbuster announcement, Seth Rollins was confirmed to remain on RAW, ensuring minimal brand switches apart from Hayes’ notable transition.
With the draft proceedings underway, the WWE terrain undergoes a seismic shift, setting the stage for new rivalries, alliances, and opportunities as superstars navigate their respective brand allegiances in the pursuit of glory.