As the WWE Draft gears up to commence tonight on SmackDown and wrap up on RAW, recent rumblings suggest significant apprehensions looming within NXT in anticipation of the roster shuffle.
Beyond the main roster contenders, the draft pool encompasses talents from the developmental brand, sparking speculation about potential call-ups to the big leagues. Notably, it’s been clarified that all champions except for the Kabuki Warriors will remain safeguarded within their current brands.
Reports from Fightful highlight prevailing unease within NXT regarding the Draft’s potential impact on the brand’s top stars. There’s palpable concern among talents about the prospect of sudden promotions to the main roster without concrete plans in place.
Over the years, numerous NXT standouts have struggled to replicate their developmental success on the main stage. Many have even had to discard their signature personas in favor of entirely new characters, dampening their momentum.
Anticipation mounts as the Draft pool features returning stars like Seth Rollins and Braun Strowman, both sidelined due to injuries. While Rollins’ last ring appearance dates back to WrestleMania XL, Strowman has been absent from WWE for an extended period.
Strowman’s hiatus commenced after a neck injury in May 2023, leading to fusion surgery on his C4 and C5 vertebrae the following month. Despite his extended absence, WWE’s inclusion of “The Monster Among Men” in the Draft pool suggests a potential comeback on the horizon.
Before his injury setback, Strowman formed an unconventional tag team with Ricochet, who’s currently embroiled in a rivalry with The Judgment Day faction. Speculation swirls among fans regarding Strowman’s return, with some theorizing a reunion with Rico