The WWE Draft was always going to be an interesting time for the WWE. In the weeks leading up to it, reports and news changed daily regarding draft positions, which superstars would go to Monday Night Raw and which would go to SmackDown Live.
It was always going to be fun for the WWE Universe to predict who they thought would go in the coveted number one spot. According to a report by Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Brock Lesnar was set to be the number one pick at one point.
This was after the news of Roman Reigns’ suspension and was going to allow the WWE to capitalize on Lesnar’s win at UFC 200.
The Beast Incarnate brings legitimacy to the WWE as he can do it in the Squared Circle of sports entertainment and in the Octagon of the UFC.
In the end, this was changed but nobody is quite sure when the change was made. Other changes were made right up until SmackDown went live on the USA Network.
Other draft pick news
John Cena was always likely to go to SmackDown Live but the decision for him being drafted at number seven was made because he is reportedly cutting down on his time in the WWE.
WWE Champion Dean Ambrose was also a number one choice at one point as he is the champion. It made sense for the WWE to pick the champion first but this decision was likely made as Ambrose is reportedly losing the championship before WWE SummerSlam.
Ambrose is a clever addition to the SmackDown Live roster. He, along with John Cena, Randy Orton and AJ Styles can be big draws for fans who want to see quality wrestling and good storylines in a shorter time commitment than that of the three hours of Monday Night Raw.
Notable people who weren’t drafted
The WWE Draft meant that there was always going to be huge speculation about picks. Many fans of the WWE expected a number of returning superstars and different NXT choices.
In the end, superstars like Bayley and Shinsuke Nakamura were not drafted to the bemusement of the WWE Universe.
It’s reported that Bayley could be Sasha Banks’ surprise tag team partner at WWE Battleground, whilst Nakamura could be promoted to the WWE main roster sometime after WWE SummerSlam.