[BBfanUSA]

Smackdown switches to a weekly live 2 hr format and the brand split returns with the draft tonight so I'd figured someone should make a thread for it.

Basic Rules for said draft

Raw Gets the first pick

Due to Raw being 3 hrs, for every 2 picks SD gets, Raw gets 3

Tag Teams can be drafted together or separately by either brand's Commissioner or GM. (IE Enzo and Cass call be drafted together or a GM can choose just Enzo)

6 NXT callups will happen tonight.

Leading into the show tonight, there was a title match between Rollins and Ambrose, the end of the match included the referee taking a bump, Rollins hitting a superplex on Ambrose, and both guys hooking each other's legs, The ref couldn't come to a immediate decision counting the cover, So Stephanie declared Rollins the winner on TV, the show continued over on the network and after reviewing the replay, the ref declared the match a draw via a double pinfall.

Other draft notes include:
Raw will be the exclusive home of the Crusierweight division
Each brand has a commissioner and GM each. With the commissioner higher up than the GM. GM will likely run the day to day operations of their brand.
Raw's Commissioner is Stephanie McMahon, while the GM is Mick Foley
Smackdown's Commissioner is Shane McMahon, while the GM is Daniel Bryan

I'll post both rosters after the draft here, I'll try to update it through the night.

The Network will have 4 hrs of draft coverage; a 1 hr preshow before SD tonight, a 2nd screen experience that'll include additional draft coverage during the show, and a aftershow

Raw

Seth Rollins
Charlotte-WWE Women's Championship
Finn Balor-NXT
Roman Reigns
Brock Lesnar
The New Day- Tag Team Champions
Sami Zayn
Sasha Banks
Chris Jericho
Rusev/W Lana- US Championship
Kevin Owens
Enzo and Cass
Gallows and Anderson
Big Show
Nia Jax- NXT
Neville
Cesaro
Sbeamus
-WWE Network Picks-
Golden Truth (R-Truth/Goldust)
Titus O'Neil
Paige
Darren Young w/ Bob Backlund
Sin Cara
Jack Swagger
Dudleyz Boys (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley)
Summer Rae
Mark Henry
Braun Stowman
Bo Dallas
Primo and Epico
Alicia Fox
Dana Brooke
Curtis Axel

Smackdown

Dean Ambrose-WWE Champion
AJ Styles
John Cena
Randy Orton
Bray Wyatt
Becky Lynch
The Miz W/ Maryse - Intercontinental Champion
Baron Corbin
American Alpha- NXT
Dolph Ziggler
Natalya
Alberto Del Rio
-WWE Network-
Usos (Jimmy and Jey Uso)
Kane
Kalisto
Naomi
The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor)
Zack Ryder
Apollo Crews
Alexa Bliss -NXT
Breezdango (Tyler Breeze and Fandango)
The Vaudevillians (Aiden English and Simon Gotch)
Erick Rowan
Mojo Rawley- NXT
Carmella - NXT

[LaLaLand]

I am SO excited for tonight honestly.

It just feels like a breath of fresh air, it's really needed.

Also heard they've been contacting ex-Superstars to return for the split like

Spoiler:

Kurt Angle, Goldberg and others

Who do we think the 6 NXT callups will be? I predict Nia Jax will be one unless they keep has as a surprise partner for Sasha @ Battleground.

[BBfanUSA]

Nia Jax won't be Sasha's surprise partner.

I think it might be Paige or Bayley (Won't be shocked if she isn't. They probably want to avoid another We Want Sasha running gag)

[Jordan.]

Ugh so ready for the new era of smackdown and it actually mattering again. Was always my fave growing up.

[LaLaLand]

Same here Jordan, I loved SD! back in the day.

I think it could also be Naomi aiding Sasha she's supposed to be returning anytime now with a new neon gimmick based on her "Feel the Glow" thing that started before she got injured (Here). Hopefully she stays heel though.

Not long to go now!!

[BBfanUSA]

Smackdown set is still the Raw set this week.

Really doesn't matter, next week however, there should be (I mean better be). (They spoiled a new SD logo last week during the Upcoming Events ticker. So new graphics are coming)

[LaLaLand]

I really think it's time for them to bring back unique show sets, especially for PPVs. Just adds to the "special" feel.

[BBfanUSA]

First Five Picks
Raw- Seth Rollins
SD- Dean Ambrose
Raw- Charlotte
SD- AJ Styles
Raw- Finn Balor

[BBfanUSA]

Next 5
Raw- Roman Reigns
SD- John Cena
Raw- Brock Lesnar
SD- Randy Orton
Raw- All three members of the New Day

[Jordan.]

preferring the Raw roster so far

[BBfanUSA]

Well Big Show is on Raw now.

Are you sure?

[Jordan.]

Have they confirmed if the womens and tag belts will be defended on both shows cause SD will only have one exclusive belt if not :/

[BBfanUSA]

End of TV Draft Picks

Notable picks still left on the board include Paige (Could be "returning from injury" and joining Raw at Battleground as Sasha's Mystery Partner), Bayley, Samoa Joe, Zack Ryder, Darren Young, etc.

[LaLaLand]

Things got real interesting!!

The Wyatt Family is no more.

"All Red Eva" is now on the blue brand...

Carmella (not on same brand as Enzo and Cass, oddly), Nia, Alexa Bliss and Eva all promoted from NXT - hopefully now means we finally get Billie, Peyton, Liv, Aliyah and Athena pushed! Bar Bayley and Asuka the NXT women's division has been obliterated!

[Jordan.]

Raw
- Golden Truth
- Titus O'Neil
- Paige
- Darren Young
- Sin Cara
- Jack Swagger
- Dudley Boyz
- Summer Rae
- Mark Henry
- Braun Strowman
- Bo Dallas
- Shining Stars
- Alicia Fox
- Dana Brooke
- Curtis Axel

Smackdown
- Usos
- Kane
- Kalisto
- Naomi
- The Ascension
- Zack Ryder
- Apollo Crews
- Alexa Bliss
- Breezango
- Eva Marie
- Vaudevillians
- Erick Rowan
- Mojo Rawley
- Carmella

[BBfanUSA]

Alot of people aren't happy with the brand they got.

LOL at Heath Slater being undrafted.

[LaLaLand]

Hopefully they use Slater not being picked as a gimmick now!

Who isn't happy happy OP? The wrestlers?

I'm still undecided about it all but it's a maaajor shake up which I feel I what we needed.

[BBfanUSA]

Del Rio wasn't happy in his interview because of being separated from Paige, who he's dating.

Cesaro went on a shoot, being frustrated on his position in the draft. He didn't raise his voice or anything. He just sounded frustrated.

These two interviews were back 2 back.

Draft Center was for sure just winging things for a bit.

[LaLaLand]

Omg you're right. Cesaro went IN! :O

Youtube video

[BBfanUSA]

One more huge update

Announce Teams got a shake up
Raw: Graves/Saxton/Cole
Smackdown: JBL/Otunga/Ranallo

Graves got the call, alright!

[LaLaLand]

Graves is an awesome commentator, glad he's going to be on Raw now.

[Calderyon]

Graves seems like a good addition. Not sure why Saxton is in the lineup, he blows.

[LaLaLand]

– As noted, Mojo Rawley was drafted from NXT to SmackDown in the WWE Draft. PWinsider reports that it was expected within NXT that No Way Jose was going to be called up instead of Rawley. It will be interesting to see what WWE does with Rawley. They could make him a singles star or pair him up with Zack Ryder as they were a tag team in NXT.

Link

As seen on Tuesdays Live WWE Draft themed SmackDown episode, WWE drafted six NXT talents to the main roster. Those names included Finn Balor, American Alpha, Eva Marie, Mojo Rawley and Carmella [& Alexa Bliss].

Heading into the show, WWE officials went back and forth on who they wanted to bring up. At one point they were only going to bring up Jason Jordan and not Chad Gable. Those plans obviously changed, as both members of American Alpha were drafted.

Mojo Rawley was originally planned to be brought up, then they decided against it, and then changed their mind yet again and brought him back into plans.

In regards to Bayley, who was rumored for some time to be called up, she was originally slated to be drafted as well, but was then they had a change of heart and decided against it.

Back around WrestleMania time, it was being said that they company didn't have plans to bring up Carmella because they felt she wasn't ready. They just recently changed their mind on that decision as well.

Link

[Jordan.]

So annoying they're holding Bayley back because she's a draw for NXT. Still hoping she'll be Sashas partner.

[BBfanUSA]

Originally Posted by Jordan.

So annoying they're holding Bayley back because she's a draw for NXT. Still hoping she'll be Sashas partner.

I don't think that's why they're holding back Bayley.

They're holding back Bayley because if she does show up, we're going to have a "We want Sasha" situation again most likely unless she shows up on a brand without the women's title.

Paige is still pretty popular and while there's going to be a contingent that'll boo her because she's not Bayley, she's probably the only person that could absorb the heat with the general audience, who doesn't know who Bayley is.