The WWE Draft 2023 has come to an end, and fans are buzzing with excitement over the new brand landscapes and potential matchups. From unexpected draft picks to surprising returns, this year’s draft had it all. The results are now in, and fans are already speculating on what the future holds for their favorite superstars. It’s clear that the WWE Draft continues to be a must-watch event for any professional wrestling enthusiast.
WWE Draft
The WWE Draft is an exciting and highly anticipated event for wrestling fans worldwide. It’s a strategic process that WWE employs to refresh the rosters of its respective television shows, Raw and SmackDown. During a brand extension, the company divides its roster into brands where the wrestlers exclusively perform for each brand’s respective television show. This division creates a sense of competition and rivalry between the brands, which ultimately benefits the fans as they get to witness some epic battles and new matchups.
The draft is like a game of chess, with WWE management making strategic moves to strengthen their respective brands. It’s a high-stakes game, as the wrestlers are the pawns being moved around the board. Each draft pick can have a significant impact on the landscape of WWE programming and the fortunes of the wrestlers involved.
The excitement of the draft comes from the unpredictability of the event. Fans never know which wrestlers will be switching shows, which rivalries will be renewed, or which new matchups will be created. The anticipation builds as the draft approaches, and fans eagerly speculate on which wrestlers will be on the move.
The draft is also an opportunity for wrestlers to reinvent themselves and refresh their characters. A change of scenery can breathe new life into a wrestler’s career, and a move to a new brand can lead to new opportunities and storylines.
In summary, the WWE Draft is a highly anticipated and exciting event that refreshes the rosters of Raw and SmackDown. It’s a strategic game of chess that creates new matchups and rivalries, and it’s an opportunity for wrestlers to reinvent themselves and take their careers to new heights.
Chronicles of WWE Draft: A Journey Through Brands and Drafts
Let’s dive deeper into the history of the WWE Draft, an event that has been an integral part of the professional wrestling industry since its inception. The concept was first introduced in 2002 by World Wrestling Federation (now known as WWE) under the name WWF Draft Lottery, which later changed to WWE Draft Lottery due to a name change. The initial format involved wrestlers being randomly selected to switch brands, adding a level of unpredictability to the process.
In May 2006, a new brand was introduced under the name Extreme Championship Wrestling (ECW), represented by Paul Heyman. This marked the first time that the draft was used to split the roster into three brands, namely Raw, SmackDown, and ECW. However, in February 2010, ECW was discontinued, and the draft returned to its two-brand format.
Fast forward to 2016, and a new brand was introduced yet again. This time, it was NXT, a developmental brand of WWE established in February 2010, that participated in the draft. This move allowed NXT Superstars to potentially make their way onto the main roster and compete on Raw or SmackDown.
In April 2018, WWE established another brand called 205 Live, a platform for showcasing Cruiserweight wrestlers weighing 205 pounds or less. Although 205 Live participated in the 2019 draft twice, in April-May and October, the brand was discontinued in February 2022.
Get ready for a blast from the past as we take a trip down memory lane! Feast your eyes on the following chronological table, detailing the evolution of the WWE Draft over the years. Each event is listed with its respective year, date, draft name, and participating brands, giving fans a glimpse into the rich history of this beloved wrestling tradition.
| No. | Year | Name of Draft | Date of Draft | Participating Brand |
| 1 | 2002 | WWF Draft Lottery | 25th March | Raw, SmackDown |
| 2 | 2004 | WWE Draft Lottery | 22nd March | Raw, SmackDown |
| 3 | 2005 | WWE Draft Lottery | 6th June, 30th June | Raw, SmackDown |
| 4 | 2006 | WWE Brand Extension Draft | 29th May | Raw, SmackDown, ECW |
| 5 | 2007 | WWE Draft | 11th June | Raw, SmackDown, ECW |
| 6 | 2008 | WWE Draft | 23rd June | Raw, SmackDown, ECW |
| 7 | 2009 | WWE Draft | 13th April | Raw, SmackDown, ECW |
| 8 | 2010 | WWE Draft | 26th April | Raw, SmackDown |
| 9 | 2011 | WWE Draft | 25th April | Raw, SmackDown |
| 10 | 2016 | WWE Draft | 19th July | Raw, SmackDown, NXT |
| 11 | 2017 | Superstar Shake-up | 10th April, 11th April | Raw, SmackDown |
| 12 | 2018 | Superstar Shake-up | 16th April, 17th April | Raw, SmackDown, NXT |
| 13 | 2019 | Superstar Shake-up | 15th April, 8th May | Raw, SmackDown, NXT, 205 Live |
| 14 | 2019 | WWE Draft | 11th October, 14th October | Raw, SmackDown, NXT, 205 Live |
| 15 | 2020 | WWE Draft | 9th October, 12th October | Raw, SmackDown, NXT |
| 16 | 2021 | WWE Draft | 1st October, 4th October | Raw, SmackDown, NXT |
The Importance of WWE Draft: Refreshing Rosters, Creating New Matches and Keeping Fans Engaged
The world of professional wrestling is constantly evolving, with new talent emerging and old rivalries reigniting. In such a dynamic environment, the WWE Draft has become a necessary tool for keeping the fans engaged and the storylines fresh. By dividing the roster into distinct brands and shuffling the Superstars around, the WWE Draft creates endless possibilities for exciting new matchups and unexpected alliances. It’s a way of breathing new life into old feuds and injecting fresh energy into the product.
Without the draft, the WWE would risk becoming stale and predictable, losing the interest of fans who crave the excitement and unpredictability that only a draft can provide. So whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, the WWE Draft is an essential part of the wrestling experience, bringing with it the promise of new stars, new rivalries, and new moments that will live on in WWE history.
Drafting Rules in General
The WWE Draft is a thrilling event where the rules are kept flexible to keep the excitement alive. Superstars are picked on a random basis, ensuring that anything can happen and the WWE Universe is always kept guessing. Additionally, tag teams and stables are given the opportunity to remain together and be drafted as a unit, giving them the chance to continue their epic journeys together on their new brand. This rule has led to some of the most exciting and unexpected moments in the history of the draft, making it an event that no one can afford to miss.
Drafting Rules for WWE Superstars: Who’s Eligible and How It Works
In the unpredictable world of the WWE Draft, every Superstar stands a chance to be chosen to join a new brand. The thrill of the draft lies in the randomness of the selection process, which keeps the fans on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting the fate of their favorite wrestlers.
WWE Draft 2023 Results: Updated Rosters for Raw and SmackDown
After much anticipation, the results for the latest edition of the WWE Draft 2023 which is the 17th draft have been officially declared. As we look back at the evolution of the draft over the years, it’s clear that the excitement and unpredictability of the event has only grown stronger. Fans eagerly wait to see which Superstars will switch brands, which rivalries will emerge, and which new matchups will be created. It’s no wonder that the WWE Draft has become a spectacle in its own right, a must-watch event that keeps professional wrestling enthusiasts glued to their screens.
With the latest results now announced, it’s time to gear up for another round of thrilling action and surprises in the world of WWE.
Here are the epic results of the 2023 Draft that you’ve been eagerly awaiting!
| Sr. No. | Round | Date of Draft | Superstar | Existing Brand | Redrafted to |
| 1 | 1 | 28/04/2023 | Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa & Paul Heyman (The Bloodline) | SmackDown | SmackDown |
| 2 | 1 | 28/04/2023 | Cody Rhodes | Raw | Raw |
| 3 | 1 | 28/04/2023 | Raw Women’s Champion Bianca Belair | Raw | SmackDown |
| 4 | 1 | 28/04/2023 | Becky Lynch | Raw | Raw |
| 5 | 2 | 28/04/2023 | Montez Ford & Angelo Dawkins (The Street Profits) | Raw | SmackDown |
| 6 | 2 | 28/04/2023 | Intercontinental Champion Gunther, Ludwig Kaiser & Giovanni Vinci (Imperium) | SmackDown | Raw |
| 7 | 2 | 28/04/2023 | Edge | Raw | SmackDown |
| 8 | 2 | 28/04/2023 | Matt Riddle | Raw | Raw |
| 9 | 3 | 28/04/2023 | Bobby Lashley | Raw | SmackDown |
| 10 | 3 | 28/04/2023 | Drew McIntyre | SmackDown | Raw |
| 11 | 3 | 28/04/2023 | AJ Styles, Michin, Luke Gallows & Karl Anderson (The OC) | Raw | SmackDown |
| 12 | 3 | 28/04/2023 | The Miz | Raw | Raw |
| 13 | 4 | 28/04/2023 | Bayley, Dakota Kai & IYO SKY (Damage CTRL) | Raw | SmackDown |
| 14 | 4 | 28/04/2023 | Shinsuke Nakamura | SmackDown | Raw |
| 15 | 4 | 28/04/2023 | NXT Women’s Tag Team Champions Alba Fyre & Isla Dawn | NXT | SmackDown |
| 16 | 4 | 28/04/2023 | NXT Women’s Champion Indi Hartwell | NXT | Raw |
The WWE Universe had their eyes glued to the Night 1 draft pool, eagerly anticipating which Superstars would be selected for SmackDown. However, there were some Superstars who were left undrafted, leaving fans wondering what their fate would be. The following day, the SmackDown LowDown finally revealed the draft selections of these suspenseful Superstars, leaving fans relieved or possibly even more curious.
| Sr. No. | Date of Draft | Superstar | Existing Brand | Redrafted to |
| 1 | 29/04/2023 | Erik, Ivar, Valhalla (Viking Raiders) | SmackDown | Raw |
| 2 | 29/04/2023 | Dexter Lumis | Raw | Raw |
| 3 | 29/04/2023 | Candice LeRae | Raw | Raw |
| 4 | 29/04/2023 | ma.çé and mån.sôör & Maxxine Dupri (Maximum Male Models) | Raw | Raw |
| 5 | 29/04/2023 | Zoey Stark | NXT | Raw |
| 6 | 29/04/2023 | JD McDonagh | NXT | Raw |
| 7 | 29/04/2023 | Apollo Crews | NXT | Raw |
| 8 | 29/04/2023 | Natalya | SmackDown | Raw |
| 9 | 29/04/2023 | Sonya Deville | SmackDown | Raw |
| 10 | 29/04/2023 | Chelsea Green | Raw | Raw |
| 11 | 29/04/2023 | Top Dolla, Ashante “Thee” Adonis, B-Fab (Hit Row) | SmackDown | SmackDown |
| 12 | 29/04/2023 | Lacey Evans | SmackDown | SmackDown |
There were six rounds for draft picks on night 2 on Monday night Raw on 01/05/2023. Details are as below
| Sr. No. | Round | Date of Draft | Superstar | Existing Brand | Redrafted to |
| 1 | 1 | 01/05/2023 | SmackDown Women’s Champion Rhea Ripley | Raw | Raw |
| 2 | 1 | 01/05/2023 | United States Champion Austin Theory | Raw | SmackDown |
| 3 | 1 | 01/05/2023 | Seth “Freakin” Rollins | Raw | Raw |
| 4 | 1 | 01/05/2023 | Charlotte Flair | SmackDown | SmackDown |
| 5 | 2 | 01/05/2023 | Undisputed WWE Tag Team Champions Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens | KO (Raw) SZ (SmackDown) | Raw |
| 6 | 2 | 01/05/2023 | The Usos | SmackDown | SmackDown |
| 7 | 2 | 01/05/2023 | Finn Bálor, Damian Priest & Dominik Mysterio (The Judgment Day) | Raw | Raw |
| 8 | 2 | 01/05/2023 | Rey Mysterio, Santos Escobar, Cruz Del Toro, Joaquin Wilde & Zelina Vega (LWO) | SmackDown | SmackDown |
| 9 | 3 | 01/05/2023 | WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions Liv Morgan & Raquel Rodriguez | SmackDown | Raw |
| 10 | 3 | 01/05/2023 | Asuka | Raw | SmackDown |
| 11 | 3 | 01/05/2023 | Xavier Woods & Kofi Kingston (The New Day) | SmackDown | Raw |
| 12 | 3 | 01/05/2023 | Sheamus, Butch & Ridge Holland (The Brawling Brutes) | SmackDown | SmackDown |
| 13 | 4 | 01/05/2023 | Trish Stratus | Raw | Raw |
| 14 | 4 | 01/05/2023 | Karrion Kross & Scarlett | SmackDown | SmackDown |
| 15 | 4 | 01/05/2023 | Ronda Rousey & Shayna Baszler | SmackDown | Raw |
| 16 | 4 | 01/05/2023 | LA Knight | SmackDown | SmackDown |
| 17 | 5 | 01/05/2023 | Braun Strowman & Ricochet | SmackDown | Raw |
| 18 | 5 | 01/05/2023 | Shotzi | SmackDown | SmackDown |
| 19 | 5 | 01/05/2023 | Bronson Reed | Raw | Raw |
| 20 | 5 | 01/05/2023 | Elton Prince & Kit Wilson (Pretty Deadly) | NXT | SmackDown |
| 21 | 6 | 01/05/2023 | Otis & Chad Gable (Alpha Academy) | Raw | Raw |
| 22 | 6 | 01/05/2023 | Rick Boogs | Raw | SmackDown |
| 23 | 6 | 01/05/2023 | Katana Chance & Kayden Carter | NXT | Raw |
| 24 | 6 | 01/05/2023 | Cameron Grimes | NXT | SmackDown |
Night 2 Supplement Picks:
| Sr. No. | Date of Draft | Superstar | Existing Brand | Redrafted to |
| 1 | 01/05/2023 | Akira Tozawa | Raw | Raw |
| 2 | 01/05/2023 | Garza & Humberto | Raw | Raw |
| 3 | 01/05/2023 | Dana Brooke | Raw | Raw |
| 4 | 01/05/2023 | Emma | SmackDown | Raw |
| 5 | 01/05/2023 | Indus Sher (Jinder Mahal, Sanga and Veer Mahaan) | NXT | Raw |
| 6 | 01/05/2023 | Johnny Gargano | Raw | Raw |
| 7 | 01/05/2023 | Nikki Cross | Raw | Raw |
| 8 | 01/05/2023 | Odyssey Jones | NXT | Raw |
| 9 | 01/05/2023 | Piper Niven | Raw | Raw |
| 10 | 01/05/2023 | Riddick Moss | SmackDown | Raw |
| 11 | 01/05/2023 | Tegan Nox | SmackDown | Raw |
| 12 | 01/05/2023 | Xia Li | SmackDown | Raw |
| 13 | 01/05/2023 | Grayson Waller | NXT | SmackDown |
| 14 | 01/05/2023 | Tamina | Raw | SmackDown |
Free Agents
The wrestlers listed below have just been declared free agents! Free Agents may appear on both the brands Raw and SmackDown.
- Brock Lesnar – Free Agent (During 2021, he was made a free agent)
- Omos – Raw
- Mustafa Ali – Raw
- Dolph Ziggler – Raw
- Von Wagner – NXT
- Baron Corbin – Raw
- Shelton Benjamin & Cedric Alexander – Raw
- Elias – Raw
- Xyon Quinn – NXT
New Roster
The new roster will be effective after WWE Backlash on Saturday 6th May.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the WWE Draft 2023 was an exciting event for wrestling fans worldwide. With top Superstars switching brands, new rivalries emerging, and fresh matchups being created, the draft has once again proven to be a vital element in keeping the WWE Universe engaged and entertained. We can’t wait to see how these new brand rosters shape up and what storylines will unfold in the months to come. As always, the draft has left us eagerly anticipating the next chapter in the ever-evolving world of WWE.
FAQ
1. Why name of WWF changed to WWE?
Answer: WWF was sued by Swiss based non-governmental organization “World Wide Fund for Nature” (WWF) over the WWF initialism. So it resulted into change of name of the company “World Wrestling Federation Entertainment Inc.” (WWF) into “World Wrestling Entertainment Inc” (WWE)
2. Who got drafted WWE 2023?
Answer: please refer WWE Draft 2023 Results: Updated Rosters for Raw and SmackDown section for the details
3. How many rounds are in the WWE draft 2023?
Answer: There were 4 rounds of draft picks on night 1 (28/04/2023) and 6 rounds of draft picks on night 2 (01/05/2023)
4. Did the Usos get drafted to Raw?
Answer: The usos were not drafted with the Bloodline and redrafted to SmackDown only
5. Is there a WWE draft every year?
Answer: The WWE Draft is a highly anticipated event for professional wrestling enthusiasts, but it does not occur every year. In fact, the last draft was held in 2021, leaving fans eagerly waiting for the next one. However, the year 2022 did not see any draft event, much to the disappointment of fans. But the good news is that the wait for the draft is over as it is scheduled to take place in April-May 2023, giving fans the opportunity to witness their favorite Superstars switch brands and create new rivalries. It’s important to note that while the draft doesn’t happen every year, its unpredictability and excitement are what make it all the more special.
For more details on WWE Draft 2023 Results you can visit WWE Website
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