4 Surprises that could be in store for the 2024 WWE Draft: Split factions, huge returns & more

The 2024 WWE Draft will kick off on the next episode of SmackDown and will continue on the following Monday with RAW.

With this year's NFL Draft starting on Thursday, WWE has made a calculated move to mirror one of the NFL's biggest events of the year.

A big part of the Draft is obviously stars switching brands. Gunther moved from SmackDown to RAW last year with Bobby Lashley going the other direction.

This year's edition is the first under Triple H without Vince McMahon, and he could have the next four surprises in store for the 2024 WWE Draft.

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#4. A highly touted prospect joins a new heel faction

When will Gable Steveson show up on WWE TV?

After Chad Gable turned on Sami Zayn to end last week's RAW, there have been rumblings of him leading a heel faction with The Creeds. The Creeds have impressed in their short run on the red brand but could be refreshed by a heel turn. The trio was training in the ring ahead of Gable's match with Zayn.

The 38-year-old will likely have an explanation for his actions on RAW. When he does speak, Gable could be flanked by the former NXT Tag Team Champs. Gable Steveson has been treated like a big deal due to his amateur background but is yet to make a lasting impact in NXT or the main roster.

Steveson worked as a heel in some dark matches before recent editions of SmackDown. It was the same move bookers used with Kurt Angle's debut. A huge surprise would be to add the highly touted Steveson to Gable's potential new stable during the 2024 WWE Draft.

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#3. Big names make big returns in the WWE Draft

The Monster Among Monsters could return to action soon.

Superstar returns are usually a part of speciality shows like the RAW after WrestleMania or other big events. Tama Tonga shocked the world by debuting and aligning with Solo Sikoa on the SmackDown after 'Mania 40.

Alexa Bliss and Carmella have both been out of action due to pregnancies. Both gave birth in November of 2023. Becky Lynch, Ronda Rousey, and Lacey Evans returned to active duty after doing the same. Bliss or Carmella could appear in the battle royal to crown a new Women's World Champion or as surprise picks in the Draft.

Braun Strowman is another name that could pop up during the WWE Draft. He's been out of action since last May. For the last few weeks, there have been teases linked to Uncle Howdy. Any number of these four stars could be surprises on SmackDown.

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#2. NXT stars drafted while still Champions

One huge misstep in last year's WWE Draft was selecting current NXT Champions. Indi Hartwell won the NXT Women's belt a few weeks before the event but was injured. Alba Fyre and Isla Dawn were the NXT Women's Tag Team Champions when selected.

All three stars were in limbo, save for a few introductory matches. Fyre and Dawn dropped their titles to Ronda Rousey and Shayna Baszler but disappeared for months.

Roxanne Perez mentioned that the only way she'll lose the title this time is when she is drafted. She just recaptured it so it would be a surprise if WWE repeated last year's mistake. Except for Ilja Dragunov, the rest of the Champions in NXT recently won their titles.

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#1. The Judgment Day or other groups are split

One possibility that has always been teased during WWE Drafts is the potential for teams or groups to break up. It happened to The New Day three years ago when Big E was separated from his friends.

With Damian Priest capturing the World Heavyweight Championship, he could be drafted separately from The Judgment Day. RAW and SmackDown need a major titleholder and he will be one of the top selections in this year's WWE Draft.

Rhea Ripley's hiatus may also be a catalyst for The Judgment Day being split in some fashion. Other groups that could split are Imperium, Bobby Lashley's group, or Damage CTRL.