WWE draft is just a week away and as I have said numerous times over the past few weeks, it is probably the most awaited moment for wrestling fans out there. And along with these expectations comes the pressure on WWE’s shoulders. The drafts will set the tone for the upcoming brand split as well, and WWE needs to make sure that they put their best foot forward for the same.
There are things that WWE could do to make the Draft memorable and there are things that the WWE should avoid on the draft day. This list is going to take a look at the latter category.
Excluding the NXT roster
WWE is going to need a deep main roster to pull off the upcoming brand split. They are going to need the superstars from NXT for the same. So excluding the NXT roster as a whole from the roster will end up being a mistake from WWE side. At the same time, they cannot include the entire NXT roster in the draft because NXT as a third alternative brand should stay alive as it has a cult audience to cater.
Certain superstars and tag teams could get called up during the draft, but it should be at an optimum level. This means that the NXT roster should not be raided completely and at the same time, there should be enough call ups to fill the two major brands.
All the big names on Raw
Raw is the weekly flagship show of WWE, period. It is the longest running weekly television show on cable and it is more recognizable in comparison to SmackDown. Over the past few years, Raw has been the face of WWE and it would be understandable if WWE gives more importance to Monday Night Raw but having the cream of their roster on Raw.
If we take a look back at the last brand split, it was a similar scenario. It was the brilliance of Paul Heyman that made stars on SmackDown but WWE cannot go the same path this time around. Equal importance should be given to both brands in order to set the tone correctly.
Split up tag teams
The tag team division of WWE does have the depth to be split up into two. The roster has well-established teams like the Dudley Boyz, The Usos, The Wyatt Family, and New Day when there is another gang of upcoming tag teams likes Lucha Dragons, Breezango, Shining Stars, Enzo and Cass, and some more on the other side.
Despite having the luxury of such excellent tag teams, splitting up tag teams should not happen at the drafts. The only team that could survive the split perhaps is the Lucha Dragons that too, both Sin Cara and Kalisto will be tied down to the mid card if they split.
Two women’s divisions
While the tag team division of WWE has enough depth to survive a split, the women’s division has a different story. WWE’s attempts to improve the situation of women on their roster have been a big mess till now. As they would say, it ended up being a hashtag movement.
With the brand split coming up, it would be tempting to have a women’s division in both the brands, however, as mentioned earlier, the Women’s division does not have enough depth to survive this.
Instead, WWE should concentrate on the talent they have and make the women’s division a highlight in one of the brands. This way, WWE will be able to have all the talented names on one brand with great permutations and combinations at their disposal.
Shield members on the same brand
Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns are three superstars who will be vested with the task of carrying WWE on their shoulders. They are stars for the future but one thing that holds them back is the ghost of Shield. All three men first made their impact as part of the Shield and since then, we’ve associated everything they’ve done with their run during Shield.
In fact, the Shield members directly or indirectly crossed paths during their biggest career highs. The problem with this is, they cannot break away from the shadow of each other. If WWE keeps all three members on one brand, the problem will continue. These three will not be able to build up a separate identity which is much needed.
