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This week's episode of SmackDown saw the start of the WWE Draft 2021, with a lot of notable moves taking place. Sonya Deville and Adam Pearce announced all 16 draft picks, with both shows getting alternate turns.
SmackDown got the first pick and retained Universal Champion, Roman Reigns. Similarly, RAW drafted in Big E. However, most of the selections saw superstars move to a different brand.
A few NXT stars were also called up to the main roster during the WWE Draft. Nine of them in total made the move, with some of them much-needed for a while and a couple of them head-scratching moves.
Let's take a look at every star who moved from RAW to SmackDown, and vice-versa, as well as from NXT. This list will focus on their prospects for their new brand. Here is every brand switch that happened during Night One of the WWE Draft 2021, ranked from worst to best.
#9 The New Day to SmackDown (No.7 in the WWE Draft 2021)
When WWE separated Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston from Big E last year, it made sense. It led to the latter finally doing things on his own and becoming a key singles player on the Blue brand. In that time, Big E won the Intercontinental Championship and the Money in the Bank contract.
He moved over to RAW to cash it in and win the WWE Championship, reuniting with his New Day brothers in the process. Only this time, he has established a separate identity of his own in addition to the trio. However, they have once again been set apart via the WWE Draft.
Big E was the Red brand's first pick, while the rest of The New Day would be selected by SmackDown in Round Two. Separating them for the second year in a row seems unnecessary. They should have just remained together and let friendship prevail.
#8 Austin Theory to RAW (No.16 in the WWE Draft 2021)
The final WWE Draft selection made on SmackDown saw Austin Theory move to the main roster. He joins RAW on his own, having entertained the fans as part of The Way on NXT. The 24-year-old has a bright future, but was this the right time for the move?
Theory could have spent some more time in the group instead of wandering off during an argument, as his dynamic with Johnny Gargano was brilliant. It remains to be seen where he fits on RAW and whether he may get lost in the shuffle on Monday nights.
While the future seems incredibly bright for Austin Theory, this isn't necessarily the greatest WWE Draft move in the short term.
#7 Charlotte Flair to SmackDown (No.3 in the WWE Draft 2021)
The first superstar to switch brands during the WWE Draft 2021, Charlotte Flair, joins SmackDown as the RAW Women's Champion. This is a confusing move, which will likely be resolved in the coming weeks.
The Queen may have a target on her back before Crown Jewel, or she and Becky Lynch may simply swap their titles. That would be a bad move. But if The Man stays on the Blue brand, Flair will most certainly play second fiddle to her.
We will have to wait for Night Two to truly understand how she fits in on SmackDown. Either way, the 12-time WWE Women's Champion might not receive the best booking.
#6 Hit Row to SmackDown (No.11 in the WWE Draft 2021)
In one of the most interesting moves on Night One of the WWE Draft 2021, Hit Row has been picked to SmackDown. The faction has lit up NXT with its charisma and could do great things on the Blue brand.
However, this leaves a couple of problems with their recent booking. Isaiah 'Swerve' Scott is the NXT North American Champion but has not even defended the title once since winning it three months ago. He is likely to drop it to Santos Escobar, to end Hit Row's saga with Legado del Fantasma.
Meanwhile, B-Fab is barely experienced in the ring. She could have done with some more time on NXT. Nevertheless, WWE has something potentially special in Hit Row.
#5 Rey and Dominik Mysterio to RAW (No.14 in the WWE Draft 2021)
While every pick in the WWE Draft 2021 technically is too early to judge, The Mysterios' move to RAW truly feels that way. There is no indication of what Rey and Dominik Mysterio will be doing on the Red brand.
They could go after the Tag Team Championship or continue their dissension from SmackDown. The three-hour format gives more time for the father-son duo to tell a more effective story. Their television time has been quite limited recently.
Will Dominik turn against his dad on RAW? We shall find out.
#4 Jeff Hardy to SmackDown (No.15 in the WWE Draft 2021)
SmackDown received a blast from the past during Night One of the WWE Draft 2021, in the form of Jeff Hardy. The former WWE Champion returns to the Friday night show with "No More Words" as his theme.
Hardy did not have much left to do on RAW and will benefit from this move. He seems like a better fit on SmackDown and would be a solid choice of an opponent against Roman Reigns, even if it is just for one match.
It remains to be seen just how much Jeff Hardy will be revitalized on the Blue brand, but the signs look promising. He should just steer clear of Brock Lesnar.
#3 Bianca Belair to RAW (No.4 in the WWE Draft 2021)
This is undoubtedly a great pick, as RAW needs all the help it can get with its women's roster. With Charlotte Flair off to SmackDown, it remains to be seen how WWE deals with her Championship. But we are guaranteed a strong figurehead for the division.
Bianca Belair can truly flourish on Monday nights, regardless of where Becky Lynch ends up in the WWE Draft. The EST of WWE should win the Red brand's Women's Title potentially by the end of the year and go on an unstoppable run with it.
The company needs to build the RAW women's division around Belair via the WWE Draft. She is that good.
#2 Edge to RAW (No.8 in the WWE Draft 2021)
Speaking of big stars moving from SmackDown to RAW in the WWE Draft, Edge's transfer to the Red brand is a much-needed infusion of star power. The Rated-R Superstar has graced the Friday nights with his incredible storytelling ability, as seen in his feuds with Roman Reigns and Seth Rollins.
Edge is continuing his feud with Rollins. The two are expected to meet in a stipulation match at Crown Jewel, before the WWE Hall of Famer journeys over to RAW.
Edge has a host of exciting opponents he can face on RAW that would improve the show's quality, from AJ Styles to Keith 'Bearcat' Lee. Things are looking great for the Monday night show.
#1 Drew McIntyre to SmackDown (No.5 in the WWE Draft 2021)
One of the most important pieces of business so far during the WWE Draft 2021 has seen Drew McIntyre move to SmackDown. He desperately needed this move, having gotten pretty stale on RAW. With that being said, The Scottish Warrior was incredible on the Red brand.
He was the top star during the most difficult period in WWE's history but remained in the main event scene for too long. McIntyre needed a change in setting, which he will receive following Crown Jewel. This is just what the doctor ordered for the two-time WWE Champion
He could get completely rejuvenated in time for a program opposite Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship. Could Drew McIntyre be the one who dethrones The Tribal Chief?
