WWE Draft First Pick Year by Year

The WWE Draft, otherwise called the WWE Superstar Shake-up during specific periods, is a process used by the WWE to refresh its roster between the two flagship brands, RAW and SmackDown. This process traces back to 2002 when the brand split was first presented by WWF. At first, named the WWF Draft Lottery, it went through different name changes throughout the long term, advancing into the WWE Brand Extension Draft and lastly choosing the WWE Draft.

The draft allows the movement of wrestlers between brands, including those from WWE NXT. Moreover, former brands like ECW and 205 Live have additionally partaken in draft occasions during various periods of the advancement's brand split initiatives. Between 2017 and 2019, the draft went through a rebranding as the "Superstar Shake-up," during which grapplers were exchanged or moved between brands through background decisions. However, with the inversion to its original name, the WWE Draft, and a return to a traditional draft, the occasion recaptured its prominence.

While the draft didn't occur in 2022, it got back in 2023 and is planned for its eighteenth iteration in 2024. Notably, the 2024 WWE Draft denotes the first draft under the creative control of Triple H. This upcoming draft, set to be a two-night occasion will be held on April 26-29. It is expected to achieve significant changes and shake-ups inside the WWE scene. It displays the consistently developing nature of the game and the advancement's obligation to keep its item new and energizing.

All WWE Draft’s First Pick in History

The Rock (SmackDown, 2002)

The Rock turned into the very first draft pick in WWE history, setting his status as a wrestling icon. The debut WWE Draft highlighted Vince McMahon and Ric Flair contending to choose the top talents for their brands, with McMahon at last picking "The Brahma Bull" for SmackDown.

Rene Dupree (SmackDown, 2004)

Following its introduction, the Draft went through massive changes. The General Managers of RAW and SmackDown, Eric Bischoff and Paul Heyman partook in a draft lottery, where they haphazardly chose six grapplers each. Heyman, having the first pick, picked Rene Dupree of La Resistance as SmackDown's top choice in WWE's second Draft.

John Cena (RAW, 2005, SmackDown 2011)

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During the draft, RAW and SmackDown made a sum of ten picks and executed an eleven-man trade, including a sum of 22 grapplers. John Cena was the first choice in the 2005 draft, moving to the RAW brand in 2005. Cena, then the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, had beaten JBL at WrestleMania 21 for his inaugural World Title.

In 2011, altogether 29 grapplers were picked in 30 picks, with eight picks made on broadcast and 22 choices online. Just five of the drafted grapplers were female. SmackDown dominating the first match, got the initial Draft choice. It acquired John Cena who turned into the subsequent grappler in Draft history to switch brands two times, following Triple H.

The Great Khali (SmackDown, 2007)

In the 2007 Draft, RAW, SmackDown, and ECW combat for picks in matches, dissimilar to the earlier year where just RAW and SmackDown were involved. A sum of 23 draft decisions were made among the three brands, bringing about the selection of 27 grapplers. SmackDown got the primary pick when Edge beat John Cena, prompting The Great Khali to be randomly chosen to move to the Blue Brand. Soon after, Khali came out on top for the World Heavyweight Title.

Rey Mysterio (RAW, 2008)

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In the 2008 WWE Draft, grapplers contended in matches to get irregular draft decisions for their particular brands, reflecting the format of the 2007 Draft. Draft selections were determined by a PC shown on the RAW Titantron. Rey Mysterio returned to RAW, denoting the first selection of the Draft from the SmackDown brand to RAW. The 2008 Draft denoted the conclusion of the Ruthless Aggression Era.

MVP (RAW, 2009)

In the 2009 WWE Draft, RAW, SmackDown, and ECW were all essential for the selection process for the third time. A sum of 36 draft picks were made, the most since the 2002 Draft. RAW procured the first chance by dominating the initial game, prompting the securing of the then-US Champion MVP from SmackDown. This is undeniably the initial time in history that the WWE US Title moved to RAW while being held by its defending champ.

Kelly Kelly (SmackDown, 2010)

In the draft, 21 representatives were chosen in 19 picks, the lowest number beginning around 2004. SmackDown got the primary pick after dominating the initial game, picking Kelly Kelly as the only female grappler picked on TV. Kelly Kelly, who came out on top for the WWE Divas Title once, joined the brand accordingly.

Seth Rollins (RAW, 2016)

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In mid-2016, WWE once again introduced the brand split through a Draft, considering the extended grappler list, including NXT. Vince McMahon designated Shane McMahon as SmackDown chief and Stephanie McMahon as RAW Chief. The next week, Mick Foley (RAW) and Daniel Bryan (SmackDown) are unveiled as general managers. Rollins turned into RAW's first Draft pick.

Apollo Crews (RAW, 2017)

In 2017, WWE held its 11th draft, known as the Superstar Shake-up, denoting a change in branding. The first grappler who moved to the RAW brand during this occasion was Apollo Crews. A former US and Intercontinental Titleholder took the move as a feature of the Superstar Shake-up.

Jinder Mahal (RAW, 2018)

In 2017, WWE presented the Superstar Shake-up, supplanting the traditional Draft format. Another Shake-up was reported for April 16 and 17, 2018, where exchanges were worked with by commissioners and general managers of RAW and SmackDown. Jinder Mahal was the main pick to move back to RAW, carrying the US Title with him. However, he lost the title to Jeff Hardy later that very evening, after 8 days of reign.

Becky Lynch and The Miz (RAW, 2019)

In 2019, WWE held two Drafts because of issues with the Wild Card Rule and SmackDown's transition to Fox. More than 70 grapplers from RAW, SmackDown, NXT, and 205 Live were qualified for enlistment to one or the other brand. The Miz was the first-round pick in April and Becky Lynch was the first-round pick in October. During the Superstar Shake-up, The Miz was chosen as the best option for RAW and accordingly looked for retribution against Shane McMahon. Becky Lynch was drafted as the main pick for RAW during the second draft in 2019, prompting a fight with Lacey Evans.

Drew McIntyre (RAW, 2020)

The 2020 Draft was declared on September 27 during Clash of Champions. It was booked for October 9 and 12 on SmackDown and RAW, individually. More than 60 grapplers, including champions, were drafted. The former WWE Champion Drew McIntyre was the top pick and joined Monday Night RAW.

Roman Reigns (SmackDown, 2021)

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In 2021, WWE held its sixteenth Draft for more than two evenings. It began on October 1 with Friday Night SmackDown and finished on October 4 with Monday Night RAW. The venues were Baltimore, Maryland, and Nashville, Tennessee, broadcasted on Fox and the USA Network. Roman Reigns, the former Universal Titleholder was picked as SmackDown's first-round pick.

Roman Reigns, Paul Heyman, and Solo Sikoa (SmackDown, 2023)

The former undisputed WWE Universal Titleholder and The Tribal Chief was the primary pick of the 2023 Draft. He was drafted to SmackDown along with 3/5 of The Bloodline stable was drafted to the blue brand.

List of All WWE Draft’s first pick in History