WWE Draft Rumor Roundup: 3-Time IC Champion to make surprise return, 3 popular stars left out of draft list?

The WWE Draft begins later tonight on SmackDown. Around 70 Superstars will be drafted over two nights. SmackDown is set to get 30 Superstars for its roster while it looks like RAW will get 40.

There are also big changes coming to the WWE Draft format while we could see a 3-time Intercontinental Champion returning to the company. We also have 5 NXT Superstars already confirmed to move to the main roster and a whole lot more.

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#6 Paul Heyman wants two stars with him on RAW

Paul Heyman wants to keep 'The Fiend' on RAW

Paul Heyman is currently one of the men in-charge of booking Monday Night RAW, although he’s probably never too far away from the scrutiny of Vince McMahon. Heyman has proved in the past that as a booker, he always has a clear and concise vision with long term plans for storylines.

A number of Superstars are expected to change brands tonight and the WWE Draft will give Heyman a chance to bring in some Superstars who he thinks he can elevate to the next level and according to WrestleVotes, two men Heyman desperately wants on RAW are ‘The Fiend’ Bray Wyatt (who is already on RAW) and Aleister Black (who is currently on the blue brand).

It has been reported that Paul Heyman has specifically asked to work with Wyatt and Aleister Black but it remains to be seen if WWE will give Heyman the Superstars he wants.

#5. More on Finn Balor getting drafted to NXT

Finn Balor is back in the black and yellow brand

Last week’s episode of NXT was the first time the black and yellow brand went head to head with AEW Dynamite. One of the biggest moments of the show was Finn Balor’s return to NXT ahead of the WWE Draft.

The was speculation regarding the fact that Balor may have taken a pay cut to go down to NXT but these rumors were squashed by PWInsider who reported that Balor is still on the same salary he was on in the main roster.

#4. FOX executives want to keep two big names on SmackDown

Roman Reigns is one of the Superstars FOX executives want to keep on WWE SmackDown

With all the talk of which WWE Superstars are going to change brands tonight, we haven’t taken as much time to take a look at which Superstars will probably remain where they are. With SmackDown not on FOX, it’s being reported that FOX executives are interested in keeping two big names on the SmackDown brand.

These two Superstars are Roman Reigns and Charlotte Flair. Eric Bischoff, who is one of the names working behind the scenes right now, reportedly does not have as much say in who stays on SmackDown and who goes to RAW as his RAW counterpart, Paul Heyman.

FOX executives are also reportedly interesting in bringing in ‘The Fiend’ Bray Wyatt but as we mentioned before, Paul Heyman has requested to work with Wyatt which may cause him to stay where he is on the red brand. We should find out more in the lead up to the WWE draft later tonight on SmackDown.

#3. Notable names left out of the Draft list?

Naomi

The WWE Draft provides Superstars the chance to refresh their positions on a new brand. Along with the Superstars, it’s also an exciting time for fans. WWE has already announced the preliminary WWE draft pool but a number of notable Superstars are absent from this list.

Amongst these names are Ember Moon and 6-time Tag-Team Champions The Usos. Ember Moon not being in the list of potential draftees has surprised a number of fans. She has been a popular member of the main roster since April 2018 and although she hasn’t appeared on television much off late, this could have been the ideal time to send her over to SmackDown. The Usos being listed as free agents is just as surprising.

Other notable names who are not on the list of draftees are Mike Kanellis, The Ascension, Matt Hardy, and Naomi. The Ascension has barely been on television in the last year which doesn’t make their absence a total surprise. Naomi has been dealing with injuries and some personal issues of late but she hinted on Twitter that she’s almost ready to return. If that is the case, Naomi’s name being kept off could be to keep her return a surprise.

#2. Changes coming to the WWE draft format

The WWE Draft starts later tonight on Friday Night SmackDown

According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, this edition of the WWE Draft will be totally different from previous editions. Meltzer reported on Wrestling Observer Radio this the format of tonight’s WWE Draft could be similar to what we see in Pro Football. The biggest change will be the fact that no authority figures will be involved in the segments.

Meltzer added that most of the big moves from the WWE Draft have already been decided behind the scenes although the Superstars themselves aren’t aware of which brand they will end up. FOX and USA Network executives will also apparently play a role in which Superstar ends up on which brands but there are no further details on this.

As for NXT, Meltzer said that the black and yellow brand will have a negligible role in tonight’s WWE draft. It also looks like Superstars who stay undrafted may continue as free agents meaning they can sign with any brand who wants them, although we aren’t really sure how this would work.

#1. John Morrison set for a sensational return to WWE?

John Morrison

3-Time Intercontinental Champion John Morrison could be all set for a return to WWE. PWInsider reported earlier that Morrison had agreed on a deal to return to WWE if that is indeed true, the best time for him to make his comeback would be at the WWE Draft. Morrison sarcastically replied to PWInsider’s report on Twitter where he neither confirmed nor denied the report, furthering speculation from WWE fans.

Morrison is also a former ECW World Champion and 5-Time Tag-Team Champion in WWE. After leaving WWE in 2011. He then wrestled for Lucha Underground as Johnny Mundo and at Impact Wrestling under the moniker Johnny Impact. Morrison won the top prize at both Lucha Underground and at Impact Wrestling and could be an exciting addition to either the RAW or SmackDown roster.

If Morrison returns on SmackDown tonight, it will be his first appearance in a WWE ring in almost 8 years.

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