There are several reasons WWE chose not to make big roster changes during the 2024 WWE Draft. Many of them make sense too.
Highlights
- WWE focused on protecting current roster and titles in #WWEDraft to avoid disrupting storylines and add prestige.
- By not moving too many stars, WWE made the picks more significant and emphasized the importance of NXT call-ups.
- Each GM took pride in their roster, showing commitment to established stars and bringing consistency for future deals.
Following two nights of the 2024 WWE Draft, some fans have criticized WWE for keeping a good portion of the current roster on their respective shows. While nearly 15 names actually switched brands, the draft itself felt underwhelming to some who have grown accustomed to big names moving around and the draft being a time to shake things up. WWE chose, for the most part, not to do that. There’s a few solid reasons as to why.
First, WWE is aware of past perceptions that the company had rarely taken the draft and the brand split seriously. The same fans who are complaining that not enough names moved are often the same fans who complain when a star switches brands but is then brought to the opposite brand in the weeks that followed. WWE used to call it brand exemptions and had a loose rule in place about how one star could show up, but the company never showed any consistency with it. By not switching as many names, thus not ruining current storylines and interrupting active rivalries, WWE doesn’t have to go against the results of their draft selections.
Full Results of The 2024 WWE Draft
Everyone who changed brands in the draft, and also notes on which Superstars are staying put.
One example was WWE’s choice to change their title belts leading up to the draft. They protected their champions because the idea that titleholders would simply trade belts was a running joke. To see the Raw and SmackDown tag team champions just swap their championships like they meant absolutely nothing did nothing for titles. Now, with the brands removed from the names, even if the champions were to switch, the trade isn’t as extreme. Protecting the champions of their respective brands also brings more prestige to each set of titles.
Second, not moving as many names made the stars that did move mean more. WWE wanted to focus on the promotions of NXT stars and they accomplished the goal of having those call-ups feel significant. That a couple of the names were drawn in the first round on each night was a big deal, especially to people in NXT. Treating that brand like it matters is an important part of WWE’s strategy to elevate the brand moving forward.
The Active Rosters Mattered To Each GM And It Should To Fans
Finally, WWE thought it was important to show that each show’s GM took pride in their respective rosters. WWE made a big deal out of saying that this year’s draft was as much about protecting the stars they had as it was about acquiring new names. WWE wants to establish certain performers as Raw and SmackDown-established stars. This matters when it comes to television and streaming deals and brings a sense of consistency that matters to companies like Netflix, even if the roster can change again before that big move.
