The 2024 WWE Draft is right around the corner, giving the company the perfect chance to shake things up for each brand. With WWE Raw, WWE SmackDown, and WWE NXT all involved there is a possibility for major change coming out of the WWE WrestleMania season, kickstarting a new period for the company.
10 Things You Forgot About WWE’s First Draft In 2002
The 2002 draft changed everything for WWE with the birth of SmackDown, and there’s a lot that fans should know about it.
While certain wrestlers would benefit from staying put, some current stars are in the opposite situation. There are plenty who would thrive on a new roster, getting a change of scenery, and having fresh opponents to work against. For many, they’re stuck in a rut, and that is why they must get moved.
It’s Time For Baron Corbin To Make A Main Roster Return
Where He Should Go: SmackDown
- Corbin held the NXT Tag Team Championships with Bron Breakker
- Corbin was left as a free agent after the 2023 draft
The black and gold brand is set to have a presence on the WWE draft this year, and while a lot of focus will rightly go on the young talent people could see, there is a veteran who needs to be plucked from WWE NXT. Baron Corbin has been putting together some of the best work of his career lately, and it’s time that the main roster gets to see that.
Corbin always commands a response from the WWE Universe, and inside the ring, he is incredibly underrated. However, now is the right time to move him to WWE SmackDown, tapping into his recent tag team partnership with Bron Breakker, which could then set up a big singles feud down the line to benefit the younger wrestler.
Shinsuke Nakamura Needs A Change Of Scenery
Where He Should Go: NXT
- He’s a former NXT Champion
- Nakamura has been stuck as a mid-card act on Raw
WWE did a terrific job changing Shinsuke Nakamura’s presentation during his feud against Cody Rhodes. Allowing him to speak Japanese with detailed vignettes was a smart move, but it was essentially done to just put over the American Nightmare rather than to make Nakamura seem like a star.
Every Look Of Shinsuke Nakamura’s Wrestling Career, Ranked Worst To Best
Shinsuke Nakamura has entertained wrestling fans for over 2 decades now, with plenty of different looks spanning his career.
However, what it did do was prove that there is still gas in the tank as far as Nakamura is concerned. Drafting him would tap into that, and a return to WWE NXT could be an ideal situation. It would ensure he’s featured as a main event star which gets the best out of him, while the experience younger stars would get from working with him would be equally as beneficial.
Jey Uso Needs To Be Back In The Bloodline Mix
Where He Should Go: SmackDown
- He was traded to Raw for Kevin Owens
- Jey Uso left The Bloodline by his own choice
Jey Uso has thrived working as a singles act, and it is clear that the WWE Universe is happy to accept him in that role. However, that doesn’t mean that he can’t be fighting by his brother’s side at times as well. Inner turmoil amongst The Bloodline could be coming, and if it does then Jey needs to be part of it.
The idea of Roman Reigns running a babyface version of the group against a new setup led by The Rock could be a huge storyline. For that to happen, Jey would be best served on the blue brand where he can reunite with Jimmy, while also being a major star in the singles division.
The Pride Could Use A New Environment
Where They Should Go: Raw
- The Pride defeated The Final Testament at WWE WrestleMania 40
- The Pride are yet to win any titles since becoming a group
Bobby Lashley’s partnership with The Street Profits hasn’t quite hit the heights that most people expected considering the talent of all three men involved. However, that doesn’t mean that the group cannot become one of the top factions in the company, and switching brands might be the right way to do that.
Being on the red brand would give them more television time which would allow all three to shine. Considering the popularity that they have, The Pride would make brilliant rivals for The Judgment Day if booked right.
LA Knight Could Make A Move This Time
Where He Should Go: Raw
- Knight is one of WWE’s most popular stars
- He is yet to win a title on WWE’s main roster
LA Knight is one of the most popular members of the WWE roster at the moment, and that in itself could open him up to a move across to WWE Raw. The company often places stars that sell a lot of merch across to the red brand, and ahead of the move to Netflix, that’s something WWE might consider.
He’s got a lot of room to grow as a performer too which is beneficial to him being part of a three-hour show as WWE can give him even more time on the microphone and inside the ring. Seeing him compete for the World Heavyweight Championship wouldn’t be a shock, as that is the level he has now reached.
Shayna Baszler Deserves A True Singles Run
Where She Should Go: SmackDown
- She has yet to hold singles gold on the main roster
- Baszler defeated Ronda Rousey in her final WWE match
Throughout her time on the main roster, WWE has failed to get the best out of Shayna Baszler as a singles performer which is a missed opportunity considering her ability to be a dominant heel. Triple H got the best out of her in WWE NXT, and allowing her to be a hard-hitting badass once again would help any women’s division.
Considering WWE SmackDown has a babyface champion in Bayley, now might be the time to pull the trigger on Baszler as a legitimate threat to her. They could produce engaging storylines, and letting Baszler be a top heel could freshen things up on the blue brand.
Bianca Belair Is Ready For A Major Push Again
Where She Should Go: Raw
- She’s recently been teaming with Jade Cargill
- Belair is a former Raw Women’s Champion
Rhea Ripley’s recent injury was a serious blow to the WWE Raw women’s division when it comes to star power. While the roster still has some major names such as Becky Lynch and Liv Morgan, there’s no doubt that the red brand could do with a shot in the arm.
Bianca Belair’s Definitive 10 Best WWE Matches, Ranked
Bianca Belair has had a variety of strong showings in WWE, but which matches stand above the others?
That is where Bianca Belair could step in. She’s been on the backburner for a while now, but remains popular with fans, and giving her a big push once again as the face of the WWE Raw women’s division would be a great change of pace for her.
Cody Rhodes Can Take Roman Reigns’ Spot
Where He Should Go: SmackDown
- Rhodes is the current Undisputed WWE Universal Champion
- He could be the face of the blue brand
WWE Raw might be the flagship show for the company, but the company puts just as much effort into the blue brand nowadays. Roman Reigns has been the face of WWE SmackDown for several years at this point, but now he’s no longer champion and working a part-time schedule the show could use a top star to truly be the face.
That is where Cody Rhodes should step in. The red brand has the World Heavyweight Championship, and the likes of Damian Priest, Drew McIntyre, and Sami Zayn are capable of carrying the show. That opens up a move for Rhodes, keeping him fresh and creating lots of new opponents for him.
