The WWE Draft takes place each year around Backlash and aims to shake up the rosters while setting out a clear divide between brands and who wrestles for them; a line that is often blurred in the build up to WrestleMania.
Who got Moved in the WWE Live Draft on Raw?
On the 14th of April a number of cross-branded matches took place on Raw with the winner of each gaining (at least) 1 random draft for their respective brand. By the end of the show the following 12 Superstars/Divas had been drafted:
- M.V.P drafted to Raw (from Smackdown)
- The Big Show drafted to Raw (from Smackdown)
- Melina drafted to Smackdown (from Raw)
- Matt Hardy drafted to Raw (from Smackdown)
- Triple H drafted to Raw (from Smackdown)
- C.M Punk drafted to Smackdown (from Raw)
- The Miz drafted to Raw (from ECW)
- Kane drafted to Smackdown (from Raw)
- Chris Jericho drafted to Smackdown (from Raw)
- Vladimir Kozlov drafted to ECW (from Smackdown)
- Maryse drafted to Raw (from Smackdown)
- Rey Mysterio drafted to Smackdown (from Raw)
Views on the Live Raw Draft
The biggest move of the draft is undoubtedly the WWE Champion Triple H moving to Raw from Smackdown and effectively (at least for the time being) leaving them without a heavyweight champion. Raw did pretty well with all their picks and Superstars like Matt Hardy, M.V.P and The Miz now have a chance to prove themselves on what is considered by most as the number 1 show in the WWE.
Although Raw did well, they also lost some big names with the most accomplished being Chris Jericho. Jericho has been completely under-used since dropping the World Heavyweight Championship and hopefully the move to Smackdown will lead to a much deserved push. The same also applies for Kane who has been overlooked for a long time regardless of his location, but Smackdown needs new main event talent and The Big Red Machine could certainly fit the bill.
ECW clearly came off worst during the live draft, despite only losing and gaining one Superstar. The Miz left the land of Extreme, being replaced by Vladimir Kozlov. The Miz was a real asset teaming with John Morrison where as Kozlov is widely considered a liability, with a lot of his matches requiring heavy editing before being televised.
Who Switched Shows in The WWE Supplemental Draft?
A total of 24 Superstars/Divas were re-distributed during the Supplemental Draft, which took place on WWE.Com on the 15th of April and saw teams ripped apart (and in most cases reunited).
ECW did much better in the supplemental draft losing only 3 members of the roster and gaining 5, with all having the potential to improve and/or make a name for themselves before moving back to Raw or Smackdown.
There weren't really any huge surprises in the supplemental draft; Primo & Carlito switched brands with Cryme Tyme, The Bella Twins moved to Raw while Candice Michelle and Layla moved to Smackdown and in the most bizarre move of the draft Hornswoggle moved to Raw without his on-screen father Finlay.
Overall Impressions of the 2009 WWE Roster Draft
There weren't many 'oh my gosh' moments in the 2009 draft but there were enough big moves to shake things up and add more interest to all three brands. Natalya and D.H Smith were both drafted to ECW and with the links to the Hart Foundation played upon heavily it would be fair to say there were more than a few hints that there could be a re-incarnation some time soon.
The landscape of the WWE has certainly changed following the draft and fans will no doubt be eager to see which superstars flourish under their new circumstances.
For more information on the 2009 Draft, including a full list of the Supplemental draft picks Click Here.
Jay Davies - Jay Davies is a 25 year old graduate of the University of Lincoln's School of Journalism, currently residing in South Yorkshire, ...
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