Partial Source: The Torch
We have some news regarding the upcoming WWE Draft. This past week on RAW Vince McMahon came out and announced that some time within the next month, we’re going to “shake things up” and see some wrestlers jumping from one brand to another. Many people were expecting the Draft to take place right after WrestleMania and are probably wondering why this didn’t happen.
There are two major reasons behind the draft taking place in May. The first reason is that WWE is currently on tour overseas and are using cards that have been promoted for months. We’ve all heard the “Card Subject to Change” line but WWE did not want to have something as dramatic as a roster shuffle occur when they have been promoting certain wrestlers to sell tickets for the tours.
The second reason is that WWE wanted to wait until after both brands had their post-WrestleMania PPVs (RAW’s Backlash and SmackDown!’s Judgement Day). Coming off WrestleMania, both brands have built-in feuds. A lot of the matches are rematches from WrestleMania and switching up the roster right after WrestleMania would kill those plans.
As of now, the date for the Draft is set for May 23rd, the night after Judgement Day. Vince McMahon didn’t announce an official date because he wants to create a feeling of unpredictability about when the draft will be. Last year the Draft was a huge ratings success and they are hoping fans will tune in every week over the next month knowing the draft can come at any time.
