The WWE Draft is just a day away, and a new report has given major insight into the proceedings.
On the April 7th episode of SmackDown, Triple H made an appearance to announce that the WWE Draft would soon be taking place. He claimed it would be the biggest Draft in company history, and also noted that every WWE Superstar was eligible to be drafted, indicating that NXT stars will be included.
The Draft is set to begin on the April 28th episode of SmackDown in Corpus Christi, TX and will conclude on the May 1st episode of Raw in Fort Worth. Numerous NXT stars have reportedly been in consideration for a main roster call-up including Bron Breakker, Tyler Bate, Cora Jade, Ilja Dragunov, Zoey Stark, and Joe Gacy. After Pretty Deadly were sent to swim with the fishes on the most recent episode of NXT, PWInsider reported that they were expected to be at SmackDown for the first night of the Draft.
Cameron Grimes, is another name who’s been expected on the main roster for quite some time, and he even worked a SmackDown taping in February. According to a new report from Fightful Select, WWE sources indicated that NXT talent do not work SmackDown tapings, indicating that Grimes is already considered to be a main roster star.
Fightful’s report continues, noting that NXT stars regularly work Main Event tapings before Monday Night Raw as opposed to working SmackDown tapings. Numerous NXT stars with varying levels of experience have appeared on Main Event in recent months, though the report notes this is not always an indication that someone is being considered for the main roster. Sources told Fightful that NXT talent are meant to add intrigue to Main Event as well as give the performers experience outside of the Florida live events put on by the brand.
While appearing on Main Event doesn’t mean a call-up is imminent, putting on a good performance on the show goes a long way to help get a star’s name in the conversation.
WWE Hall Of Famer Teddy Long Set For WWE Draft
Fightful Select also revealed that WWE Hall of Famer Teddy Long has been contacted to appear at the WWE Draft. Long is most associated with SmackDown, having served as General Manager of the blue brand for many years. There is no information at this time as to what his role will be on the show.
Long was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame as part of the class of 2017.