WWE Draft News, How NXT Is Affected
Added 2023-04-27 18:22:09 +0000 UTCThe WWE Draft is upon us, and Fightful has learned some lines of thinking that WWE has ahead of this year's draft.
It's important to note, that nothing is set in stone, and we've seen changes happen all the way up to one hour before the show.
Ilja Dragunov is a name that was pitched to potentially join the main roster for the draft. We can confirm PWinsider's report that Pretty Deadly were pitched as well. Tyler Bate has also been pitched, per WRKD Wrestling/
Cameron Grimes has been considered for a main roster call-up for months, and actually worked a Smackdown taping in February. When we asked about his status, we were told that WWE doesn't have NXT talent work the Smackdown tapings.
Instead, NXT talent regularly works WWE Main Event tapings before Raw. Of late we've seen tons of talent at varying degrees of experience appear on those tapings. Sources familiar with the situation said that's to add intrigue to the Main Event show, get talent reps in front of bigger non-Florida TV crowds, see how they work on main roster TV, and evaluate the talent working with veterans. While it isn't an indication that a call-up is even being considered, it can go a long way with a good performance.
It's worth noting that just because an NXT talent is working tapings or dark matches, doesn't mean they're primed for a call up. Both Dakota Kai and Bronson Reed were regularly at main roster tapings before their releases their first go around.
Teddy Long was contacted to appear at the Draft as well.
Comments
Teddy Long should be the honorary Smackdown GM for one night to do the draft while Adam Pierce is the RAW GM. This would solve the problem of having Adam Pierce doing the draft by himself.
Sokun Ros
2023-04-28 00:40:13 +0000 UTCI have no idea how they’re gonna make this make sense. There’s no way, Roman and Cody would not be the Kayfabe top pics but you definitely want them on the same show.
Houstorm
2023-04-27 22:34:25 +0000 UTC"With the first pick of the 2023 WWE Draft Smackdown select The Undertaker" - Teddy Long
Jesus Cisneros
2023-04-27 19:35:06 +0000 UTCHell yeah put Ilja on the same brand as Gunther!
Cody
2023-04-27 19:11:13 +0000 UTCThis whole Cameron Grimes situation is confusing to me. Makes me wonder if he was gonna be part of the Wyatt family thing and it got derailed.
e d
2023-04-27 19:02:52 +0000 UTCHonestly, I don’t know that he’s ready. Waller and Melo have really shown how much weaker he is.
Joseph Cloud
2023-04-27 19:00:27 +0000 UTCHe’ll do the saddest “holla Holla playa” ever
Jon Blain
2023-04-27 18:59:47 +0000 UTCIlya and Gunther would be amazing. I'm guessing Brekker is staying put now since he's helping headline Battleground w Melo.
Vicki Langteau
2023-04-27 18:57:08 +0000 UTCBeating Ilya to break it then losing in the run back would be pretty heat but I’m also fine if they protect him by making him just willingly vacate
Ray
2023-04-27 18:42:45 +0000 UTCTeddy Long is gonna be so confused when he can't draft The Undertaker playa
2023-04-27 18:31:44 +0000 UTCIf Ilja isn’t on GUNTHER’s brand, that’s a failure. I need that run back after GUNTHER breaks the record
Jon Blain
2023-04-27 18:30:33 +0000 UTCI feel like any women who were going to be called up might not because of sol ruca injury
Jordan Lassiter
2023-04-27 18:28:07 +0000 UTC
