5 reasons why WWE needs a 2022 mid-year draft
Depending on who's asked, WWE's either fine the way it is or needs changes. 2021 was a huge year for WWE as it returned to running live events with the fans. WWE also released over 80 superstars while rebooting NXT.
The promotion reported record profits in 2021, but the on-screen product is received differently from WWE's income. Last year saw the continuation of the dominance of The Tribal Chief Roman Reigns over SmackDown.
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Brock Lesnar returned to be a consistent presence in the main event scene. Ronda Rousey is back for more action. The RAW and SmackDown Women's Champions are two of the usual suspects in Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair.
The Draft last October set up both brands for the next few months. Since then, there have been several releases and departures. Those roster moves mainly decimated the mid-cards of both brands.
Things need a bit of reshuffling in WWE. Here are five reasons why a mid-year draft in 2022 would be helpful.
#5. It will allow NXT stars to move up and provide for returns
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One thing that has been a part of recent WWE Drafts is picks from NXT. Austin Theory, Hit Row, Ridge Holland, Xia Li, and others moved up to RAW or SmackDown last fall.
Another draft will allow some NXT stars to advance. Stars like LA Knight, Tommaso Ciampa, Io Shirai, and Raquel Gonzalez are more than ready to join one of the main-roster brands. Both shows could also use their varying talents.
Having a second Draft within the last half-year will allow popular stars to return. Performers like Asuka, Bayley, Elias, and others are either recovering from injuries or out of creative plans. Another Draft would make returns meaningful rather than just having them show up.
Post-WrestleMania returns used to be a big deal, but last year came and went without a huge bang. That could be a way for the likes of Bayley and Asuka to return.
Being selected in a second Draft will be a way to spotlight their returns. WWE needs moments to hype certain shows, and another Draft will be something worthy of the hype.