All the stars picked by SmackDown following the first night of the 2024 WWE Draft (April 26, 2024): Multi-time champion, NXT star & more
The first round of the 2024 WWE Draft is in the books after the latest episode of SmackDown. While the contract signing between Cody Rhodes and AJ Styles kicked off the night, what happened in the Draft changed the landscapes of all three brands.
Before the first selection was even made, fans knew that all current champions would stay on their respective brands. That meant that Rhodes, Bayley, Austin Theory and Grayson Waller, and Logan Paul were already members of the new-look blue brand.
After the first four rounds of this year's draft, here's what the SmackDown roster looks like after Night One.
#3. SmackDown keeps Bianca Belair with the draft's top pick
Since Roman Reigns took himself out of the running to be drafted, it meant that The Bloodline wouldn't be the first overall pick as many thought.
Without the presence of The Tribal Chief, Bianca Belair earned top-pick status on Night One. She stays on SmackDown and with Jade Cargill, she'll challenge for the Women's Tag Team Titles at Backlash: France.
Joining Belair in the first round was NXT's Carmelo Hayes, a former two-time NXT Champion. His selection was a little shocking as he was chosen over long-time stars like Seth Rollins and Randy Orton.
#2. A few changes in the second and third rounds
A familiar face stayed put on the blue brand as Randy Orton was the first pick in the second round.
He was joined by Nia Jax who moved over from WWE RAW. She wasted no time in attacking the WWE Women's World Champion Bayley.
The third round was more about keeping current assets as SmackDown kept LA Knight with the first pick. The blue brand then confirmed The Bloodline's drop by making the faction its second selection of the third round.
#1. The final round added a familiar face
In the closing round of Night One of the WWE Draft 2024, SmackDown picked two trusted veterans. AJ Styles was the first selection of the fourth round, staying on the blue brand.
Andrade was the blue brand's second pick of the last round, moving over from the red brand. If the LWO and/or Legado Del Fantasma stay on Friday nights, then he may resume that feud after rosters are locked on May 6.
Andrade joins Knight, Styles, Rhodes, Orton, The Bloodline, Logan Paul, and Carmelo Hayes in the men's division. A Town Down Under remained the lone tag team. Joining Bayley after Night One were Nia Jax and Bianca Belair in the women's division.