WWE: Redrafting Raw and SmackDown’s 2016 Brand Split
Six months later, how would we redraft the 2016 WWE selection show?
In July 2016, WWE had a draft to create to second ever brand split. This divided the rosters, with one part going to Raw and the others going to SmackDown. The latter also moved to Tuesday nights on a live recording. WWE had taped the show on this day for years, but only went live maybe once or twice per year.
With the creation of the brand split, certain Superstars benefited and took advantage of their opportunities. Others floundered and fell off the map on either Raw or SmackDown.
Months later, the landscape of WWE looks quite different, including where certain Superstars would be placed in the draft. So, we decided to go back to the drawing board and redraft the 2016 selection show. It will have the following criteria:
- Order is based off the 2016 draft
- Current titleholders are factored into this
- Some part-timers included
- Old NXT call-ups and new ones are in this
Must Read: Predicting the Odds for Potential Rumble Entrants
There are also 64 total picks. Some from the previous draft will not be seen on here due to too much time away with an injury or being released by WWE.
With new champions, faces, and storylines impacting how WWE looks, what would a redraft of the 2016 WWE Draft look like? Who would go first? Which brand would the Intercontinental champion go? How about the Universal Champion?
Follow along as we dive into all 64 picks and place these Superstars on the two different brands.
WWE.com
1. Raw – Kevin Owens
Kevin Owens fell to No. 18 in the 2016 WWE Draft, something that came as a bit of a surprise. However, just six weeks later, he would become the second-ever WWE Universal Champion and has held the belt ever since August 29.
Owens goes first here because there’s no reason to take him off Raw, and because he’s still the titleholder. That could change as we head into the Royal Rumble pay-per-view, but he has done enough to take the top draft pick from Seth Rollins. KO hasn’t been able to retain his title without the help of Chris Jericho, which could make him a weak champion. There’s little reason to push him further down, though.
2. SmackDown – AJ Styles
AJ Styles is the bonafide No. 1 overall selection for SmackDown, and there’s not much debate to it. He’s been their top star since July’s draft and is in the midst of his first WWE Championship run. It has lasted since September’s Backlash pay-per-view, and could extend past the Royal Rumble, if he can get past John Cena.
Despite Styles being a heel, he’s essentially become the top face with the crowd reactions he receives. Sure, he’s supposed to be getting heat, but the fans have loved him too much since his debut last January. He takes this top spot from Dean Ambrose, who isn’t much further down the list.