10 Biggest Missed Opportunities From WWE Draft 2016

5. Getting The Draft Order Wrong

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In selecting Charlotte and Finn Balor third and fifth respectively, WWE sent the message that these were truly important superstars whom the company believed in, and saw as a huge part of their future. While Charlotte was already enjoying a prominent position on the card, her and Balor were legitimised as big-time players on the WWE roster. Picked over the likes of John Cena and Roman Reigns, their stature grew immediately, and the buzz for Balor’s debut has never been louder.

On the other end of the spectrum, Kevin Owens, once touted as a potential top 10 pick, fell to 18th. Cesaro, one of the company’s most talented all-round technical wrestlers, hit a lowly 28th, lagging behind such luminaries as Nia Jax (25), Baron Corbin (19), and The Big Show (23).

Cesaro had every right to be upset in his fiery, post-Draft shoot. This was a great chance for WWE to give wrestlers like him and Owens the recognition that their talents deserve. The low position likely won’t hinder Owens’ future, but for Cesaro, it’s a potentially devastating blow, and one that confirms the WWE have no interest in ever advancing him beyond his current level.

The draft should’ve enhanced Cesaro and Owens. Instead, WWE completely undermined all tenets of the supposed “New Era” by drafting swathes of directionless midcarders over some of the most talented superstars on their roster.

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Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.