10 Booking Directions Heading Into WWE Payback 2017

It’s somewhat puzzling that, despite being fully aware of WWE drafts weeks before they take place, superstars never make an effort to cosy up to management on the brand they’d most like to spend the next twelve months. Wrestlers might grumble about their current treatment on RAW, but they never seem to make a concerted effort to prove their value to the opposing brand’s higher-ups.

In lieu of an actual opponent to feud with, Sami Zayn has been slotted into a charming B-story about his own rocky relationship with management, his idolisation and respect for former General Manager Mick Foley, and his dedication to standing up for the little guy. With both RAW and SmackDown’s General Managers now the benevolent kind, Sami might have a lot less to rebel against, but his recent interaction with Kurt Angle serves as a seed for a potential (ahem) angle.

Now fully aware that both brands will be fairer places to work, Sami could decide to show up on SmackDown LIVE to prove his worth to Daniel Bryan. He doesn’t wrestle, but he can be seen backstage across both brands attempting to persuade the GMs why he should be drafted high.

It could make for some fun scenes, and would drive up anticipation for the eventual reveal of Sami’s assigned roster.