6 Problems WWE Solved In The 2019 Draft

1. SmackDown's Sea Of Stars

Big beefy boys on SmackDown
WWE.com

"'My God, it's full of stars!' Vince McMahon said, gazing out across SmackDown: A FOX Odyssey," is what Mauro Ranallo might say when reviewing the new-look SD roster.

Stacking SmackDown with a selection of WWE's biggest stars was always going to be a priority in this draft. FOX is a bigger network than USA, SD is the new A-show, and with the brand's new home seemingly looking for upwards of 3 million viewers a week, it needed names. WWE were largely successful in ticking this box in the 2019 Draft, though Raw wasn't totally pilfered in the process.

Brock Lesnar is the most notable addition, having taken the WWE Champions from Kofi Kingston and SmackDown's inaugural FOX broadcast. Roman Reigns sticking around is a massive benefit, too, and perhaps Braun Strowman can finally become the beast WWE never allowed him to be on Raw. In the women's division, Sasha Banks and Bayley aren't Ronda Rousey but can keep the throne warm before 'The Baddest Woman on the Planet' strolls back into the promotion.

It's a big, bold lineup befitting the show's bigger, bolder presentation. Let's hope it delivers.

Channel Manager
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.