8 Last Minute WWE Draft Rumors You Need To Know
The draft is almost here, but the speculation continues...
One of the most hotly-anticipated professional wrestling events of the year is almost upon us. Announced all the way back on May 25th, WWE’s 2016 Brand Split will finally kick-off on tonight’s live SmackDown when Shane and Stephanie McMahon meet to draft the two unique talent rosters for the first time since 2011.
It’s a dramatic change in circumstances for WWE talent and management alike, and regardless of whether or not it succeeds in refreshing Raw and SmackDown in the long-run, get ready for a huge shake-up.
Details have been scant since the split was first announced, but WWE are finally showing their hand. On Sunday, we learned that Raw will pick first and receive three picks for every two that SmackDown makes, tag teams can be drafted with a single pick, and six names will be called-up from NXT.
Then, on Monday Night Raw, Mick Foley was confirmed was the red show’s General Manager (working beneath his commissioner, Stephanie), while Daniel Bryan will fill the same role under Shane on SmackDown. Aside from that, nobody really knows what’s going to happen tonight, and speculation continues to mount.
There are 10 last minute rumours ahead of tonight’s WWE Draft.
8. Kota Ibushi & Gran Metalik To Debut?
Kota Ibushi and Gran Metalik (better known as CMLL’s Mascara Dorada) made their official WWE debuts in last week’s first Cruiserweight Classic show, with both wrestlers impressing in their first round victories. Ibushi then went on to wrestle Buddy Murphy at last week’s NXT TV taping, and PWTorch reported over the weekend that both he and Metalik had signed deals to stay-on with WWE after the CWC.
The latest rumour doing the rounds is that Metalik may bypass NXT entirely, and Ibushi’s first NXT appearance will be his last. Both wrestlers are reportedly set to jump straight to the main roster, and help spearhead Raw’s brand new Cruiserweight division (as announced by Stephanie McMahon last night).
It’s no surprise that WWE have shown a long-term interest in both wrestlers. Among the biggest stars in their respective native countries, Metalik and Ibushi are both among the favourites to win the CWC, and with WWE short on Cruiserweights ahead of the division’s revival, fast-tracking them to the main roster isn’t too far-fetched. They probably won’t feature prominently on tonight’s live draft, but don’t be surprised to see both men appear in Stephanie’s last few rounds of picks.
Source: Cageside Seats