BREAKING NEWS: Brand Split Returning

[Mr. Nerfect]

Simple Fan has a good idea, but they should move RAW back to two hours instead of moving SmackDown to three.

[Simple Fan]

You people are insane or completely love wrestling.

I am a wrestling fan.

[Lock Jaw]

Which means you are insane

[Simple Fan]

That's what I was implying.

[Big Vic]

Why not?
Over saturation

[Simple Fan]

If the rosters are split and they don't do a lot of cross overs I don't think that will be a problem. A 3 hour Raw is going to be looked at as superior to the 2 hour Smackdown. I don't see them dropping the 3rd hour for Raw so might as well add a hour to Smackdown. As for the 2 PPVs a month I think it would be fine and if it adds more live wrestling content to the WWE Network I'm cool with it.

[Stickman]

Over-exposure is kind of a problem already though. I's prefer one PPV every other month for each brand. Forces them to try to stretch out feuds instead of running through everything in a couple months like they did with Cena-Owens. The fewer PPVs there are, the more special each episode of Raw/Smackdown become.

100% agree. Remember when fueds went for month intermingling with other fueds? They throw all the matches out there in a matter of months now and it loses the appeal after a feud has a few gimmick matches. No interest in another gimmick match between Ambrose and Jericho which is being advertised for this coming smackdown.

[BigCrippyZ]

Yeah! Who cares about the quality of the shows as long as there are more shows! That's all that matters! :roll:

[Emperor Smeat]

According to PWI, WWE has been contacting former WWE wrestlers to see if they want to come back and help pad the rosters for the upcoming new Brand Split era.

As we reported in the Elite section of PWInsider.com, WWE has been reaching out to a number of former talents over the last several days, checking on their interest in coming back to work for the company once the brand split takes place this July. So, as much as there is talk of raiding the NXT brand for new talents, the company is also looking into bringing back tenured veteran talents as well.

Either the WWE is going to have a massive overall roster or this might be a way to not have NXT be as gutted to fill both rosters.

[Simple Fan]

I wouldn't mind Carlito returning and bring placed with Epico and Primo. Could also see them reaching out to Johnny Mundo to see if he's available to return. Kurt Angle should get a call a well.

[Simple Fan]

Really at this point Vince should just throw a number at Dixie that she can't refuse and take their roster that way he can refill NXT after they raid it. Only a few guys and girls on that roster are main roster worthy. EC3, Lashley, Galloway, Hardys, Eli Drake, Gail Kim, Madison Rayne, Bennett and Maria, and The Wolves are about the only ones I could see on Raw or Smackdown.

[GD]

Slightly amused by the lack of a Carlito profile on WWE.com.

[Emperor Smeat]

While it hasn't been confirmed yet, sources close to PWI within the WWE are teasing the rumors of the WWE increasing the amount of ppvs are very likely true.

While PWInsider.com has not independently confirmed the report, the belief among sources within WWE at the time the planned July split was announced was that the company would add additional Network specials/PPVs to accomodate the split roster.

Rumor started after Jerry Lawler teased at more ppvs arriving as part of the upcoming changes with the new Brand Split era.

http://www.pwinsider.com/article/102678/wwe-expanding-ppv-schedule.html?p=1

[GD]

Over-exposure is kind of a problem already though. I's prefer one PPV every other month for each brand. Forces them to try to stretch out feuds instead of running through everything in a couple months like they did with Cena-Owens. The fewer PPVs there are, the more special each episode of Raw/Smackdown become.

I agree. Focusing on a single "brand-exclusive" PPV every month would be quite beneficial. It will also force the competing brand to book stronger television main events / shows.

As far as over-exposure is concerned, with talents becoming exclusive to either brand, the chances of re-hashing matches from Smackdown on RAW will be eliminated. The writing staffs will be compelled to concentrate on a limited roster and make the best of what they're presented with.

[James Steele]

More PPVs = More Content on Network = More perceived value to Network = Increased Network Subscriptions = More Profits for WWE

It has to do with the WWE Network and WWE doing whatever they can to improve the value and profits from the network. The network is their lifeblood now. Quality wise, it will hurt the product unless they completely have a change in philosophy.

[Heyman]

Brand split can be a terrific idea, IF (and this is a big 'IF') the WWE has learned from its past mistakes from over a decade ago.

New stars can be created, but it all depends on how and what the WWE decide to do.

[Ruien]

More PPVs = More Content on Network = More perceived value to Network = Increased Network Subscriptions = More Profits for WWE

It has to do with the WWE Network and WWE doing whatever they can to improve the value and profits from the network. The network is their lifeblood now. Quality wise, it will hurt the product unless they completely have a change in philosophy.

But it will cost money to run the second ppv every month. Will they really be grabbing enough new subscribers to pay for it and still make a profit?

[erickman]

I wonder if they will do the ppv on the cheap, it will take houseshows away. lets see if the writers can keep up.

[Simple Fan]

I don't think adding another PPV will hurt the quality although the quality right now is shit with a great roster. I think splitting this roster and creative not having to worry about every superstar will help the quality. I didn't like it before when they alternated PPV so I'm all for 2 PPVs a month. Like I said the only thing I use the WWE Network for is NXT occasionally and PPVs. I don't care about the other shit they put on it, I just want live wrestling.

[BigCrippyZ]

More PPVs = More Content on Network = More perceived value to Network = Increased Network Subscriptions = More Profits for WWE

It has to do with the WWE Network and WWE doing whatever they can to improve the value and profits from the network. The network is their lifeblood now. Quality wise, it will hurt the product unless they completely have a change in philosophy.

That's the problem though.

More Content =/= More PERCEIVED value to Network =/= Increased Network Subs

What actually works:

Better or Superb Content = Increased Network Subscriptions = More Profits for WWE = More ACTUAL Value to Network = Better Stock Value/Price for WWE & Shareholders

[Simple Fan]

In my opinion another PPV added a month brings more value to the Network. They usually do well with PPVs compared to Raw so it would better quality I believe.

[XL]

Opposite for me. 9 hours of WWE every 2 weeks (6 on non-PPV weeks) is far too much.

[Heyman]

I hope that the WWE actually keep the rosters in-tact and don't do "drafts" every 12 months or so. Keep wrestlers on separate shows, commit to the split, and let each show have an identity and create new stars. Have a more 'fierce' rivalry between the shows with wrestlers from each show 'invading' the other show, etc.

Bring back Survivor Series, and make the co-PPV's filled with hate and tension.

[Nicky Fives]

2 PPV's a month could work if the big 4 get bumped to 4 hours apiece and made to be "extra special"....

[Heyman]

February PPV = Champ of RAW vs. Champ of Smackdown. Winner gets the shot against the RR winner at Mania.

[Heyman]

Leading up to KOTR, Raw and Smackdown's GM's can brag that they infact have the next big star in the WWE.

Survivor Series - both GM's brag that their top 5 would destroy the other show's Top 5.

The roster split can be a great thing, but I hope the WWE has learned from its past mistakes from 10+ years ago.

[Simple Fan]

I hope that the WWE actually keep the rosters in-tact and don't do "drafts" every 12 months or so. Keep wrestlers on separate shows, commit to the split, and let each show have an identity and create new stars. Have a more 'fierce' rivalry between the shows with wrestlers from each show 'invading' the other show, etc.

I like this idea, could use the draft specifically for NXT talent every year like a real sports draft. Could also have top talents become free agents every once in a while.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

WWE recently filed a claim copyright for "Clash of the Champions." Could be a part of the brand split stuff.

[Simple Fan]

The already have Night of Champions so I a guess they want a PPV for the other show to rival it.

[Simple Fan]

Opposite for me. 9 hours of WWE every 2 weeks (6 on non-PPV weeks) is far too much.

You wouldn't have to watch all 9 hours though. Choose a brand and follow it, if you sour on that brand switch to the other. If they do it right and create two totally different shows it could be pretty good.

[BigCrippyZ]

You wouldn't have to watch all 9 hours though. Choose a brand and follow it, if you sour on that brand switch to the other. If they do it right and create two totally different shows it could be pretty good.

If they do it right, you'd never sour on either brand, which would amount to 9 hours.

[XL]

What he said.

[Stickman]

I wonder if they will have one edgier ahow and one show (cena's) more kid friendly? I think they could reach out to very different demographics that way and it woukd differentiate the products. My fear is both shows will be exactly the same with more filler talent.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Apparently the WWE have reached out to older talent to make a comeback. Helloooooooo ladies!

[Lock Jaw]

Maybe they will bring back Doug Basham!!!

[drave]

Over-exposure is kind of a problem already though. I's prefer one PPV every other month for each brand. Forces them to try to stretch out feuds instead of running through everything in a couple months like they did with Cena-Owens. The fewer PPVs there are, the more special each episode of Raw/Smackdown become.


This x1000000000000000000000 on the Cena/Owens bit alone. Those two could have had soooooooooo much more, elevating Owens higher than he is already and really cementing him as a solid, top tier heel. But no, lolcenawins.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Maybe they will bring back Doug Basham!!!

Wrestling would change.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Danny Davis' pride and joy, baby:

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dtHKTRit6Ss" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Bring back Nunzio while you're at it.

[Evil Vito]

Pulled a Jericho and signed a short-term TPWW contract in order to come back and participate in Tipsters. Figured I'd drop in here because I've been calling for the split to come back for a really long time.

I'm stoked for it, I can't lie. I've soured on the WWE product more and more for the past year or so but I always felt like a proper split would allow them to give more guys exposure and create two shows with unique identities. I'm intrigued by the idea of it and I will probably tune in when the split kicks off to see if it can reinvigorate my interest in the company.

The skeptic inside of me says that the split is merely going to be a device to get Roman Reigns and John Cena apart from each other so that they have an excuse to hold off until WrestleMania next year to have them wrestle.

[Evil Vito]

Apparently the WWE have reached out to older talent to make a comeback. Helloooooooo ladies!

According to Forbes, WWE have reached out to:

Carlito
Goldberg
Jeff Hardy
John Morrison
JTG
Kurt Angle
Rey Mysterio
Shad Gaspard
Shelton Benjamin

Carlito makes a lot of sense to come back because he badly needs to teach his relatives how to have a personality.

Goldberg would be a shocker if he returned. Yes he's working with 2k on the next video game but it's tough to imagine that he'll want to return full-time at nearly 50. If he does come back it's to put over Reigns at one PPV and then go into the HOF next year.

Jeff Hardy has said publicly that he'd like one last WWE run before he retires, and he'd fit the bill of being a guy that is genuinely really over to help boost interest in one of the shows. If he can get out of his TNA deal WWE would definitely take him back.

John Morrison makes sense for the company to bring back but selfishly I actually hope he doesn't agree to return. I absolutely love what he's done on Lucha Underground.

Cryme Tyme having a third run with the company would be a mild surprise given the comments some of them have made after leaving. But with two brands and possibly two different tag divisions I get why they'd need another established team to flesh it out.

Kurt Angle getting one last WWE run has been something most of us have wanted but with him I'm almost uncomfortable watching him wrestle anymore because I feel like he can shatter into a million pieces at a moment's notice. By all means though they should bring him back in some capacity because he would be great in whatever they use him for.

Rey Mysterio - meh. The guy's knees are unfortunately held together by bubble gum at this point. Like Jeff Hardy it makes sense to bring him back for name value but I'd have little faith in him staying healthy. He could put over Kalisto eventually.

Shelton Benjamin is amazing in the ring still so I'd happily welcome him back even though I've been enjoying his work in Japan. Charlie Haas is retired I think but a one-off World's Greatest Tag Team vs. American Alpha match would be fantastic.

[Lock Jaw]

Is Charlie Haas retired? I remember him going on some sort of weird real life rampage and then retiring, but then I think he came back shortly afterwards. Did he retire again?

[Evil Vito]

The Wiki machine says he's semi-retired but right now only works in local Texas promotions.

[James Steele]

I love me some Shelton Benjamin.

[Simple Fan]

Is Charlie Haas retired? I remember him going on some sort of weird real life rampage and then retiring, but then I think he made back shortly afterwards. Did he retire again?

Working the NWA and is currently the NWA Texoma Heavyweight Champion as well as the IWHE Triple Crown Champion. He's in a stable called Outlaw Inc. with Houston Carson, Raymond Rowe, Andy Dalton, Barrett Brown, and Black Bart.

Here's a recent photo.
http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQj4qtVnqjrjEV0dLnpdjj5vqXdWUs06wF8jllNSu2ogP6UK9Mmaw

[Lock Jaw]

He looks really different

[Mr. Nerfect]

Charlie Haas is such a man.

Rey Mysterio coming back would not surprise me at all. They need a big Hispanic star now that they've basically shat themselves on ADR and Kalisto. I imagine Rey would want the company to bring in Ricochet, and I'm sure that he already has their attention. But in the immediate picture, Rey teaming with The Lucha Dragons to join The New Day and The Shining Stars (including Carlito) in a feud would be pretty cool.

Carlito has fought the company on money before. Just pay the guy a reasonable amount because he's one of the few Hispanic guys that has actually managed to get somewhat over. It's not that Epico and Primo don't have personalities -- the company has no clue what to do with Hispanic guys.

John Morrison coming back would be pretty awesome. He looks like a million bucks. They can put him in some movies too. I'd love to see him work with Cesaro. He'll probably either team with or feud with The Miz.

Jeff Hardy coming back is good just from a merchandise standpoint. I doubt he'd be full-time.

Goldberg has got more value than people think. I imagine he'll work a few PPVs and live events when he gets back into the thick of things. They have a template as to what to do with guys like him now.

Shelton Benjamin and MVP would each be a fine signing. I'd rather see them back than Cryme Tyme. I liked both guys in Cryme Tyme, but I feel that the window for them is gone.

[Ruien]

The building would explode if Kurt Angle's name was called in the draft with his music plsying. My lord I hope that happens.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'd love to see Rusev vs. Angle for the US Title. Just saying.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Cesaro vs. Angle is the dream match. Either that or them as a goofy team.

[Juan]

Looks like the draft is gonna happen on the first live Smackdown on 7/19

[slik]

wow

smart idea - good way to get people to turn in!

[Ruien]

They should allow all the champions to pick their own show at the end of the draft. If they decide to have 2 world heavyweight titles that means the other show has to create their own and find a champion while the other show gets and extra superstar. If they go with only 1 title then after the champion loses he is defaulted to the show he picked. Same goes for the tag and women's titles.

US and IC would pick opposite from each other.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

http://i.imgur.com/qxxcnH7h.jpg

Not sold on single brand PPVs still, but love the idea of the old PPV names coming back if that's legit.

[Simple Fan]

Wish they would drop the gimmick ppv like Hell in a Cell and TLC. Looks like the just changed Night of Champions to Clash of Champions, thought for sure they would be rival PPVs for the two brands.

[Simple Fan]

Also Roadblock at the end of the year seems weird, would make sense to just have it as Raw show for February while Smackdown has Fast lane.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Also Roadblock at the end of the year seems weird, would make sense to just have it as Raw show for February while Smackdown has Fast lane.

Yeah, if that's legit then that gets renamed I figure. Backlash after Summerslam at least makes sense.

[Droford]

Backlash on 15th anniversary of 9/11

Real sensirive

[Mr. Nerfect]

Backlash coming back is a good thing, but it feels odd at that point in the year. I'd rather see it in April. Roadblock and No Way Out should be the February PPVs. No Mercy coming back is a good thing. Wish they'd get rid of Hell in a Cell, TLC, Night of Champions and Extreme Rules. Armageddon and Starrcade can be the December PPVs. Vengeance can return to be opposite Backlash in April/May. Payback can be stay in there. You can bring back Over the Limit or something. July can have The Great American Bash or Bash at the Beach and Battleground.

January: Royal Rumble
February: Roadblock, No Way Out
March/April: WrestleMania
April: Backlash, Payback
May: Vengeance, Over the Limit
June: Money in the Bank
July: Bash at the Beach, Battleground
August: SummerSlam
September: Unforgiven, Fall Brawl
October: No Mercy, Halloween Havoc (if they can get the license)
November: Survivor Series
December: Starrcade, Armageddon

[Emperor Smeat]

According to current ticket advertising for early Smackdown shows after the Draft, WWE might be considering Cena for RAW and Reigns for Smackdown in terms of where the top stars are going.

Same advertising hinted at Ambrose and Rollins being on Smackdown. As well as AJ Styles being on that brand.

Also F4W is hinting at the ppv sheet recently leaked being legit since his sources had been hinting at Night of Champions being replaced with the former WCW ppv name of Clash of Champions.

[Simple Fan]

I'd like to see the PPVs for the two shows have similar themes. Like Fastlane and Roadblock and Payback and Backlash being together. Would also like to see Bragging Rights return as a stand alone event at the end of the year with all three brands coming together before the new year starts. Would also like to see King of the Ring return and be the same month as Money in the Bank, would have them alternate every year so Raw gets KotR one year and MitB the next.

January: Royal Rumble
February: Roadblock, Fastlane
March/April: WrestleMania
April: Backlash, Payback
May: Vengeance, Judgement Day
June: Money in the Bank, King of the Ring (alternate every year)
July: Bash at the Beach, Great American Bash
August: SummerSlam
September: Night of Champions, Clash of Champions
October: No Mercy, Halloween Havoc
November: Survivor Series
December: Bragging Rights (all three brands)

[Mr. Nerfect]

I've got a feeling that MVP will be returning in this brand split era. Not just because of the rumors, but he has spoken to Triple H lately and Alex Greenfield said something on one of the Writer's Room podcasts recently, where he mentioned he knew of other people coming back. He could have just meant guys coming off injury, but when you couple that with what Court Bauer said about half of those names being right in regards to the list (eliminating John Morrison and Rey Mysterio as possibilities), it does leave MVP as a very likely candidate.

I think Carlito will make a return too. It'd make sense to have him lead his cousins as foils against The New Day. Going through names in my head of free agents that I'm surprised the WWE hasn't signed back -- Daivari and Chris Masters are at the top of that list. Daivari got that good press for foiling that burglary on a train or something, and Masters saved his mother from a burning house with a tree.

Victoria has a good relationship with the WWE to this day, and is still insanely hot and quite active. I could see her making a comeback. As a bit of a nostalgia act, I can see them giving a run to Scotty 2 Hotty too. He might finally get that heel turn that Kane Knight always wanted.

[Mr. Nerfect]

The Usos and Scotty 2 Hotty as a three man unit against The Colons and The New Day?

[Mr. Nerfect]

Maybe it's finally time for the much anticipated return of Johnny fucking Jeter?

[Mr. Nerfect]

Oh, and the WWE are pretty stupid if they haven't at least tried to call Matt Morgan. I also think that Cliff Compton has enough ins with the company to at least get a look if he's available, but he might be under GFW contract or something, if that's still going.

[Emperor Smeat]

WWE debunking rumors of them considering signing Kurt Angle to a deal for the new Brand Split era. Still not interested in signing him to a deal that would include him being an active competitor.

Amid speculation that many former WWE stars have been approached with returning to the company due to the upcoming brand split, the possibility that free agent Kurt Angle could be one of those talents got some fans excited.

Unfortunately for those fans, that will be an unrealized dream as WWE officials confirmed Thursday that Angle is not returning to the company.

The story started when Angle was on Mark Madden's Pittsburgh radio show on Monday and said that Paul Levesque had called him, but that no deal was in place. Although nobody officially said it, the story grew to a point where people said that a deal was done with a start date even listed.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Kurt just can't help himself. :(

[Mr. Nerfect]

I was in a cynical mood earlier, so I worked out who you could really cut from the WWE roster today. Not because they suck or anything, but just because you're not using them to their maximum potential and you don't really have any plans to. Some guys can become agents or move into the Hall of Fame. Some you'd hope would go to the independent scene and strengthen that and get a lot better so you can bring them back when they have some momentum.

I combined this with the talent list in NXT that I thought was ready to get a call up, didn't count part-timers and came up with a main roster of:

Male Roster:

* Adrian Neville
* AJ Styles
* Austin Aries
* Big Cass
* Big E. Langston
* Bobby Roode
* Bray Wyatt
* Cesaro
* Chad Gable
* Dash Wilder
* Dean Ambrose
* Enzo Amore
* Finn Balor
* Jason Jordan
* Jey Uso
* Jimmy Uso
* John Cena
* Kalisto
* Karl Anderson
* Kevin Owens
* Kofi Kingston
* Luke Gallows
* Luke Harper
* The Miz
* Randy Orton
* Roman Reigns
* Rusev
* Sami Zayn
* Samoa Joe
* Scott Dawson
* Seth Rollins
* Shinsuke Nakamura
* Triple H
* Tye Dillinger
* Tyler Breeze
* Xavier Woods

Female Roster:

* Asuka
* Bayley
* Becky Lynch
* Charlotte
* Emma
* Lana
* Maryse
* Naomi
* Natalya
* Paige
* Sasha Banks

[Mr. Nerfect]

My point is that you can probably cut the main roster in half without the product really being effected. You can call up some guys from NXT that are ready to start making money for the company, and replace them in NXT with a bunch of new faces that can help the younger guys learn and attract people when they're touring.

[Ruien]

I want Kurt Fucking Angle.

[Ruien]

Hell, use him as the GM of Smackdown. That would be awesome and a huge suprise to boot.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I wouldn't be opposed to seeing Kurt given a shot at a color commentator. Michael Cole and Daniel Bryan on RAW and Mauro Ranallo and Kurt Angle on SmackDown.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Just had this funny feeling they're going to have Joe in the draft, and that he vacates the NXT Title and that the rumored Balor vs. Nakamura match at Takeover in Brooklyn is for the vacant belt. I can't think of a bigger match they can do for Joe. I had one the other night and it completely escapes me now.

Nakamura would win that match and Balor would very soon appear on the opposite show to AJ Styles, and be the heel that gets the assistance from Gallows & Anderson who float, initially, with the tag belts.

[Lock Jaw]

Balor v Nakamura is happening in three weeks, unless they have it again at Takeover.... or their first one ends pretty quick by some sort of outside shenanigan....

[Mr. Nerfect]

Oh okay. I haven't been watching NXT so I didn't know that.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I guess Balor will be up and Nakamura will win the title from Joe or something.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Some developments from the NXT tapings:

* Rhyno made his return. He might be kept down in NXT, he might be on either RAW or SmackDown or he might just have been doing one shot with the brand, but you have to consider his relationship with the WWE strong and you'd doubt he would be making WWE appearances again if he was still planning to run for office or whatever he was doing in Detroit.

* Nakamura won the match against Balor. This could very easily lead to a Balor call-up.

* American Alpha had their match against The Authors of Pain and put them over. The report I read even suggested that this looked like their call-up.

[hb2k]

Just to drop this in here as it seems appropriate, the latest Squared Circle Gazette Radio is now up, as we attempt to book the 2016 WWE Draft. At your request, we're talking all about current events, looking at who should go to which show and why, the title situation, NXT call-ups, feuds and stories out of the gate, possible directions for WrestleMania 33 and much more. In addition, we get your thoughts on what you want to see out of this brand split, as we explore ways to make the shows different. A really interesting show breaking down what lies ahead in the world of WWE. Check it out and let us know what you think!

http://squaredcirclegazette.podbean.com/mf/web/5b49v4/SCG_Radio_89_-_Booking_the_2016_WWE_Draft.mp3

[DAMN iNATOR]

Hell, use him as the GM of Smackdown. That would be awesome and a huge suprise to boot.

Yeah, that's exactly what I was thinking would be perfect for him at this point in his career. Seems very deflating/"bleak" to have the man himself say it's not happening. :(

[Evil Vito]

If the plan is still for the second World Title to be created, I wonder how long it will take for them to roll it out. Kinda imagining Raw drafting both Rollins and Reigns and ensuring the title will stay on the red brand (as Ambrose probably can't be drafted)...so then the SmackDown GM announces that Cena/Styles at Battleground will be for the SmackDown World Title. Would much prefer one World Title though, especially early on.

Yet I also still can't shake the feeling that the three Shield guys are going to be split up hence why they're getting the triple threat over with at Battleground.

Either way I'm guessing Ambrose drops the belt, turns up on Raw the next night for his rematch clause...then when he loses that/gets screwed out of the match he tells the GM that he never actually got drafted and signs over to SmackDown where he ends up being the #2 face there behind Cena.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

WWE World Heavyweight Championship is now being called the WWE Championship again. Is the Big Gold Belt coming back?

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'd say signs point to yes. They will probably just pull it out on one edition of either RAW or SmackDown and have a tournament, match or Battle Royal to decide a new champion and we'll have to sit there and like it.

[Damian Rey 2.0]

Battle fucking royal please.

[Evil Vito]

Not sure how realistic it is but I'd like to see pretty much the entire Women's Division on Raw with the title being exclusive to that brand. Have the second hour of Raw be entirely devoted to the division to try to break up some of the usual monotony that comes with a normal 3 hour Raw.

Then on SmackDown bring back the Cruiserweight Title after they go ahead and sign a bunch of dudes from the Cruiserweight Classic.

[Big Vic]

2 roadblocks in one year.

[Theo Dious]

Balor v Nakamura is happening in three weeks, unless they have it again at Takeover.... or their first one ends pretty quick by some sort of outside shenanigan....

It's be pretty badass if they went to some no-contest/double KO sort of finish where the decision was made that it had to be settle on the "big stage."

[Emperor Smeat]

Some news from a recent Observer Newsletter about current plans for the new Brand Split.

With Lawler suspended, they used David Otunga in his spot on Smackdown with Mauro Ranallo and Byron Saxton thus far. It’s an interesting decision to go with Otunga over Corey Graves, although it may be Graves being held back to start on the show on 7/19 as had been hinted.

For the brand split, the idea is a different crew on both shows, meaning different writing teams, different referees, different colored ropes and different sets.

It appears that Finn Balor and American Alpha will be debuting on the main roster once the brand split takes place. Bayley will likely be staying in NXT at least through the Brooklyn special.

Also the new plan is no longer to call the people running the brands “General Managers,” but either COO’s of the brand
Being speculated the reason for this might be due to Stephanie McMahon having a similar title for her normal job and didn't want to be seen as being demoted because of the job's name for tv.

[DaveWadding]

Being speculated the reason for this might be due to Stephanie McMahon having a similar title for her normal job and didn't want to be seen as being demoted because of the job's name for tv.

I AM THE CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER OF THE SMACKDOWN BRAND IN WORLD WRESTLING ENTERTAINMENT.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Dave is the perfect GM. He is a substitute teacher. He knows what is i like to have no power but also have responsibility of teaching people shit.

[Emperor Smeat]

Some more stuff about current plans from the recent Observer Newsletter and PWTorch.

Regarding different names that have been reported that WWE has called to come back, the two names on lots of lists that we’ve gotten confirmation haven’t been called are Jeff Hardy and Rey Mysterio. WWE knows both are under contract elsewhere

The schedule listed in last week’s issue for PPVs is accurate as WWE has sent the same schedule to PPV carriers and cleared the listed dates. So the plan is 20 PPV shows per year in 2017, with two Sundays every month except for January, March, August and November which will be one show months. It also establishes Survivor Series as one of the big four, a category that show hasn’t really been in a decade. I wonder how long it’ll be before people only care about four shows a year. Other than doubling up on the PPVs, so much of this is copying exactly what failed before, because the end result of the last brand split was declining ratings on both shows, world titles that had the value of IC titles, declining PPV numbers, and Smackdown brand house shows that couldn’t draw. Granted, that doesn’t mean it’s doomed, but if they do exactly what they did before, yes, it is doomed. But every idea we’ve heard s far is just copying exactly what didn’t work before as opposed to being new ideas

One of the big changes accompanying WWE’s roster split in July is Smackdown having its own dedicated writing team.

The team will still report to Vince McMahon, but Smackdown should be in a much better position than Raw’s left-overs in terms of ideas, planning, and actually following through on what’s advertised.

“Concerning the perception of Raw and Smackdown, when we met with Vince – we would meet every Thursday in his office, the booking room – and basically what we pitched to him were the main segments of Raw,” former WWE Creative writer Kevin Eck told Wade Keller on Thursday’s PWTorch Livecast.

“We never even got to Smackdown in the Thursday meetings. Ever. I cannot recall one time ever getting to Smackdown. So, we had some direction after that meeting. So, we would write the Raw script because certain segments have already been approved. That doesn’t mean they’re going to stay on Monday. But, at least we’ve met with Vince and approved it.

“Smackdown – we were pretty much going in blind. We could play off what has been approved on Raw, and then try to book Smackdown. But, Vince was really looking at Smackdown for the first time on Tuesday – the day that we were doing the show.

“People notice, ‘They’re promoting another Miz TV for Smackdown.’ That’s because Vince insisted that we promote something for Smackdown, but nothing was approved. So, during Raw, someone would go up to Gorilla (position) during a commercial break and say, ‘Hey, here’s some ideas for Smackdown, which one should we promote?’ And Vince would be like, ‘Intercontinental Title match. That’s what we’ll do. Let’s promote that.’

“You’ve probably noticed and your listeners, too, they would say late in the show on Raw, ‘This Thursday on Smackdown, so-and-so defends the Intercontinental Title.’ Great. Then we get to Tuesday – the next day at TV looking at everything with fresh eyes. We’re not going to do the Intercontinental Title match.

“I remember, being naive as the new guy, the first time something like that happened, I raised my hand and said, ‘Well, Vince, we promoted it on Raw last night.’ And he would give what I found out was his standard answer to questions like that, which is … ‘We lied.’ And then we would move on. I assure you this there were many times things were promoted on Raw for Smackdown just didn’t happen, and there is never any explanation. It’s just like, ‘We lied.’ If someone saw that and is expecting that, ‘Oh well.'”

The most recent example being the Money in the Bank ladder match where seven slots were initially advertised, the first six wrestlers were filled quickly, and WWE never went back to filling the final slot.

[Evil Vito]

I feel like Money in the Bank should be considered a new major PPV at this point. If both shows have a World Title it'd feel kinda dumb if only one of them has a MITB match.

Or they could bring it back to Mania as an interbrand match, that made for a nice featured attraction every year.

[Evil Vito]

Granted, that doesn’t mean it’s doomed, but if they do exactly what they did before, yes, it is doomed.

Gotta love not even giving it a chance :y:

The roster is objectively the deepest it's ever been when you consider how many NXT stars are ready for a call-up. Actually splitting the airtime between them and having dedicated writing teams could work wonders. It certainly can't be worse than the nearly unwatchable television they've produced in the last three years.

[Simple Fan]

I feel like Money in the Bank should be considered a new major PPV at this point. If both shows have a World Title it'd feel kinda dumb if only one of them has a MITB match.

Or they could bring it back to Mania as an interbrand match, that made for a nice featured attraction every year.

I think bringing back King of the Ring and having it be the same month as Money in the Bank would be the best. Could have them alternate every year so Raw would get KotR one year and MitB the next.

[Stickman]

As the news has settled in and more info is coming out, I can't help but feel this is goingto be a huge let down. Seems like they are going to try to recreate the original brand split (when they had wwe, wcw, ecw talent) with a bunch of nobodies. I really don't know if the WWE even has a true major star let alone enough for two seperate brands.

[Ruien]

They have enough stars for 2 shows easily. They only have one megastar but there are two, IMO two, who have the ability to become a megastar. Rollins and AJ.

Rollins will either be the next face of the company or the next HHH. It's already set in stone.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I can't wait to see Darren Young get that big singles push we have all been waiting for.

[Stickman]

They have enough stars for 2 shows easily. They only have one megastar but there are two, IMO two, who have the ability to become a megastar. Rollins and AJ.

Rollins will either be the next face of the company or the next HHH. It's already set in stone.

The have enough wrestlers for two shows, not sure about stars though. I hate using the term, but do they have enough who can "draw."

[#BROKEN Hasney]

The have enough wrestlers for two shows, not sure about stars though. I hate using the term, but do they have enough who can "draw."

That's why they're bringing back the stars.

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13567271_10153946037359682_1544446352035222805_n.jpg?oh=cdf807d60531bb92926ac6f6e9098d01&oe=57FB8796

"Waiting for my meeting" says Jimmy Wang Yang.

[James Steele]

The split PPVs aren't as big of a deal because of the WWE Network. The #1 thing that ruined the last split and will determine the success of this one is will they treat SmackDown! equally.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Love Jimmy Wang Yang. The dude's only like 35 years old.

[James Steele]

I hope we get Cowboy/Redneck Jimmy Wang Yang.

[James Steele]

http://vignette4.wikia.nocookie.net/prowrestling/images/6/6c/Jimmy_Wang_Yang_cutout_by_dipset2.png/revision/latest?cb=20131103105245

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

That's why they're bringing back the stars.

https://scontent-lhr3-1.xx.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/13567271_10153946037359682_1544446352035222805_n.jpg?oh=cdf807d60531bb92926ac6f6e9098d01&oe=57FB8796

"Waiting for my meeting" says Jimmy Wang Yang.

He's gonna meet someone tonight!

[Swiss Ultimate]

good.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Jimmy Yang and Paul London had such good chemistry. They had this series of Velocity matches that were incredible. It's a shame that London is so sour on the company, because if he had been a good boy, he'd be getting a call right about now.

[Emperor Smeat]

Next wave of potential people the WWE wants to hire or bring back was teased at recently by the Observer.

Some names WWE has shown interest in bringing in are Curt Hawkins, James Yun, Volador Jr., and Rush. Rush attended a tryout last year and at the time the WWE picked Sombra. Yun, who was Jimmy Wang Yang, was backstage at Raw and posted a photo of himself there saying he was waiting for his meeting. An idea going around was to bring back older guys who can still go to put over the younger guys after the brand split when they need more bodies for television. He would fit the criteria. Even though he dates back to the glory era of the business, he started young and he’s only 35 now. He was a very good worker but got out of wrestling to start a new business, “Jimmy’s Pest Control,” in Cincinnati

[Mr. Nerfect]

I bet you Jimmy Yang comes in as an exterminator or a Ghostbuster or something. Something where he wears a pack on his back. Jetpack Jimmy.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Curt Hawkins was solid but unremarkable. He seemed a lot better in the ring than Zack Ryder. The two together might work out. But I don't see them being as interesting as most of the other tag teams, and they have a hard enough time as it is.

[Stickman]

Is the brand split thing all decided by the "office?" Maybe I am just a mark but when Vince was talking about how he wants a ratings war, social media boost etc it makes it kind of seem like a real thing.

[Emperor Smeat]

Another possible former wrestler returning for the new Brand Split.

Tommy Dreamer is backstage at tonight's Smackdown taping. Given that WWE has been looking into bringing back some older names, certainly Dreamer being there should kick off some speculation about his short and long-term future, especially since he lives in New York, not Michigan.

[Evil Vito]

Feel like Raw is gonna be getting most of these rumored returnees as they have an extra hour to fill.

That or Triple H will remain associated with Steph on Raw and it'll just become a thing that newly debuting NXT talent always start on Raw.

[Innovator]

I want NXT HHH to finally show up on the main roster, as the guy who just wants the new talent to succeed and mimics Nakamura's entrance

[Rammsteinmad]

Isn't WWE's roster already big enough without countless past names returning?

[Droford]

Busted Open counted the # of active wrestlers who got airtime (not just matches) on RAW like..2 weeks ago and it was 36. Didn't include guys like Lesnar Reigns Orton..or the USOs..

[Big Vic]

Really hope the "Shining Stars" have their debut match next week only to be split up by the draft.

[Droford]

WWE Network to present WWE Draft Center Live simultaneously with SmackDown Live’s WWE Draft

As if the WWE Draft on SmackDown Live’s Tuesday night premiere on USA Network July 19 wasn’t big enough, the WWE Universe will also be able to watch a special WWE Draft Center Live second screen experience at 8/7 C — exclusively on WWE Network — as well as a SmackDown Live Pre-Show at 7/6 C across all digital platforms. Then, following all the exciting Draft action, there will be a Network exclusive SmackDown Post-Show at 10/9 C to break down all the events of the evening.

[XL]

Really hope the "Shining Stars" have their debut match next week only to be split up by the draft.

They already had a debut match, right?

[Big Vic]

They already had a debut match, right?
sorry i meant to put debut in quotes.

[DAMN iNATOR]

He's gonna meet someone tonight!

dUkikVD-8Iw

[Evil Vito]

I do wonder if any tag teams will be split up. I'd kinda hate to see that because they've started to build the division back up a bit, but they alluded on commentary this week that it could happen.

I'd rather all teams be drafted as units, but if they have to I guess they could just split up a few inconsequential teams to put across the "randomness" of the draft. Like have The Ascension split up or something, or have one of the Social Outcasts can go solo.

Maybe have Luke Harper end up on a different show from the rest of the Wyatts so that when he returns he can be a solo act. I'd also say splitting the Dudleyz so Bubba can actually be his Bully Ray character could be interesting but they probably decided to be a package deal.

[Ruien]

Stop trying to take Luke Harper away from Bray. Luke is not ready to go solo and woukd instantly be lost in the mid card shuffle.

They will split the Shining Stars and act like it's a huge deal.

I could see Steph being like, oh so you drafted Kalisto I am taking Sin Cara or some crap like that.

[Heisenberg]

I want NXT HHH to finally show up on the main roster, as the guy who just wants the new talent to succeed and mimics Nakamura's entrance



He could be WWE's Shang Tsung, cutting the lights and morphing into Nakamura/Balor/Bayley etc.

[Evil Vito]

Stop trying to take Luke Harper away from Bray. Luke is not ready to go solo and woukd instantly be lost in the mid card shuffle.

They will split the Shining Stars and act like it's a huge deal.

I could see Steph being like, oh so you drafted Kalisto I am taking Sin Cara or some crap like that.

Harper is excellent. I have no doubts whatsoever about him thriving on his own.

Good call on the Lucha Dragons though. With them jobbing to Breezango lately I think that they might just be trying to cash in on the team before splitting them up. It gives each show a masked Hispanic wrestler and Kalisto will only keep getting held back having Sin Cara there.

[XL]

Did Harper thrive on his own last time?

[Ruien]

Nope.

[Ruien]

He 100% has the ability to but let his character build up to something giving him depth when he does go solo.

[Mr. Nerfect]

The Wyatt Family feel dead in the water to me. They have for ages. I'd rather see Bray drafted on his own with The Wyatt Family being left as servants of Luke Harper. Or they can be released and Harper can become disciple of Seth Rollins.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Good teams will be split up in the draft, but shitty teams will be forced to stay together.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Did Harper thrive on his own last time?

He won the IC Championship so he was the most successful Wyatt ever.

[Ruien]

The Wyatt Family feel dead in the water to me. They have for ages. I'd rather see Bray drafted on his own with The Wyatt Family being left as servants of Luke Harper. Or they can be released and Harper can become disciple of Seth Rollins.

I think Bray's injury ca.e at a good time. If they win this fued with New Day it should get them momentum going. Especially if they keep doing cool segments like last week st the compound.

[Big Vic]

That was such a random title win for Luke Harper.

[Simple Fan]

Source: The Wrestling Observer Newsletter

RAW and SmackDown won’t be the only shows affected by WWE’s Brand Split. According to sources, WWE’s minor shows will also find themselves split across brand lines following the Draft next week.

According to reports, Superstars will be aligned with RAW and Main Event will be aligned with SmackDown following the Draft. As such, only talent from that brand will be booked on the shows just like RAW and SmackDown.

The WWE Draft goes down next Tuesday on the SmackDown’s live debut on USA Network.

[Evil Vito]

I figured they would become the new Heat and Velocity in terms of brand alignment. Makes sense.

[drave]

I think Bray's injury ca.e at a good time. If they win this fued with New Day it should get them momentum going. Especially if they keep doing cool segments like last week st the compound.

It would be awesome for The Wyatts to finally win in a good feud. I have zero faith, however, that it happens.

[Ruien]

I think it will happen. New Day has to lose eventually and the tag belts need to transition to Enzo and Cass fairly soon imo. Would be perfect for the two sheep people to take the belts and turn around and lose them to Enzo and Cass.

[Mr. Nerfect]

New Day probably should have dropped the belts to Gallows & Anderson before this feud with The Wyatts. Enzo & Cass could have their eyes on the prize while New Day fight over something personal.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I think we'll be getting a Bayley vs. Paige program coming out of Battleground. My guess is that Sasha calls up Bayley to be her partner, they win, Paige gets jealous, and after the split, Paige ends up on the same show with Bayley and beats her down. Sasha and Charlotte end up in the same realm to continue their program.

[Lock Jaw]

Then when Total Divas returns Paige will randomly turn face again and drop all character development/personality.

[Emperor Smeat]

Recent plans according to the Obsevrer for the new Brand Split.

For Smackdown on Tuesday, the idea for the second screen experience is to get talent reactions and do interviews. Right now Brock Lesnar and Paul Heyman are not scheduled for Tuesday's show. Originally Lesnar was announced and advertised. He has been pulled from all advertising. They will be doing a ton of shooting all day for a potential WWE network backstage documentary.

There is talk of bringing back more enhancement matches on television and using locals, both men and women in WWE. Not sure if it's for B show or A shows or how often, but the key is to have some experience and look in shape.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Then when Total Divas returns Paige will randomly turn face again and drop all character development/personality.

Oh, absolutely.

[slik]

New SmackDown logo

http://i.imgur.com/VZgP3vX.jpg

[Evil Vito]

Right, so I’ve been advocating for the draft to return for ages so with it happening next week I guess I should go ahead and make some predictions. They really haven’t given a whole lot of information about how the draft will work and who will be eligible, but they’ve been hinting at teams potentially being split up which leads me to believe that they won’t be drafted together with the possible exception of The New Day.

Speaking of them, they also haven’t said if champions will be eligible or not. My gut instinct tells me that at minimum the WWE Champion, Women’s Champion, and Tag Team Champions will float between brands. But with the rumors of there being two World Champions again, they’d need to come up with some weird loophole like they did in 2002 to lock the champion onto one show. Also all of the promo materials in the lead up have implied that everybody is eligible, so I’ll go with that.

The original draft show featured each show making 10 picks with the rest being conducted via lottery after the show. I’m thinking it’ll be something similar if only because it’s tough for me to imagine every jobber on the roster getting picked on TV. 10 picks per brand on the live SmackDown, and then a lottery will take place on the WWE Network after.

---

Shane and Steph squabble over who should get to pick first, knowing full well there is only one World Champion. Vince, somewhat surprisingly, awards the first pick to SmackDown to try to let the new live show hit the ground running only to then turn right around and tell Stephanie she’ll get to make two picks in a row immediately after.

This means that WWE Champion Dean Ambrose is drafted to SmackDown with the first pick of the draft while Stephanie takes Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns, stating this gives her brand the best chance at claiming the WWE Championship at Battleground. I expect that to happen, and the now title-less SmackDown will bring back either a blue version of the WWE Championship or the Big Gold Belt.

SmackDown’s second selection is none other than John Cena, marking his first night as a SmackDown-exclusive wrestler since 2005. Raw counters with Brock Lesnar, who the announcers on Raw hinted was eligible and is a huge draw despite his sporadic appearances. Shane drafts AJ Styles, bringing his rivalry with Cena to the blue brand. Raw then takes Randy Orton, meaning the buildup to his SummerSlam clash with Lesnar will take place exclusively on Raw.

Given the competitive nature of the two brands, it would be logical for there to be a run on titles, right? Well…logic doesn’t always prevail in WWE land, but let’s do it anyway. The New Day dance their way over to SmackDown. Charlotte is selected by the Raw brand. Rusev is tabbed for SmackDown, and finally The Miz goes to Raw. SmackDown has three titles to Raw’s two, but that will be changed once Rollins or Reigns wins the WWE Championship. If they are hellbent on keeping the shows totally separate, Raw can add its own set of Tag Team Titles again. SmackDown, rather than having its own Women’s Champion, will eventually can bring back the Cruiserweight Championship and use the CWC as a pipeline for new talent.

Sami Zayn is Shane’s next pick, which means the only logical counter would be Kevin Owens going to Raw to build their Battleground match as a final encounter (although I somehow, someway doubt this will be their last meeting and that they will “fight forever”).

Just flying through the next few picks, Chris Jericho to SmackDown to give them another veteran presence. Cesaro to Raw to help work some long matches to fill the three hour telecast. Baron Corbin to SmackDown which gives the rookie a rub just for being drafted in the first place. Apollo Crews to Raw for much the same reason. Sheamus to SmackDown because, let’s face it, WWE don’t want Sheamus to be viewed as irrelevant enough to not get picked at all.

Stephanie’s final selection is Bray Wyatt, meaning he won’t be tormenting the New Day anymore after Battleground (and after that horrible Final Deletion ripoff, that’s probably for the better). Shane wraps up his draft with Big Cass, again making a rookie seem like a really big deal but also giving a reason for people to tune in to the lottery on the WWE Network to see if Enzo will stay with him.

LOTTERY:

Yeah, I can’t be fucked with going through the whole roster since so many of these midcarders are interchangeable at the moment. I will say that it makes sense for Darren Young to go to Raw and Zack Ryder to SmackDown so that they’ll be on the same show as the guys they’re facing at Battleground, meaning one or both of those stories can continue after the PPV as needed.

In terms of tag teams Enzo stays on SmackDown with Cass, and Anderson/Gallows are on SmackDown as well to stay as AJ’s backups. I think most of the teams will stick together on one show or another but they’ll have a few token breakups just to put across the randomness of the draft. The Lucha Dragons are probably the “big” split with Kalisto going to SmackDown and Sin Cara to Raw. This kinda leaves nothing for Sin Cara to do with no tag team partner and no Cruiserweight Title, but he’s pushing 40 and the character in general has flopped so I think he’s just holding Kalisto back at this point. I still wouldn’t mind Luke Harper going to SmackDown with the rest of the Wyatt Family being on Raw.

Most of the women conveniently end up on Raw where the Women’s Championship is. If they do put any women on SmackDown, I’d just pick someone like Emma who is injured and will be out for a while so it’ll look like a random draft pick but they can figure out what to do with her later and it will also keep her on the same show as Ryder. I guess Alberto Del Rio would be assigned to Raw too to stay with Paige.

[Evil Vito]

Draft Rules revealed:

With this Tuesday's WWE Draft on the premiere of SmackDown Live on USA Network fast approaching, WWE.com answers the biggest questions of the WWE Universe with a breakdown of the official rules, regulations and procedures for one of the biggest nights in WWE history — including a major update that will change the face of NXT as well.

The rules for the WWE Draft are as follows:

Raw has the first overall pick
Since SmackDown Live is a two-hour show and Raw is three hours, for every two picks SmackDown Live receives, Raw will receive three picks
Tag Teams count as one pick unless a Commissioner/General Manager specifically only wants one member of the team
Six draft picks will be made off the NXT roster
The list of current WWE Superstars eligible for the WWE Draft will be as follows:

Male Superstars

AJ Styles
Alberto Del Rio
Apollo Crews
Baron Corbin
Big Show
Braun Strowman
Bray Wyatt
Brock Lesnar
Cesaro
Chris Jericho
Darren Young (w/ Bob Backlund)
Dean Ambrose – WWE Champion
Demon Kane
Dolph Ziggler
Erick Rowan
Jack Swagger
John Cena
Kalisto
Kevin Owens
Mark Henry
Neville
Randy Orton
Roman Reigns
Rusev (w/ Lana) – United States Champion
Sami Zayn
Seth Rollins
Sheamus
Sin Cara
The Miz (w/ Maryse) – Intercontinental Champion
Titus O’Neil
Zack Ryder

Tag Teams

Breezango (Fandango and Tyler Breeze)
Enzo and Cass (Enzo Amore and Big Cass)
Gallows and Anderson (Luke Gallows and Karl Anderson)
Golden Truth (Goldust and R-Truth)
Shining Stars (Epico and Primo)
Social Outcasts (Bo Dallas, Curtis Axel and Heath Slater)
The Ascension (Konnor and Viktor)
The Dudley Boyz (Bubba Ray and D-Von Dudley)
The New Day (Big E, Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods) – Tag Team Champions
The Usos (Jey and Jimmy Uso)
The Vaudevillains (Aiden English and Simon Gotch)

Female Superstars

Alicia Fox
Becky Lynch
Charlotte – WWE Women’s Champion
Dana Brooke
Eva Marie
Naomi
Natalya
Paige
Sasha Banks
Summer Rae

[Evil Vito]

Interesting that the Wyatt Family are not considered a team. Could be an oversight, unless Braun Strowman is going off on his own which feels like a terrible idea. The Lucha Dragons aren't listed as a team either, although they seemed like the most likely to split.

Also :lol: @ Demon Kane. Could leave the door open for Corporate Kane as GM.

[Lock Jaw]

Six off NXT, eh?

Finn Balor
Bayley
American Alpha (unsure if this would count as one or two under these rules)
Samoa Joe
Alexa Bliss
The Revival (if tag teams count as one pick)

[Mr. Nerfect]

Six off NXT, eh?

Finn Balor
Bayley
American Alpha (unsure if this would count as one or two under these rules)
Samoa Joe
Alexa Bliss
The Revival (if tag teams count as one pick)

Replace Alexa Bliss with Nia Jax or Asuka and you have it, I think.

[Mr. Nerfect]

This should be a spoiler warning that Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins or Roman Reigns will be the first draft pick, depending on whoever Stephanie McMahon or her General Manager feels has the best chance of being the WWE Champion after Battleground.

[Ruien]

Reigns is so getting demoted to the B show. Rollins and Ambrose stay on Raw.

Wish they would just have left the entire Womens division on Raw instead of giving Raw more draft picks.

[Ruien]

Shoot. Maybe Cena ends up on Raw now with Reigns being demoted. Rollins and Cena on Raw? Hell I can't wait for draft night.

[Droford]

How long til Smackdown is 3 hours

[Ruien]

Well, nothing soon since Raw will have a lot more wrestlers. Smackdown won't have enough to fill 3 hours.

[Mr. Nerfect]

They'll push it up eventually though. They'll sign a whole bunch of cruiserweights or give Shane more talky time if they need to.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Hornswoggle will make his long anticipated return to the WWE.

[Simple Fan]

Wish they would just have left the entire Womens division on Raw instead of giving Raw more draft picks.

How long til Smackdown is 3 hours

I agree with Ruien. Women should be exclusive to Raw. By giving Raw 3 picks to SD 2 already is setting the precedent that Raw is still the superior show. SD needs to be 3 hours as well in my opinion.

[Evil Vito]

I don't really think giving Raw extra picks makes SmackDown look inferior. It makes sense. I always assumed they would be given a larger roster because they have an extra hour to fill. If you split the roster right down the middle you'd actually wind up with SmackDown guys struggling to get booked.

I do think it's kinda dumb to arbitrarily award Raw the first pick and it probably should have been a "coin toss" or something but whatever.

[Evil Vito]

I would like to see the Women's division exclusive to Raw with SmackDown bringing in cruiserweights.

[Evil Vito]

So based on what the article says it sounds like it'll go Raw-SD-Raw-SD-Raw and then repeat.

I can't imagine they do the entire draft on TV, so just assuming they give SmackDown 10 picks on the live broadcast I could see it shaking out like this:

Raw: Seth Rollins
SmackDown: John Cena
Raw: Roman Reigns
SmackDown: Dean Ambrose
Raw: Brock Lesnar

Raw: Randy Orton
SmackDown: AJ Styles
Raw: Charlotte
SmackDown: The New Day
Raw: Kevin Owens

Raw: Sami Zayn
SmackDown: Rusev
Raw: The Miz
SmackDown: Chris Jericho
Raw: Sasha Banks

Raw: Bayley
SmackDown: Finn Balor
Raw: Bray Wyatt
SmackDown: Gallows and Anderson
Raw: Alberto Del Rio

Raw: Cesaro
SmackDown: Sheamus
Raw: Apollo Crews
SmackDown: Enzo and Cass

I think that covers most of the "big names" that WWE would want to have picked on the actual broadcast along with a few NXT picks to pop the crowd. It doesn't sound like champions float so it would make sense for Raw and SmackDown to shy away from women's wrestlers/tag teams once they lose that championship...although I would assume Raw would end up creating their own tag belts in this scenario while SmackDown will add the Cruiserweight Title or something eventually.

It feels somewhat ridiculous for the WWE Champion to not be picked first (unless Rollins wins it on Raw) but given that Stephanie seems to hate Ambrose she could just play the odds that drafting Rollins and Reigns will secure the championship for Raw at Battleground. We all know they're creating a second World Title anyway.

[slik]

U guys remember when HHH got drafted to SD and they traded like 9 people to get him back

[slik]

lol @ raw getting more draft picks than SD, so typical

[Ruien]

U guys remember when HHH got drafted to SD and they traded like 9 people to get him back

Haha ya. Wasn't it a bunch of scrubs and Booker T though?

[hb2k]

Booker and The Dudley Boyz. 3 for 1.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Oh sweet, New Legacy Inc will be doing not-live commentary. might have to wait until they upload that and watch it with them in the background.

[DAMN iNATOR]

lol @ raw getting more draft picks than SD, so typical

Even if they did, there will probably still be a supplemental draft like in years past, and possibly trades too.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Even if they did, there will probably still be a supplemental draft like in years past, and possibly trades too.

I believe the whole roster is going to be "drafted" like that, just some of it will be off TV, so when they divide up the non-TV picks, they'll still be keeping it 3-2 in terms of numbers of wrestlers.

[Simple Fan]

I'm just not a fan of the 3 to 2 picks model. Just sounds dumb to me when you are trying to have the two shows compete against one another and they are already making Raw more important than SD. I could care less about the third hour and could have been easily filled by having the Women exclusive to Raw.

[Evil Vito]

Still don't really see how it makes SmackDown seem less important. It's logic. There are 5 hours of TV a week, and Raw is 60% of it so splitting the roster along those lines makes sense.

Maybe they could have had each show make 10 picks and THEN have Raw get 3 for every 2...but that complicates things. And when you consider that Raw will probably take a guy like Lesnar who will rarely ever appear it's not a big deal.

[Simple Fan]

To me to have the brand split be successful you have to have 2 brands that are equal but different. It just feels to me that Raw will still be treated as the superior show. They get more picks as well as the first pick. It might turn out alright but I'm just not a fan of the rules they have for the draft. Wish Smackdown was going to be 3 hours so they wouldn't have this situation.

[Emperor Smeat]

Just noticed the Lucha Dragons got randomly disbanded as a team based on WWE's list.

Was thinking they'd have the best shot at getting broken up and the WWE didn't even bother to wait for the draft to do it.

[Evil Vito]

I want Dolph Ziggler to be the very last person drafted.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

Mr. Irrelevant.

[slik]

tpww watching the brand split like

http://i.imgur.com/SPD2rvm.gif

[slik]

tpww be watching the brand split like

http://abload.de/img/ibcggxvja2hweik3ujt.gif

[slik]

tpww watching the brand split like


http://i.imgur.com/KLU5SgJ.gifp

[XL]

I'm imagining a segment where Steph announces her pick and she's like "My next pick is..." and Kurt Angle's music hits as the crowd go banana. Kurt makes his way out and Steph is like "Shane, I guess you're wondering how I made this happen!?".

Shane's like "Well Steph, if I had to guess, you signed Kurt to a contract earlier today so that he'd be available to draft tonight."

Steph's all smug and then it comes to Shane's pick. "Y'know, they say that we McMahons are more alike than we know. My next pick is..."

And then, say, Goldberg comes out.

Maybe not Goldberg but who's bigger than Angle? Maybe you do someone smaller than Angle so that Shane can use Kurt to trump Steph.

[Emperor Smeat]

Between a recent picture from a NXT house show and the Observer being able to confirm at least one name, bulk of the NXT callups for the draft might have been leaked.

According to the Observer, Nia Jax is expected to be a NXT draft pick baring a sudden change.

Image from a recent house show had its own "Curtain Call"-like moment for certain wrestlers.
http://i.4cdn.org/asp/1468734754617.jpg

[Evil Vito]

WWE have posted a video of the Lucha Dragons explaining that they purposely chose to enter the Draft as singles competitors.

Guessing that they'll have Wyatt cut some creepy promo later about how he's letting the fates decide if his Family should stay together or be set free.

[Mr. Nerfect]

On WWE.com, the photos they use for RAW and SmackDown could very easily end up being the fixed rosters for those shows:

http://www.wwe.com/f/styles/shows_hub_premier_hero/public/shows/2016/06/RAW_Show_Sub_Header_0--1d5ba82bb051a1fc9b852ef3984fcd7b.jpg

John Cena could easily be left as the stalwart on the flagship. Bray Wyatt and Kevin Owens could very easily be given pushes as his antagonists. ADR can do whatever they want ADR to do. Charlotte and Becky could ground the female division on Mondays.

http://www.wwe.com/f/styles/shows_hub_premier_hero/public/show_headers/SMACKDOWN_Show_Sub_Header.jpg

The New Day could provide some merch movers for the Tuesday show. Ambrose and Reigns could be the big singles stars. Dolph Ziggler can be doing...whatever. Paige and Sasha Banks can be your featured female players.

http://www.wwe.com/f/styles/shows_hub_premier_hero/public/2016/05/20160506_NXT_Show_Sub_Header--7694b2ea635ca4bf99302b2910c680b7.jpg

There's also no reason these six couldn't be the NXT talent called up. Seems likely that American Alpha would be in there though. I imagine Samoa Joe would end up on the same show as John Cena (RAW in this case), Finn Balor will end up on the same show as AJ Styles (probably RAW), Shinsuke Nakamura would end up on the show opposite Kota Ibushi (SmackDown seems likely), Bayley is the goody-goody hero girl for SmackDown and Asuka provides fresh blood on RAW. Austin Aries is a cruiserweight for the RAW side of things, but he could come later.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Something I'd like to see in the draft:

Kevin Owens or Chris Jericho is seen entering Stephanie McMahon and/or Mick Foley's office on SmackDown. They want to talk about something. At some point during the draft, probably when RAW has got two picks, Stephanie reveals that Kevin Owens & Chris Jericho have elected to be drafted as a tag team. Owens & Jericho get drafted to RAW, as well as a pick to supplement either the women's or cruiserweight division.

Shane and Daniel Bryan take this in stride and announce that their tag team -- Sami Zayn & Cesaro -- are coming to SmackDown.

[#BROKEN Hasney]

slik be posting like

http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll36/Bigsteve87/Gifs/TypingBla_zps17078424.gif

[Heisenberg]

Finn Balor and RAW mesh well together with their color schemes. Dude is on that Jean Claude Van Damme/HBK type of hype right now.

[Droford]

Whatever brand doesn't get the WwE champion should Draft Nakamura and Joe and have whoever wins that match at takeover become the new "brand" Champion and face the non winner out of Rollins/Ambrose the next night at Summer slam.

NXT has their title elevated and start a tourney or whatever for new champion.

[Stickman]

I am still pretty meh after the draft. I don't see enough top end and high mid card talent to see this brand split work in the long run. I look at the lists of the rosters and its just bland. Too many bland talent now in a bigger role.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Weirdly enough, one of the things I am most excited about is the idea of The Miz and Daniel Bryan interacting.

[Emperor Smeat]

Rhyno and Curt Hawkins confirmed to be among the first batch of former wrestlers arriving for the new Brand Split era.

The first names confirmed by PWInsider.com as returning to the WWE main roster post-Draft are former ECW and NWA champion Rhyno and Brian "Curt Hawkins" Myers.

The tentative plan is for the pair to be on the Smackdown brand, although until they debut on TV, that could always change.

[Evil Vito]

Supposedly Rhyno and Hawkins will be a tag team, which is random as fuck. But I like both guys enough so good on them for getting back to the main roster if it ends up being official.

[XL]

That doesn't sound appealing at all.

There's plenty you could do with Hawkins. Set up a deal with Ryder and Rawley where Mojo is the Angel and Hawkins the devil on Ryder's shoulder. The Hype Bros wrestle with honour but consistently lose where as Hawkins cheats to win (behind Ryder's back?) leading Ryder down a darker path because he "needs to win".

Or Ryder catches on and goes with Mojo, leading Hawkins to align with The Ascension and sets them on The Hype Bros.

Or a Hawkins/Slater team?

[#BROKEN Hasney]

Who wouldn't be excited for the eventual Hype Bros/Gore Brahs feud?

[Mr. Nerfect]

I want Curt Hawkins to be teaming with Zack Ryder. Mojo Rawley should be reinventing himself in NXT still. He could be a great top heel down that way. Rhyno would be a good "bodyguard" for Dolph Ziggler.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Still want Heath Slater to beg Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon for a slot on SmackDown, Bryan to give Slater a shot at the IC Title, and Slater to pull off the upset.

[Mr. Nerfect]

If there is anybody on the roster who could pull off being an upset champion, it's Heath Wallace Slater.

[XL]

Well, yeah, ideally Rawley hasn't been called up but he has been so we have to do something with him.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I fucking hate the Hype Bros.

[Lock Jaw]

NOID AIN'T HYPE!!

[screech]

I could dig a Hawkins/Slater team

[screech]

Feel like that's "not big enough" for Slater, though. Need a better way to get him on a show since he's a free agent.

[Lock Jaw]

Feel like Slater could "snap" and become "super legit"/bad ass submission machine....

[Lock Jaw]

Can be the "JBL" of the draft split..... where all of a sudden he gets a character change and is pushed to the moon.

[Evil Vito]

I hope Heath Slater stumbles upon Jinder Mahal during his travels too.

Slater should go on a WWE-recorded excursion to different places in the world, bringing back with him a bunch of guys who had been in WWE previously, to form a new group to replace the Social Outcasts. It could be quite hilarious, and give legitimate reasoning behind some talents who didn't accomplish a whole lot being brought back.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I could dig a Hawkins/Slater team

The Dragon and The Hawk.

[DAMN iNATOR]

I want Curt Hawkins to be teaming with Zack Ryder. Mojo Rawley should be reinventing himself in NXT still. He could be a great top heel down that way. Rhyno would be a good "bodyguard" for Dolph Ziggler.

Kinda smacks of late 2007, early 2008 with the whole Edgeheads thing...not sure I want to see that ever again.

[Simple Fan]

Loved the Edge Heads but that time has passed. Hawkins has been working for GFW and held the TNA Tag Team titles last year when GFW invaded TNA. Wouldn't mind him returning and teaming with Ryder. Could have Ryder turn heel on Mojo and team with Hawkins. Hardly recognized him on Impact last year, has gotten old.

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSSIvyrFb3UdFo8ssVOMNsFqTHKfHQC4z2zw8_-7IyrJT0hRxuM

[Mr. Nerfect]

He's 31.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Hawkins & Ryder now have distinct personalities.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I'd also be okay with the WWE signing Justin Gabriel back and putting him back with Heath Slater, but there are probably better things the WWE can do with Slater.

[Simple Fan]

He's 31.

I know he's not old but he just looked super young in WWE. Could be the hair cut as well.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Yeah, he does look older. He was 24 when he was heavily featured on WWE programming.

[Mr. Nerfect]

Man, Zack Ryder should be way better than he is now with all that time on the roster.

[Emperor Smeat]

According to PWI, WWE might be considering allowing a few wrestlers from each brand to appear on the other brand shows with next week planned for that to happen and maybe extend for a few more weeks till Summerslam.

[KIRA]

Oh god fucking Mojo Riley? I can't be the only one that hates that dude.

[Lock Jaw]

*points at KIRA*

HE AIN'T HYPE!!!

[KIRA]

*points at KIRA*

HE AIN'T HYPE!!!

UGH.

[Lock Jaw]

(He ain't hype)

[Mercenary]

Oh god fucking Mojo Riley? I can't be the only one that hates that dude.


Nope you are not

[DAMN iNATOR]

I will say, though, one thing I did enjoy about the Edge-Heads was their theme ("In the Middle of it Now").

WUyIDJldDGU

[XL]

According to PWI, WWE might be considering allowing a few wrestlers from each brand to appear on the other brand shows with next week planned for that to happen and maybe extend for a few more weeks till Summerslam.

Already!?

[James Steele]

Orton and Brock are the only ones unless they do more inter-brand matches. Guess it depends on what they're doing with the World Title, Women's Title, and Tag Titles. Have they said whether those titles are brand exclusive or not?

[Simple Fan]

I assume they are exclusive to the show that drafted them. The WWE title will go to Raw if Rollins or Reigns wins.

[Mr. Nerfect]

I will say, though, one thing I did enjoy about the Edge-Heads was their theme ("In the Middle of it Now").

WUyIDJldDGU

This was Curt Hawkins' theme for the rest of his run with the company. That highlights the amount of exposure he got, doesn't it?

[Mr. Nerfect]

I've got a feeling that Carlito will be joining the WWE very soon to align with The Shining Stars to do battle against The New Day.

[Simple Fan]

I'd be "cool" with that.

[drave]

I've got a feeling that Carlito will be joining the WWE very soon to align with The Shining Stars to do battle against The New Day.

That would actually be a very entertaining match. New Day should go over, but make The Shining Stars credible by having a hard fought contest. Have them trade victories and culminate @ Summerslam in a 3v3 title match.

[SlickyTrickyDamon]

If there is anybody on the roster who could pull off being an upset champion, it's Heath Wallace Slater.

Not without Gertner here.

[BigCrippyZ]

I assume they are exclusive to the show that drafted them. The WWE title will go to Raw if Rollins or Reigns wins.

So one of these supposed "equal" brands will be without any world champion? Not that it matters, even if both brands each have their own world title, Raw will still be treated as the premier brand. Always has been, always will be, as long as Vince is in charge. I don't even have a problem with Raw being treated superior in theory, just don't pretend like Smackdown brand and titles are somehow equal to Raw despite the obvious evidence to the contrary.

[Simple Fan]

It more or less is the holder of the title. If Cena is the SD champ and Reigns is the Raw champ Dena will be looked at as the superior champion by most. I think Raw comes out Battleground as the WWE title that will leave SD to create new World, Tag, and Women's championships.

[Mr. Nerfect]

It seems like they are setting things up so that the WWE Title ends up on RAW and then SmackDown will create its own belts, but I'm actually not sure they won't just implement floating champions but the champion has a home. So if Roman Reigns wins the WWE Title at SummerSlam, he'll appear on SmackDown, but when he loses it he goes back to RAW. I imagine it's very up in the air.

[XL]

Creating belts puts SD heavily on the back foot vs Raw who will have all the lineage of the current belts. I can see Roman being pinned by both Ambrose and Rollins, leading to them splitting the belt. At least that way they can claim that the lineage splits.

[Ruien]

Would love for Ambrose to pin Reigns and have Steph go on a rampage on how Reigns cost Raw the title.

[#1-norm-fan]

So one of these supposed "equal" brands will be without any world champion? Not that it matters, even if both brands each have their own world title, Raw will still be treated as the premier brand. Always has been, always will be, as long as Vince is in charge. I don't even have a problem with Raw being treated superior in theory, just don't pretend like Smackdown brand and titles are somehow equal to Raw despite the obvious evidence to the contrary.

I think Vince is probably fine with Smackdown being equal now. He was totally justified before. Smackdown was pre-taped, on a lesser channel and much of the time on a worse night. You had to treat Raw as the REAL A show. With Smackdown being live Tuesdays on USA now there's no reason Vince should show preference to Raw. They are equal now.

And I really hope they have floating belts. As much as I do want the brands to not interact, it's WAY better to have one world champ, one tag champ and one divas champ to rule those divisions instead of watering it all down by having one champ who only rules half the company and another who rules the other half. The two world champion era was shit for so many reasons.

[Evil Vito]

I've got a feeling that Carlito will be joining the WWE very soon to align with The Shining Stars to do battle against The New Day.

Carlito is basically the only chance in hell The Shining Stars have of anybody giving a fuck about them.

[Rammsteinmad]

I'd be up for a Carlito return.

[XL]

I was expecting all those Shooting Star vignettes where they were walking around PR to end with them saying something like "This is the shining star of the Caribbean", and then you'd hear "Now that, that's...cool" and Carlito would be sat on a lounger or something.

[XL]

I think Vince is probably fine with Smackdown being equal now. He was totally justified before. Smackdown was pre-taped, on a lesser channel and much of the time on a worse night. You had to treat Raw as the REAL A show. With Smackdown being live Tuesdays on USA now there's no reason Vince should show preference to Raw. They are equal now.

And I really hope they have floating belts. As much as I do want the brands to not interact, it's WAY better to have one world champ, one tag champ and one divas champ to rule those divisions instead of watering it all down by having one champ who only rules half the company and another who rules the other half. The two world champion era was shit for so many reasons.
They'd have done well to establish that from the beginning. Now it might come across as "Well SD has no champs so now all champs will defend on both brands". Or I guess you could just have Vince come out and say "You think you drafted the championship but you only drafted the [/i]current[/i] champion."

[Emperor Smeat]

According to the Observer, WWE is currently considering changing some plans in regards to Smackdown.

Randy Orton and not Cena nor Ambrose is being pegged as the top face for the brand and could affect plans for Cena-Styles being the early cornerstone feud for the brand.

Main reason is due to Cena wanting a very reduced schedule going forward to the point he might now be considered as a part-time wrestler for the WWE. Also Cena's company is working on more side projects which might be why Cena wanted less travel dates.

A few things were known, such as Randy Orton on Smackdown to eventually feud with Styles as the top babyface on the Smackdown brand house shows since Cena wasn’t going to be on the road. "

[Mr. Nerfect]

Creating belts puts SD heavily on the back foot vs Raw who will have all the lineage of the current belts. I can see Roman being pinned by both Ambrose and Rollins, leading to them splitting the belt. At least that way they can claim that the lineage splits.

Something like that would actually work really well. :y: