The 2024 WWE Draft brought anticipation and excitement to wrestling fans as it coincided with the NFL draft. With the draft spread over an episode of “SmackDown” and the following “RAW,” it promised plenty of shakeups and surprise picks. However, not everyone was impressed with how the event played out. On “Wrestling with Freddie,” Freddie Prinze Jr., former WWE writer and actor, offered his candid thoughts on the draft, highlighting what he found lacking and suggesting improvements for future drafts.
Prinze Jr.’s Take on the Draft’s Format
Prinze Jr. expressed his skepticism about the structure and execution of the WWE Draft, likening it to a “switcher-roo” rather than a true draft. “It’s more like Red Rover than it is the draft,” he joked, referring to the playground game. His main criticism centered around the lack of significant movement between brands and the absence of emotional reactions to the draft’s outcomes.
“I wasn’t a fan of it,” Prinze stated bluntly. “Look, I liked what they tried to do. The rules, they tried to make it [like the NFL]. But then they should’ve gone deeper with that and shown the disappointment when a couple of their talents get stolen, but not many did. Pretty much everyone stayed.”
War Rooms and Missed Opportunities
Prinze Jr. appreciated the concept of the war rooms, where general managers and talent were shown reacting to draft picks. However, he felt WWE could have taken this idea further to create more drama and realism. “Still, there should’ve been backstage moments there where Nick Aldis [SmackDown’s General Manager] goes up to the talent he lost, to like, Bron Breakker, and been like, ‘alright, but next year you better believe you’re coming to the Blue brand’ or whatever,” Prinze suggested.
He emphasized that these moments could add depth to the draft, showcasing the reactions of general managers and talent, and creating ongoing storylines. Without these elements, he felt the draft lacked emotional impact, turning into “just another 30 seconds that you can give to a match.”
By including behind-the-scenes reactions and exploring the personal implications for the drafted talent, the draft could take on a more human and emotional dimension. This approach would allow viewers to see the impact of the draft on the wrestlers and general managers, adding stakes to each selection. It would also offer opportunities to create engaging storylines that could carry forward, providing a narrative backbone for future episodes.
Instead of the draft feeling like a rushed segment, this emphasis on emotional depth could create moments that resonate with audiences. The reactions to draft picks—whether it’s excitement, disappointment, or uncertainty—could help fans connect with the talent on a more personal level, understanding the real-life implications behind each move. With this approach, the draft becomes more than a series of selections; it transforms into a pivotal moment with genuine drama and lasting consequences.
Predictions and Expectations
During his discussion, Prinze Jr. predicted that Charlotte Flair would be drafted to “SmackDown,” pointing out that her husband Andrade was drafted there. He argued that certain talent fit better with specific brands, suggesting that Flair’s persona aligned well with “SmackDown.” He also mentioned Slim Jim spokesperson LA Knight as another potential “SmackDown” draft pick.
While Prinze Jr. acknowledged that the WWE Draft has potential, he believed it could be enhanced with more attention to detail and a focus on creating engaging storylines through the draft process. His critique reflects a broader sentiment among fans who want the draft to feel more consequential and integrated into ongoing WWE narratives.
The WWE Draft rosters didn’t take full effect until the May 6 edition of “WWE Raw,” leaving room for adjustments and additional storylines. As the draft process evolves, WWE might consider incorporating some of Prinze Jr.’s suggestions to add more realism and depth to future drafts.
