Aanchal Varshney
Former WWE writer Vince Russo has voiced his frustration over the WWE Draft, declaring it obsolete after SmackDown star Randy Orton appeared on RAW this week. Russo’s comments have sparked a debate among fans about the relevance and consistency of the WWE Draft.
Randy Orton’s RAW Appearance
During this week’s episode of RAW, Randy Orton, a notable SmackDown star, surprised fans by challenging Gunther for a World Heavyweight Championship match at Bash in Berlin. The unexpected appearance of Orton on RAW has reignited discussions about the integrity of the WWE Draft, as fans question the legitimacy of the brand split when major stars can freely move between shows.
In addition to Orton’s challenge, the night featured an inter-brand tag team matchup where Austin Theory and Grayson Waller faced off against The Miz and R-Truth. This special match further blurred the lines between RAW and SmackDown, leaving fans confused about the supposed exclusivity of each brand.
Vince Russo’s Critique
On Sportskeeda Wrestling’s Legion of RAW, Vince Russo lambasted WWE for failing to maintain the integrity of the Draft. He expressed his disappointment, stating that the company could not keep rosters exclusive to their respective brands for even a few months. Russo predicted that WWE would again hype the Draft next year, only to disregard the brand split soon after. His critique is rooted in the belief that the Draft is merely a temporary gimmick to generate excitement, without any long-term commitment to maintaining separate rosters.
Russo did not hold back in his criticism, saying, “I swear to God. This is where the WWE Universe gets me sick to my stomach. There is no freaking brand split. There is no brand split. Anybody can be on whatever show they want. And guess what? When it’s gonna come time to [have] the Draft, they’re gonna sucker you right in again. You’re gonna get all excited about the Draft like you always do and a month later, anybody can go on any show.” His strong words reflect the frustration of many long-time fans who feel that the WWE Draft has lost its significance.
Historical Context of the WWE Draft
The WWE Draft was introduced as a way to create fresh storylines and rivalries by splitting the roster into two distinct brands: RAW and SmackDown. The idea was to give each brand its unique identity and allow for separate storylines to develop independently. Over the years, the Draft has seen various iterations, with WWE often reshuffling its roster to keep things exciting for the audience.
However, the frequent inter-brand appearances and matches have diluted the concept, leading to criticism from fans and insiders like Russo.
Adam Pearce’s Trade Hint
RAW general manager Adam Pearce hinted at a special trade that brought A-Town Down Under to the red brand. This has led to speculation about more inter-brand matches in the upcoming weeks. While Pearce’s hint suggests a storyline reason for the crossover, it does little to address the broader concerns about the consistency of the brand split.
Fans are left wondering whether these trades and special appearances are part of a larger plan or simply ad-hoc decisions made for short-term gains.
Fan Reactions
The WWE Universe is divided on this issue. Some fans appreciate the unpredictability and excitement that comes with inter-brand matches and appearances. They argue that seeing their favorite stars more frequently, regardless of the brand, is a positive aspect of modern WWE programming. Others, however, share Russo’s frustration and feel that the lack of consistency undermines the importance of the Draft and the concept of separate brands. Social media has been abuzz with discussions, with hashtags like #WWEDraft and #RAWvsSmackDown trending as fans voice their opinions.
Implications for Future Storylines
The current state of the WWE Draft and the frequent inter-brand appearances have significant implications for future storylines. If WWE continues to blur the lines between RAW and SmackDown, it may need to rethink the entire concept of the Draft. Alternatively, the company could double down on the brand split, ensuring stricter adherence to the rosters and creating more brand-specific storylines and rivalries. The direction WWE chooses will likely have a lasting impact on how fans perceive the brand split and the Draft in the coming years.
Russo’s comments reflect a growing sentiment among WWE fans who feel disillusioned with the current state of the Draft. As WWE continues to blur the lines between brands, it remains to be seen how the company will address these concerns. The WWE Universe will be watching closely to see if the company makes any adjustments to restore the significance of the Draft or if inter-brand appearances will become the new norm.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings