Folks, let’s pull back the curtain on the WWE Draft soap opera, shall we? Picture this: night one of the 2024 Draft, where WWE’s version of musical chairs sees surprisingly few movers and shakers between “WWE Raw” and “WWE SmackDown.” But the real drama? It’s simmering in the lower leagues—NXT!
According to the secret-squirrels at Fightful Select, it was as hush-hush as a surprise birthday bash in the locker rooms! Wrestlers milling about, none wiser than my grandma before we switched her coffee to decaf. Imagine the scene: talents pacing, waiting, hoping for that golden ticket to the big leagues.
Enter stage left, Carmelo Hayes, strutting with the confidence of a man who knew he was SmackDown-bound. Why? The guy was practically inked into the travel schedules and spotted rehearsing his grand entrance all Friday. But then there’s Kiana James, folks—total plot twist! This lady was as shocked as a cat in a bathtub when her name got the call. Surprise, Kiana—you’re going up!
Little birdies (thanks, Fightful’s Corey Brennan!) chirp that Kiana’s highlight reel was baked and ready earlier in the week. Talk about setting the stage for drama! Meanwhile, our man Hayes was just dusting off after his showdown with NXT Champion Trick Williams. He’s been doing his homework, even helping The Rock flex those muscles for WrestleMania 40. If that doesn’t scream “main roster,” I don’t know what does!
So, what’s the moral of this backstage ballet? In WWE, expect the unexpected—but also, maybe check the travel lists. They seem to spill the beans more than a clumsy chef in a bean factory.