WWE’s first live episode of SmackDown on Tuesday, July 19, will feature a Superstar Draft which will determine which show (Raw or SmackDown) the company’s wrestlers will call home for the foreseeable future.
The announcement, as seen on WWE.com, states that the respective General Managers for each show will conduct the draft.
The destiny of all WWE Superstars will be determined when SmackDown goes live for the first time ever Tuesday, July 19, at 8/7 C on USA Network. A WWE Draft will be conducted by respective General Managers to select which Superstars will compete exclusively on Monday Night Raw or SmackDown.
Some of the details still need to be sorted out (who will the General Managers be?), but the news is already creating excitement among WWE fans. The brand split means fans have a specific reason to tune into Raw or SmackDown, and pay-per-views will take on a new identity as wrestlers who don’t normally see each other will battle for their respective brand.
Of course, no idea – especially an idea from the WWE – ever works out quite as good as advertised. The WWE has reportedly been reaching out to former Superstars in an attempt to fill out the larger roster which will be needed to accommodate a brand split. The current roster might be a bit too thin to make a brand split work, but it’s at least a refreshing idea from a company that desperately needs help in terms of television ratings.
