In 2023, WWE made a significant move by reintroducing the brand split, marking a new era for RAW and SmackDown. This official draft, which had been used over the years to refresh WWE’s roster and mix up talent on both brands, brought exciting changes for fans. Now, with 2025 on the horizon, many are wondering when the next WWE Draft will take place and how it will impact the future of RAW and SmackDown.
The return of the WWE draft in 2023
Triple H, within a year of taking the reins on creative direction at WWE, brought back the draft for 2023. The show was an absolute winner, and this would be the key element in really helping get the roster turned over and some new stories started off right. The 2023 WWE Draft took place over two nights on SmackDown (April 26) and RAW (April 29), and it had a lasting impact on the brand landscape.
In 2024 WWE, launched a concept of transfer windows whereby talent would move between RAW and SmackDown throughout the year. Recently, WWE brought fresh faces on board for both brands like Logan Paul and Alicia Taylor for RAW and Braun Strowman and The Wyatt Sicks for SmackDown. These transfers kept things lively and created some fascinating prospects for new storylines in the future.
When Will the 2025 WWE Draft Happen?
According to the latest reports by Mike Johnson of PWInsider, the WWE Draft is said to be happening after WrestleMania 41. However, there is no confirmation on an official date yet. This timing will be a traditional move by WWE, having held the draft right after its biggest event of the year, allowing rosters to clearly know their direction.
“The last we have heard is that there will be one after Wrestlemania 41,” Johnson wrote.
The fans can expect this draft to be a very important moment in the creative landscape of WWE. Some big “hit” picks came into the 2023 Draft and changed the entire direction of the show, but all the picks cannot be considered great. The new talent and stories are already going on, and the 2025 Draft might bring more changes that can alter the future of RAW and SmackDown.
As WWE gets closer to WrestleMania 41 and possibly the 2025 Draft, excitement is building around how rosters will be reshuffled. With the introduction of the transfer window and ongoing roster changes, the 2025 Draft will undoubtedly have a major impact on WWE programming for months to come. Stay tuned for more updates as WWE prepares for this monumental event!
