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The 2019 WWE Draft is on the lips of each and every wrestling fan. The magnitude of the business has changed with the FOX deal, which mandates SmackDown and RAW being portrayed as stand-alone shows.
Unlike traditional WWE Drafts, the last episode of SmackDown Live saw draft picks being made in "War Rooms" by the officials. While WWE proved committed to the Women's Revolution by making Becky Lynch No.1 draft pick for RAW, there were also several other high profile moves.
The aftermath of such drafts has often resulted in a major change in the landscape of WWE. While the last major WWE Draft in 2016 saw Finn Balor win the Universal Championship in his very first PPV, the likes of Alexa Bliss, Kevin Owens, and Bayley have also enjoyed success with World Championship reigns.
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Walking along the same lines, the WWE Draft 2019 also has the same potential with over fifty Superstars being drafted to either RAW or SmackDown. These draft moves are ranked on the basis of what their potential is and how such a move could help the concerned stars in possibly kick-starting their respective careers and justify their talents inside the WWE ring.
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#1 Andrade
Former NXT Champion Andrade has endured a mixed run on the main roster so far. Ever since his call-up, he has been involved in sub-par feuds against the likes of Ali and Finn Balor. Nevertheless, he didn't do his reputation as an excellent technician any harm with a series of top-notch matches against Rey Mysterio.
Although Andrade can be a top heel in the business with Zelina Vega on his side, he hasn't been taken seriously by WWE Creative so far. His feud with Balor saw Andrade gain some momentum with a couple of wins. But this wasn't meant to last long as he encountered the Demon King persona of Balor. In spite of this, Andrade was given a lifeline in the WWE Draft 2019.
Andrade was drafted by RAW in Round 1 itself which might give an indication of what the future holds for him. The RAW roster does have a lack of top heels with Andrade undoubtedly capable of filling in as one. His character, since his NXT days, has garnered a lot of negative reactions from the WWE Universe, which makes him a natural heel. With all the cards placed nicely for the former NXT Champion, Andrade could well be on his way to greatness after the WWE Draft 2019.
#2 Kevin Owens
Another former Universal Champion, Kevin Owens is in the midst of a decent 2019. Although he was injured for the first part of the year, his feud with Shane McMahon saw him turn face.
Kevin Owens' talent and ability on the mic has never been in question but he hasn't been pushed since he lost the Universal Championship to Goldberg. Before the Draft, SmackDown was home to several technically sound performers which did prove to be a hindrance for the Canadian. Injury concerns also didn't do any good to Owens' hopes of another World Championship reign during his tenure in SmackDown
During the 2019 WWE Draft, Kevin Owens was drafted in Round 3 by RAW. While there are claims of dissatisfaction on being drafted in the third round, his move to WWE RAW could help him revive his career on Monday nights where he did enjoy his best days in 2016 and 2017.
While FOX's deal might have cut the gap between the two shows, RAW still remains the more prestigious of the two. Given Kevin Owens' ability to cut unscripted and scathing promos, his chances of lifting another World Championship are quite high. Only time will tell if WWE Creative can make use of his undeniable ability to push him to the top.
#3 Lacey Evans
Lacey Evans is one of the most highly-rated Superstars in the Women's roster. Initially, she did nothing but walk up the ramp and distract competitors but has since carved up a reputation for being 'nasty'. Her feud against Becky Lynch was decent although the follow-up segments weren't any were close to being classy. Due to repetitive matches against Natalya and a lack of concrete writing, Lacey Evans seemed to be going down the road of infamy.
Drafted as SmackDown's fifth pick overall, Lacey Evans gets a fresh start with the Smackdown roster including the likes of Sasha Banks, Carmella, and Bayley. The former US Marine is known for his strength and athleticism, which has vowed the WWE Universe. While she was initially viewed quite highly by Vince McMahon and the WWE Management, this hasn't been the case, at least on screen.
Her inclusion in the six-pack challenge for Bayley's SmackDown Women's championship throws some light on the fact that she would be a constant presence in the title picture more often not. With the WWE Draft providing a fresh start to all the Superstars, one can expect Lacey Evans to be given a push soon.
#4 Elias
Last year, Elias was one of the most sought after WWE Superstars on either roster. He had babyface written all over him as he went up against Bobby Lashley and Lio Rush. Since his Intercontinental Championship reign, Elias has endured a quiet period where he has only managed a couple of 24/7 Championship reigns. Blessed with the gift of the gab, Elias is more than capable of holding his own in the ring as well. His ability to pull off a heel character and a face bode well for him as he makes a move to SmackDown.
While he associated with Shane McMahon for a few months, the storyline did no good to his stocks although his promos we still a rage among the WWE Universe. His initial days on SmackDown this year saw Vince McMahon herald him as the greatest acquisition of SmackDown. This led to a feud with Roman Reigns, which could only have one outcome considering the Big Dog's reputation. He hasn't had much to do off late with the WWE Draft providing a fresh start to Elias. With a visible lack of heels on the SmackDown roster after the conclusion of the WWE Draft 2019, Elias could be viewed as a top Superstar.
#5 Aleister Black
Even in his WWE NXT days, Aleister Black was regarded as one of the best performers inside the ring. His NXT Championship reign and a sensational feud with Velveteen Dream propelled him into the spotlight. This forced WWE Creative to take note of him as he made his main roster debut alongside Ricochet. Although both of them started well as a tag-team, Aleister Black hasn't seen much action since the WWE Superstar Shake-Up. While Ricochet continues to enthrall the WWE Universe with his high-flying moves, Black sits quietly on the sidelines, waiting to pounce at the right moment.
Apart from a few cryptic promos and pointless matches against Cesaro and the Singh Brothers, Aleister Black hasn't seen much action or even an extended storyline. At a time when Black would have felt frustrated, the WWE Draft 2019 comes in as a relief. Having been drafted to RAW, Black could fill in for Bray Wyatt, whose entertaining and fear-inducing promos were selected along with him by SmackDown. With an aura of fear and intrigue around the former NXT Champion, Aleister Black should benefit from this move and reinstate his credentials as one of the best in the business.
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