ESPN Wanted WWE Draft on Their Streaming Platform in 2025

ESPN had its eyes on the WWE Draft in 2025—but the idea never came together.

According to TC of WrestleVotes during a Q&A, ESPN was interested in featuring the WWE Draft on its platform this year. However, WWE’s current show structure and creative direction reportedly clashed with ESPN’s broadcast style, and the entire idea was dropped before it could take off.

“I know ESPN definitely wanted to have the draft on their platform, but it doesn’t really work in a PLE setting. The draft is more of a Raw and SmackDown thing.”

He added that WWE’s formatting and ESPN’s expectations just didn’t mesh, making the concept difficult to execute.

“So if you were hoping to use the ESPN platform for that, it kind of falls apart. The way WWE formats its shows doesn’t really line up with what ESPN would be offering to the audience, and it’s hard to picture what a WWE TV draft would even look like in that format.”

Beyond the logistics, TC also noted that WWE may be moving away from the Draft altogether. With the company’s current system of seamlessly bringing talent up from NXT, the Draft might not be seen as necessary moving forward.

“Because WWE now has a strong pipeline where talent can move up from NXT, the draft might eventually go away altogether.”

The WWE Draft is usually a major moment for reshuffling the rosters and creating new storylines. Fans were quick to notice its absence in 2025, and this update gives some insight into why. With 2026 a little over a week away and no signs of a new draft announced, its future remains uncertain.

Would you like to see WWE bring back the Draft in 2026, or has it run its course? How would you feel about ESPN being involved in future WWE programming? Let us know what you think in the comments below.

Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.