WWE fans hoping for the return of the annual Draft may be waiting longer than expected, as there is currently no WWE Draft planned for 2026.
According to from Bodyslam, WWE does not have a tentative date set for a Draft this year. This comes after the company skipped the Draft entirely in 2025, despite internal discussions and outside interest in hosting the event.
The absence of a Draft in 2025 wasn’t due to lack of opportunity. ESPN pushed to host the event, which would have marked a major mainstream partnership and potentially brought the Draft to a wider sports audience. However, those discussions ultimately didn’t lead to anything, and the Draft never took place.
Instead of holding a formal Draft, WWE quietly reshuffled talent throughout the year. Several wrestlers moved between RAW and SmackDown, and NXT call-ups helped refresh both rosters without the need for a televised brand shakeup.
That same approach could continue in 2026. Rather than staging a major Draft event, WWE appears willing to make roster changes gradually when needed, allowing creative plans to evolve naturally instead of forcing large-scale moves all at once.
The Draft has historically served as a major reset point for WWE, often creating new rivalries, refreshing storylines, and generating momentum heading into the second half of the year. Without it, roster movement may feel less dramatic, even if the end result is similar.
With WWE continuing to evolve and expand its partnerships, including major media deals and increased mainstream exposure, the future of the Draft remains uncertain. For now, fans shouldn’t expect a formal brand shakeup anytime soon.
Do you think WWE should bring back the Draft as a major annual event, or is it better for roster changes to happen naturally throughout the year? Share your thoughts and leave your feedback in the comments.