The WWE Draft of 2003 was one of the most impactful events in wrestling history. It marked a change in the way WWE operated and led to the creation of two distinct brands, Raw and SmackDown. This draft was a way to shake up the roster and create new storylines for the fans. In this article, we will take a closer look at the WWE Draft of 2003 and its impact on wrestling.
The Background
Before the draft, WWE had a unified roster, meaning that all wrestlers appeared on both Raw and SmackDown. This made it difficult to create unique storylines and build up rivalries. Fans were getting bored with seeing the same matches over and over again. WWE needed to do something to shake things up and create fresh content.
The solution was to split the roster into two brands, Raw and SmackDown. This would allow for more opportunities for wrestlers to shine and for new storylines to develop. But to make this happen, WWE needed to hold a draft to determine which wrestlers would be assigned to each brand.
The Draft
The WWE Draft of 2003 was held on March 25, 2003, on an episode of Raw. The draft was unique in that it was conducted by Vince McMahon, representing Raw, and Ric Flair, representing SmackDown. They took turns selecting wrestlers from a pool of talent that was divided equally between the two brands. The draft lasted for two hours and saw 20 wrestlers selected for each brand.
Some of the most notable picks from the draft included The Rock, who was selected first overall by SmackDown, and Stone Cold Steve Austin, who was picked by Raw. Other notable picks included Triple H, Kurt Angle, Chris Jericho, and Eddie Guerrero.
The Impact
The WWE Draft of 2003 had a significant impact on wrestling. By splitting the roster into two brands, WWE was able to create unique storylines and build up rivalries. Fans were now able to see new matches featuring wrestlers who had never faced each other before. This led to increased excitement and interest in WWE programming.
The draft also allowed for more opportunities for wrestlers to shine. With a smaller roster, there was less competition for screen time and more chances for wrestlers to showcase their skills. This led to the rise of new stars like John Cena, who was drafted by SmackDown and went on to become one of the biggest names in wrestling.
The Legacy
The WWE Draft of 2003 paved the way for future drafts and brand splits. It became a yearly event and saw numerous wrestlers move between brands over the years. The brand split eventually came to an end in 2011, but the legacy of the draft lives on.
The draft was also a way for WWE to stay ahead of its competitors. By constantly innovating and trying new things, WWE was able to maintain its position as the top wrestling promotion in the world. The draft was just one example of WWE's willingness to take risks and shake things up to keep fans engaged.
Conclusion
The WWE Draft of 2003 was a significant event in wrestling history. It marked a change in the way WWE operated and led to the creation of two distinct brands. The draft allowed for new storylines to develop and created more opportunities for wrestlers to shine. It also paved the way for future drafts and brand splits. The legacy of the draft lives on today, and it remains a testament to WWE's willingness to take risks and innovate to keep fans engaged.