Each year, the WWE Draft brings excitement, speculation, and sometimes moments that leave fans stunned. Whether it’s a fan-favorite switching brands or a lesser-known wrestler getting a major opportunity, the draft has provided plenty of surprises over the years. These selections often reshape storylines, rivalries, and even championship landscapes, keeping the WWE Universe on its toes. Some of these picks made immediate headlines due to how unexpected they were, while others became pivotal moments that shaped careers in ways no one could have predicted. Today, we look back at some of the most surprising WWE Draft picks that left audiences buzzing and set the stage for unforgettable moments inside the squared circle.
Here are four of the most surprising WWE Draft picks that truly made an impact:
1. John Cena went to Raw in 2005
John Cena (Image via Getty)John Cena was the face of SmackDown when he was drafted as the first pick to Raw in 2005. At that time, Cena had just won his first WWE Championship and was quickly rising to superstardom. Fans expected him to remain on SmackDown and build the brand around his title reign. But when his music hit during Chris Jericho’s “Highlight Reel,” the crowd erupted in disbelief. Cena’s move instantly reshaped Raw’s main event scene and set him up for memorable feuds with the likes of Chris Jericho, Edge, and Triple H. This draft pick also marked the beginning of Cena’s transition into becoming WWE’s franchise player, a position he held for over a decade.
2. AJ Styles to SmackDown in 2016
When AJ Styles arrived in WWE in early 2016, many believed he would shine on Raw, WWE’s flagship program. But during the first brand split draft since 2011, Styles was selected by SmackDown. What made this pick so unexpected was the perception that Styles, still new to WWE, might not be trusted as a top guy yet. Instead, he went on to have a legendary run on the blue brand, including multiple WWE Championship reigns. This selection allowed Styles to thrive creatively and positioned SmackDown as “The House that AJ Styles Built.” It was a game-changing moment that not only defined Styles’ career but also elevated SmackDown’s reputation as a legitimate competitor to Raw.
3. The Fiend Bray Wyatt to SmackDown in 2019
Bray Wyatt’s reinvention as The Fiend had already turned heads in 2019, but when SmackDown drafted him during the first-ever televised “Fox-era” draft, it left many wondering what direction WWE would take. Most believed Raw would secure Wyatt, especially with Universal Champion Seth Rollins on that brand. But The Fiend’s move to SmackDown, away from ongoing rivalries, created new storylines and set the stage for iconic feuds, including with Daniel Bryan and Braun Strowman. His unique character, coupled with the eerie Firefly Funhouse segments, added a dark, thrilling edge to SmackDown, helping define the brand’s identity as it launched on FOX.
4. Finn Bálor to Raw in 2016 and Becoming First Universal Champion
Another unforgettable draft moment was when Finn Bálor, fresh from NXT, was picked to join Raw in 2016. Though Bálor was a top name in NXT, fans didn’t expect him to be drafted so early — or to make such an immediate splash on the main roster. Within weeks, Bálor won a fatal four-way and then defeated Roman Reigns to earn a title shot for the newly created Universal Championship. At SummerSlam, he defeated Seth Rollins to become the first-ever Universal Champion. Despite having to relinquish the title due to injury the next night, Bálor’s draft pick remains one of the boldest and most surprising moves in WWE Draft history.
The WWE Draft has always been a pivotal moment that keeps both superstars and fans guessing. Whether it’s a move that launches a career into new heights or one that flips storylines on their heads, these picks stand out as some of the most memorable moments in draft history. From Cena’s brand shift to Bálor’s meteoric rise, each moment brought a sense of unpredictability that keeps fans excited for what was next.