Latest news with #BryanAlvarez
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
WWE Draft 2025: What You Need to Know About Annual WWE Event
While WWE has yet to formally announce the dates, plans for the annual WWE Draft in 2025 are reportedly still in motion, with new information suggesting a potential timeframe for the highly anticipated roster shake-up. The Draft traditionally sees Superstars from Raw and SmackDown switch brands and often features call-ups from NXT. Roman Reigns facing off with Seth Rollins wearing the Concord 11 bootsGetty Images Previous reports a couple of months ago indicated that WWE had initial plans outlined for this year's Draft. Now, Bryan Alvarez, speaking on Wrestling Observer Radio, has provided a more specific window, reporting that the draft is 'very likely' to occur at the end of May. This timing could see the roster changes align with WWE's significant "weekend takeover" in Tampa, Florida, during the Memorial Day holiday period. Advertisement Alvarez elaborated on the internal thinking and the status of certain NXT talents who have been appearing on the main roster: 'For whatever reason, Giulia and Roxanne are still considered NXT talents. Roxanne has been a regular on the main roster since Royal Rumble; she should be petitioning for main roster back pay. She's been here so often," he noted. "But I was told it's not set in stone, but very likely at the end of this month, when they're doing that series of dates in Tampa, it's very likely there might be a draft on that weekend or that week, which would probably mean that some people are being called up.' WWE has already announced a packed schedule at Tampa's Yuengling Center for that period. It begins with Saturday Night's Main Event on May 24th, followed by NXT Battleground on Sunday, May 25th. The Yuengling Center will then host WWE Raw on Monday, May 26th, and NXT the following Tuesday, May 27th. Traditionally, the WWE Draft unfolds over two nights, typically starting on Friday Night SmackDown and concluding on Monday Night Raw. If WWE adheres to this pattern and the late May timeframe, the 2025 Draft could potentially kick off on the May 23rd episode of SmackDown and finalize on the May 26th Raw from Tampa, setting a new landscape for the company heading into the summer. Official confirmation from WWE is still awaited. Related: WWE Discussing The Return Of Fan-Favorite PLE Related: Real Reason For Becky Lynch's Year-Long WWE Absence Revealed
Newsweek
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Newsweek
WWE Is Bringing Back Another Popular Event: Report
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. WWE is reportedly still intending to hold its annual Draft sometime in 2025, though fitting the significant roster shake-up into the company's increasingly packed global event schedule presents a logistical challenge. Reports from earlier this month via WrestleVotes indicated that WWE still has plans for the Draft this year. More recently, Bryan Alvarez noted on Wrestling Observer Radio that he has heard the 2025 WWE Draft "could take place later this month" (May 2025). This potential timeframe aligns with WWE's upcoming "Memorial Day weekend takeover" in Tampa, Florida. That weekend will see multiple events emanating from the Yuengling Center. These include a Saturday Night's Main Event special, the NXT Battleground Premium Live Event, and tapings for WWE Monday Night Raw and WWE NXT. The WWE Draft, a tradition with a rich history, was first introduced in 2002. This initial Brand Extension Draft formally divided the expansive WWE roster between its flagship shows, Raw and SmackDown. The aim was to create two distinct brands with separate talent pools, storylines, and championships. This move fostered direct competition between the shows and generated significant excitement among the fanbase. Roman Reigns (L) falls back while wrestling CM Punk during their Triple Threat match with Seth Rollins during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Roman Reigns (L) falls back while wrestling CM Punk during their Triple Threat match with Seth Rollins during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium on April 19, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Over the subsequent years, the Draft's format and frequency have evolved. There have been periods without a brand split, a "Superstar Shake-up" concept where talent would simply appear on new shows, and then a return to the more traditional multi-night Draft structure. More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation These annual or semi-annual roster reshuffles have consistently refreshed matchups and storylines. They provide opportunities for talent to move to different brands, encounter new opponents, and potentially receive renewed pushes. A Draft in late May 2025 would come relatively soon after WrestleMania 41 and Backlash. Such timing would undoubtedly lead to immediate and significant changes across both Raw and SmackDown as WWE heads into its summer season. As noted, WWE's challenge lies in scheduling the multi-day event amidst a calendar filled with weekly television, domestic and international Premium Live Events, and other special broadcasts. The company has yet to make an official announcement regarding the 2025 Draft. However, the reports from WrestleVotes and Bryan Alvarez suggest that internal discussions are active. For now, WWE fans will have to wait to see the roster changes and new creative directions that the WWE Draft invariably brings. More WWE News: For more on WWE, head to Newsweek Sports.
