The Pedigree - Draft Recap

Yet another historic night in the history of sports entertainment took place last night. On WWF Raw, Vince McMahon and Ric Flair took part in the first ever wrestling draft. This draft was to split the roster in half so that Flair would have his half of the company, and Vince would have his half. The two had a total of 30 picks, with the first 10 being picked live on television. The rest were picked in a lottery after the show.

Now, below is the complete draft card from last night's draft. (Taken from wwf.com). A lot of people have shown some disdain for the way these players were chosen, and in some instances...I can agree. But, for the most part, I like the way these guys were split up. Now, those people who are interested more in wrestling than characters performing have an option as to which show to watch.

Below, is the entire card of the draft, and besides the names of the people picked, I have taken the liberty to give you some insight I have on them and their being picked there.

After whoopin Flair's ass, I guess Taker got Flair's attention of how good he is. A solid man to have on any roster, but I think he's a tad to old to throw your #1 pick on.

Was there really any doubt? I figured the Rock would be the man to helm the show named for him.

I couldn't see the three of htese guys moving to Smackdown, as they are a little to violent for that regular tv show. However, I am now interested to see if they are going to kill the reamining heat for these guys...or remove the PG rating from the new nWo.

A solid acquisition for either brand, but it appears that Smackdown is going for the more popular stars, while Raw is picking up the stock people.

Can I just give out a WTF here? I like Kane, I think his gimmick is dead (no pun intended), but I don't think he needed to be picked this high on the list. Unless, they plan to make Kane a superstar while most of the other main eventers in the other half.

Again, a person that will benefit from the superstars moving to Smackdown. RVD may be the man to take Raw on his shoulders

I'm a little confused why both Rock and Hogan are on the same brand, but what do I know? The old man has about one year left in him. It will really increase ratings to know that the man can be seen on regular television.

This man has been used so wrongly in the WWF. With him being a top teir wrestler, I think Book has a chance to return where he was when he entered the wwf.

How about if no one picked either of these guys?

Did the WWF opt to take every wrestler over 6'8"? This is Show's last time to show that he's worth the hype. I think this is a wasted pick.

This pick totally reaks of awesomeness. I kind of wish he was on the Raw show so that he would get a bigger chance to show off without being stuck in the middle of the card

I think this is the smartest thing the WWF did in this draft. Splitting the stale ass Dudleyz apart. It should be interesting to see how the both of them fair in singles.

A pick that could've gone to someone more deserving. He is a definate lottery pick.

What a steal. I'm glad he got on the show where he'll have a greater chance to show off.

Like I said...smart move. Not sure if D-von will be able to do as well as Bubba will on Raw.

Aside from the first three picks, it looks as if Flair was going for a more wrestling oriented roster.

Haven't seen this guy wrestle in years. Vince must know something we all don't.

First woman picked, and definately deserving. If they want to make the women's dvision more credible...then this is one woman to have on your team. Plus, she's hot.

Not sure if a pick should've been used on Maven, but I'm glad to see him getting some mad recognitoin in the league.

I don't think the APA would've been split had they kept their comments to themselves as of late. This is a good thing, as it gives both Smackdown and Raw solid wrestlers who know the singles game well.

Completely forgot about this guy, but I would just like to say OH HELL YEAH! Welcome back my man.

As long as he returns without the RTC gimmick...I'm good to go.

The guys 6 feet and below seem to be appearing on Smackdown. Can we say Cruiserweight division? I know we can.

The Hardyz remain together, and they are on the Raw show. Odd that they put the only other tag team....on Smackdown.

I'm not too fond of this pick. I love Jericho..but what has happened is they put him on a show with a bunch of people who are more over than he is. This will just push him back to the middle of the pack, when he could be a main man on the Raw roster.

Extremely glad to see this man back. I've seen him work up close and personal, and I think Flair and this wrestling oriented Raw will use him well.

Was wondering where the females would come in on Smackdown. Ivory is the only true wrestling female on Smackdown. The rest are just showpieces.

Smart idea to keep them together, we saw how bad it was when they were apart. Course..who are they going to fight now?

Probably the first real big man, aside from Henry, in this league. I'm not sure what to do with this pick

An actual wrestler, who looks damn good for his age. Perfect has a chance to do something worthwhile now that some of the other guys are gone from backstage.

Marketable gimmick, that would be very well used in the much talked about CW division.

In the land of Giants and wrestlers...why the fuck is Spike over here? He should be with the CW's on Smackdown.

Solid man to have around, period. Could do well in the CW and Hardcore divsion.

I can not praise this pick enough. I am happy as hell that this man has returned

This is a serious pick, and shows me that the WWF is serious about the CW division. If nothing else.

Meat returns. He's a solid wrestler, similar to Buff Bagwell (without the ignorance). Should be interesting to see how this is played.

The problem that had occured with DDP in the WWF was that there was nothing to dow ith him because there were too many stars above him. Well, that's the same boat he's in here on Smackdown. He should definately be on Raw.

I could care less about this pick. She's nice on the eyes, when she's not in the ring.

Lita, Jacky, Molly, and Trish on Raw. I wonder which show is going to cater more towards female wrestling.

Hoping they split him from Albert and let him do a CW thing on his own.

Can we make him Dustin Runnells...please?

With the Dudleys in the other league, should be interesting to see if they make her a wrestling female. Or quickly stick her with the next jow blow.

The female division is strong on this show.

Not sure why he, or the next pick, were picked so low. I think Christian is the better of he and Edge,a nd sadly he's been put on the show where he will not even get close to showing his true potential. Resume the hissyfits.

Flair picks the ECW boys up left and right. I missed this guy, and its good to see them being called back up to the tv ranks.

This big man needs some love, and it doesn't appear that anyone is giving it to him. I don't see Test really exploding on this star filled Smackdown roster.

LOL...I thought this man had died. I don't exactly understand this pick. Bossman may have something left in him, but he's a solid vet who knows how to work. Should do well with the youth of a the lockeroom.

A solid singles wrestler, that will probably be used to set up younger talent.

The drunk man returns. I'm glad that Raven, Credible, and Dreamer are all on Raw. Should create some interesting matches and angles.

Interesting to see Tazz on this roster, as most of the wrestlers and people fitting his style are on Raw. I don't think Tazz will improve much beyond where he has already on this side.

I feel Crash is going to get swallowed whole on Raw. He'smore of a CW/Hardcore wrestler...which would mean he's more fitted to Smackdown.

Glad to here Sparkplug is back. Since this is where the Hardcore title ish....I guess its fitting.

I am actually interested in the women's division on Raw. Jazz can show up on either show, should be nice to see these women get a chance to shine.

One of the ECW boys that are on Smackdown. Not sure what they plan for him, but they've changed his name from Val Venis. Um..so?

Side has already drafted 30 superstars

Drop the mop, and Terri is in another league. Good sig. Wish he was hanging with Raven and Dreamer, but I guess he's stuck to be at the bottom of the WWF roster.

Side has already drafted 30 superstars

I guess I am one of very few people that aren't all that upset with these picks. I do have a few qualms, but I don't all out hate them.

Here are my supreme beefs with these drafts. One, has to deal with the nWo. As we all may know, Austin refused to job to Hall at WM18. Which basically killed any heat the nWo had. I mean, how are they so poisionous and they can't even win a match? So, my question here is...with Hogan and Rock on Smackdown. Who in the hell are the nWo going to fued with? Kane? Give me a break!
Second. I don't know about most people. But even with cable, in some areas...UPN is not available. Having damn near all the superstars on Smackdown is going to cause a lot of fans to be pissed because they won't be able to see squat.
Tag teams? Are we still going to have tag matches. The belts are on Smackdown, and the only other dominant tag team is the Hardyz...whom are on Raw. This leads me to ask this question. How are the titles going to be handled. Are you going to create a division in each league according to the titles you drafted. That would be every division would be on Smackdown save for the IC and Euro title. Which, is wierd, because people that would be in a hardcore and or cw division are in the opposite league of the title.

Finally. I'm happy that the Raw roster appears to be the wrestling fans wet dream. But, those fans that are into the sports entertainment of wrestling will all but STOP watching Raw with this current roster. Aside from HHH going back and forth...and the Taker and nWo being draws. Who on that Raw roster has a big enough name to carry that show on its back. All the rest of the stars are on Smackdown. UNLESS Austin comes to Raw (which would make this paragraph pointless), I don't see Raw being nearly as popular as Smackdown.

Hopefully, these rosters aren't set in stone. And they will find a way to tweak and or add people here and there. I don't want them to completely disregard this draft, as that would make Raw pointless. But somewhere down the line, have trades to make the leagues more competittive. Let's not forget though. There are still quite a few free agents (aside from Austin). Plus, the signing of Guerro, Mysterio, and possibly Steiner could beef up one of the two shows. I personally feel its a damn good start, I just hope they've thought of everything before going into something so serious.