Since the tumultuous year of 2020, the World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) has seen a significant turnover in its talent roster, and the trend continued into April 2024. Following WrestleMania, a total of seven superstars were released by the company, marking a notable shift in its roster dynamics. As these talents prepare to enter the free-agent market following their non-compete clauses, the upcoming 2024 WWE Draft holds immense importance in reshaping the landscape of professional wrestling. This article delves into the talents released in April 2024, analyzes the potential implications of their departures, and outlines five top WWE stars who should switch brands in the upcoming draft.
Talents Released by WWE in April 2024:
The April 2024 releases from WWE encompassed a diverse array of talents, each with their own unique contributions and legacies within the company.
Jinder Mahal:
Jinder Mahal, a prominent figure in WWE since his debut in 2011, achieved significant milestones including a 170-day reign as champion. His departure marks the end of an era for WWE, signaling a shift in focus towards emerging talents.
Indus Sher (Veer and Sanga):
Veer and Sanga, Indian-origin wrestlers who debuted in 2018, struggled to make an impact but found a place on the main roster under Jinder Mahal’s guidance.
Xyon Quinn:
Formerly known as Daniel Vidot, Xyon Quinn transitioned from professional rugby to WWE in 2018. Despite his potential, Quinn’s career failed to gain momentum, culminating in his release.
Xia Li:
Xia Li, the first Chinese woman to compete in WWE, showcased her skills across NXT and main roster brands. Her departure leaves a void in WWE’s international representation.
Von Wagner:
Calvin Bloom, aka Von Wagner, showed promise upon his debut in 2019 but failed to fulfill expectations, leading to his release in April 2024.
Cameron Grimes:
A fan favorite since his debut in 2019, Cameron Grimes had a successful stint in NXT but struggled to make an impact on SmackDown, ultimately leading to his release.
Implications for the 2024 Draft:
The forthcoming 2024 WWE Draft presents an opportunity for the company to realign its rosters and inject fresh talent into its flagship shows. With WWE aiming to elevate NXT as a legitimate third brand, the draft holds even greater significance in reshaping the company’s direction.
Top WWE Stars Who Should Switch Brands:
Several established WWE stars could benefit from a brand switch in the upcoming draft, rejuvenating their careers and injecting new rivalries and storylines into the WWE universe.
LA Knight to WWE Raw:
LA Knight’s potential move to Raw could offer him new opportunities to ascend the ranks and challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship, diversifying the show’s upper echelon.
Tiffany Stratton to WWE Raw:
Tiffany Stratton’s relocation to Raw would inject fresh energy into the women’s division, providing a new top-tier star to rival existing talent on the brand.
Carmelo Hayes to WWE Raw:
Carmelo Hayes’ transition to Raw could see him emerge as a top babyface, filling the void left by established stars and elevating the excitement surrounding the brand.
Gunther to WWE SmackDown:
Gunther’s move to SmackDown would position him as a top heel contender, setting the stage for compelling championship rivalries and engaging storylines.
Roman Reigns to WWE Raw:
Roman Reigns’ shift to Raw could herald a new era for the brand, establishing him as the cornerstone of the flagship show and paving the way for monumental clashes with rival factions.
As WWE prepares for the 2024 Draft, the releases of several talented superstars in April 2024 underscore the company’s commitment to refreshing its roster and cultivating new talent. With the potential for significant brand switches and the introduction of fresh faces, the draft promises to be a pivotal moment in WWE’s ongoing evolution. As fans eagerly await the outcome, the stage is set for a new chapter in professional wrestling history.
FAQs
What is WWE?
WWE, or World Wrestling Entertainment, is a globally renowned professional wrestling promotion and entertainment company. Founded in 1952 by Jess McMahon and Toots Mondt, WWE has since evolved into a multimedia empire, encompassing live events, television programming, digital content, merchandise, and more. Known for its larger-than-life characters, dramatic storylines, and intense in-ring action, WWE has a massive fanbase spanning across various demographics worldwide.
- How does WWE determine its champions?
WWE champions are determined through a combination of scripted storylines, character development, and in-ring competition. Championships are typically contested in matches, with the winners becoming titleholders. WWE has various championship titles, including the WWE Championship, Universal Championship, Raw and SmackDown Women’s Championships, Intercontinental Championship, United States Championship, and various tag team titles. Title reigns and championship matches are integral to WWE storytelling and often serve as focal points for major events.
- What is the WWE Draft?
The WWE Draft is an annual event where wrestlers are assigned to different brand rosters, namely Raw and SmackDown. It is used to shake up the WWE landscape, create fresh matchups, and introduce new storylines. During the draft, WWE superstars are selected by each brand’s respective authority figures or general managers through a series of draft picks. The draft can also involve talent from NXT, WWE’s developmental brand, to further diversify the rosters and promote emerging stars.
- How does WWE produce its televised shows?
WWE produces several weekly television shows, including Raw, SmackDown, and NXT, as well as special events and pay-per-view shows. The production process involves a combination of live and pre-recorded segments, scripted promos, backstage interviews, and in-ring action. WWE utilizes advanced production techniques, including multiple camera angles, pyrotechnics, lighting effects, and video packages to enhance the viewing experience. Additionally, WWE’s creative team develops ongoing storylines and character arcs to captivate audiences and keep them engaged from week to week.
- What are some of WWE’s biggest events?
WWE hosts several major events throughout the year, with WrestleMania being the most prominent. WrestleMania is WWE’s flagship pay-per-view event and is often referred to as “The Grandest Stage of Them All.” It features high-profile matches, celebrity appearances, and elaborate production values. Other significant WWE events include the Royal Rumble, SummerSlam, Survivor Series, and Money in the Bank. These events showcase top WWE talent, culminate in championship matches, and provide memorable moments that resonate with fans for years to come
