WWE Reportedly Has No Plans for a 2026 Draft Following WrestleMania 42

WWE fans expecting a major post‑WrestleMania roster reset may be disappointed, as new reports indicate that there are currently no plans for a 2026 WWE Draft. According to sources speaking with Bodyslam, WWE’s internal calendar does not list a tentative date for a traditional draft event this year. While talent can still move between brands through individual transfers or NXT call‑ups, a full-scale draft is not scheduled.

This marks the second straight year WWE has opted out of holding the annual draft. In 2025, the company also skipped the event despite internal discussions. Instead, WWE relied on smaller roster adjustments, including targeted brand moves and several NXT call-ups such as Oba Femi, Trick Williams, and Je’Von Evans. The absence of a draft surprised many fans, as the event has long been a staple of the post‑WrestleMania season.

The decision not to hold a draft in 2025 was not due to a lack of broadcaster interest. WrestleVotes previously reported that ESPN was highly interested in hosting the 2025 WWE Draft across its platforms as part of its new media rights partnership. However, the talks fell apart because the traditional two‑night draft format—split between RAW and SmackDown—didn’t align with ESPN’s desire for a more “Premium Live Event”‑style presentation.

Without a formal draft, WWE has leaned heavily on storyline‑driven moves and “transfer windows” to keep the product fresh. This approach has kept top stars anchored to their respective brands, with CM Punk and Gunther remaining central figures on RAW, while Cody Rhodes and Drew McIntyre have continued to define SmackDown throughout late 2025 and early 2026.

Unless internal plans change, WWE appears set to continue this more flexible, narrative‑based roster management strategy throughout 2026.