“Shoot Themselves”: WWE Draft Criticized After Roman Reigns & Cody Rhodes Decision on SmackDown

2024 has proven to be a difficult year for the WWE, at least in terms of injuries. Several top superstars such as Rhea Ripley, CM Punk, and Seth Rollins are already out injured. And if we add superstars on hiatus, then we can also add the biggest superstar’s name as well.

Since Roman Reigns is focusing on his other ventures, the way forward looks uncertain. Night 1 of the WWE Draft took place in a bid to mend this. But was it the right move for the WWE to go forward with the event? Especially when top guys like Reigns and Rhodes are not a part of the Draft picks? The notable figures at the Busted Open Podcast undertook a discussion where they aimed to dissect the topic.

Top wrestling podcasters question the WWE’s decision-making

Justin LaBar and Matt Camp recently sat together at the Busted Open Podcast to share their thoughts on the WWE Draft. But while most would’ve questioned the drafts made, the duo questioned whether the event should’ve been held in the first place, considering the fact that most WWE superstars are out injured. They said, “You have taken away so much star power, which always happens after WrestleMania. Then you have injuries on top of that. And now a big event only a couple weeks after WrestleMania has a lot of names taken out of the mix as well. Did they kind of shoot themselves in the foot by having the draft when they had?”

According to the duo, the draft also suffered from the fact that champions such as Cody Rhodes were not eligible for the draft while Roman Reigns opted out from being drafted as well. Thus, reducing the stakes of the draft severely. And while we already know about the injuries of Rollins, Ripley, and Punk, the WWE unfortunately has another name added to the list. Jimmy Uso has apparently suffered a legitimate injury.

Jimmy Uso succumbs to injury issues

When the WWE revealed the list of roster superstars who are eligible for the 2024 Draft, Jimmy Uso’s name emerged as a prominent absentee. Uso has been a regular asset in WWE’s weekly programming in recent years. However, reports cited a compelling reason for his absence. As Sean Ross Sapp confirmed on Fightful Select that Jimmy Uso is out of WWE’s weekly schedule because of an injury of which no details have been given, so there is no scheduled date for his return. That is why the company has decided that Jimmy will not be eligible for the Draft.

The last time Jimmy Uso appeared on television was on the post-WrestleMania 40 episode of SmackDown, i.e. on April 12. During the show, he took a beating from Solo Sikoa and Tama Tonga, so his absence is justified within the story being told. So what do you think? Did the WWE make the right decision by organizing the Draft at this time? Let us know in the comments.