Top seven most shocking WWE draft trades in history

These selections have turned out to be some of the most stunning in history

For decades, the WWE draft has been a crucial event in the wrestling world. Fans eagerly await the announcement of which superstars will be changing brands, and speculation runs rampant as to how this will affect their careers. Throughout the years, the draft has provided plenty of jaw-dropping moments that have left audiences stunned. In this article, we will delve into the top seven most shocking WWE draft trades in history.

7. Brock Lesnar to Smackdown (2004)

The WWE draft of 2004 featured a stunning transfer as Brock Lesnar moved from Raw to Smackdown. Lesnar was at the height of his career and was the WWE Champion at the time. This move shook the wrestling world, as Lesnar was the face of the Raw brand. Despite causing shockwaves among fans, the WWE draft trade that saw Brock Lesnar leaving Raw and joining Smackdown in 2004 proved to be a turning point in the Beast Incarnate's career.

While Lesnar had established himself as a force to be reckoned with on Raw, his transfer to Smackdown opened up new opportunities for him to dominate in the ring. Lesnar's incredible strength and athleticism made him an instant threat on the Smackdown brand, where he went on to become a multiple-time World Heavyweight Champion. The move cemented Lesnar's status as one of the most dominant performers in WWE history, and a true icon of the sport.

6. John Cena to Raw (2005)

In 2005, the WWE draft took a surprising turn with the transfer of John Cena from Smackdown to Raw. Cena had been the leading figure of Smackdown for several years, and his move to Raw came as a surprise to many. However, the decision proved to be a smart one for WWE, as Cena went on to become the cornerstone of the Raw brand for several years. His transfer allowed him to expand his fan base, win numerous championships, and cement his status as one of the greatest wrestlers in WWE history.

Also Read: WWE Draft 2023: Full list of picks by RAW and SmackDown

5. Edge to Smackdown (2008)

The WWE draft of 2008 delivered a jaw-dropping moment with the surprise move of Edge from Raw to Smackdown. The move was unexpected, considering Edge's high profile on the Raw brand. Nevertheless, the change proved to be a great move for the Rated-R Superstar, as he went on to capture the World Heavyweight Championship on multiple occasions, firmly establishing himself as a dominant force on the blue brand. Edge's move to Smackdown allowed him to take on fresh opponents and storylines, cementing his legacy as one of the most versatile and successful WWE superstars of all time.

4. Rey Mysterio to Raw (2009)

The 2008 WWE draft saw the draft of Rey Mysterio from SmackDown to Raw. It was a significant surprise for the fans, as Mysterio had been a cornerstone of the SmackDown brand for several years. Despite initial skepticism, the WWE's decision to transfer Rey Mysterio from Smackdown to Raw during the 2008 draft proved to be a game-changing move. During his time on Raw, Mysterio won the Intercontinental Championship, and his high-flying, fast-paced style thrilled audiences. Despite his departure from SmackDown, Mysterio remained a fan favorite, and his move to Raw remains one of the most memorable WWE draft trades to date.

Also Read: Top 10 worst WWE draft picks in history

3. The Rock to Smackdown (2011)

The 2011 WWE draft was marked by the shocking transfer of The Rock from Raw to Smackdown. The People's Champion had been away from the ring for several years, and his return to the WWE was highly anticipated by fans. The move to Smackdown provided the perfect platform for The Rock to make his comeback and re-engage with the WWE Universe. His return reignited his legendary rivalry with John Cena, culminating in a blockbuster match at WrestleMania XXVIII. The Rock's move to Smackdown was a game-changer for the WWE, and it remains one of the most exciting draft trades in history.

2. AJ Styles to Smackdown (2016)

The WWE draft trade of AJ Styles from Raw to Smackdown in 2016 came as a surprise to many, but it ultimately proved to be a brilliant decision. Styles quickly adapted to his new surroundings and took Smackdown by storm with his captivating performances and undeniable star power.

His incredible athleticism, technical mastery, and charismatic personality made him an unstoppable force in the ring, and he went on to win multiple championship titles, cementing his status as one of the greatest WWE wrestlers of all time. The move not only elevated Styles' career but also solidified Smackdown's reputation as a top brand in the industry. The WWE draft trade of AJ Styles will undoubtedly go down as one of the most significant and successful in WWE history.

1. Becky Lynch to Raw (2019)

The 2019 WWE draft sent shockwaves through the wrestling world with the stunning move of Becky Lynch from Smackdown to Raw. For years, Lynch had been the face of the blue brand, and her transfer to Raw was met with skepticism and surprise. However, it proved to be a shrewd decision for the WWE, as Lynch's star continued to rise on the Raw brand.

Lynch's charisma, fiery personality, and fighting spirit endeared her to fans and quickly elevated her to the upper echelons of the Raw brand. She went on to capture the Raw Women's Championship twice, cementing her status as one of the most dominant forces in the women's division. Lynch's move to Raw marked a new chapter in her career and signaled a significant shift in the women's division, with the brand now boasting one of the most electrifying and dominant female wrestlers in the world.

The WWE draft has delivered many jaw-dropping trades over the years, including Lesnar's move to Smackdown in 2004 and Lynch's transfer to Raw in 2019. These unexpected swaps have left fans amazed. It remains to be seen what future drafts will bring to the wrestling world.