Why is Cody Rhodes omitted from 2024 WWE Draft lineup?

“The American Nightmare” is set to face AJ Styles at Backlash

Cody Rhodes is one of the biggest babyfaces of WWE, since his return to the company in 2022. The American Nightmare fought in a number of matches throughout the week and earned his spot at the top.

Cody’s dedication and hard work paid him off at WrestleMania 40, where he finished his story by dethroning Roman Reigns to win the Undisputed WWE Champion. Although Cody is leading the new era from the front, he didn’t get featured in the upcoming WWE draft, here is why.

Why is Cody Rhodes unlisted in the Draft pool?

WWE has officially revealed the rules for WWE Draft 2024 on Wednesday, where the company made it clear that every champion will be retained in their respective roster. However the ‘WWE Women’s Tag Team Champions’ Kabuki Warriors are the only champions available on the Draft.

This made the Undisputed WWE Champion, Cody Rhodes go unlisted in the Draft pool. Cody was a Raw superstar, however, after winning the primary world title of the SmackDown roster. 

Also Read: Top 10 best WWE Draft picks in history

Other Champions who are not in the WWE Draft

Cody Rhodes is not the only champion to not get listed in the pool, but also other champions. The ‘World Heavyweight Champion’ Damian Priest, ‘Intercontinental Champion’ Sami Zayn, ‘Women’s World Champion’ Becky Lynch, ‘World Tag Team Champions’ Awesome Truth will be brand exclusive to Raw.

On the other hand, Cody Rhodes, the ‘WWE Women’s Champion’ Bayley, ‘United States Champion’ Logan Paul, ‘WWE Tag Team Champions’ Austin Theory & Grayson Waller will be brand exclusive to SmackDown. It is unknown whether this rule is applicable to NXT or not.

Eligible stars for the 2024 WWE Draft

WWE has officially released the talents who are eligible for the WWE Draft and announced the pools for both the nights.

On Night 1 superstars including AJ Styles, Otis, Chad Gable, Akira Tozawa, Andrade El Idolo, Bron Breakker, Ashonte Thee Adonis, Ivar, Jey Uso, LA Knight, Liv Morgan, Nia Jax, Randy Orton, Ricochet, Seth Rollins, Shayna Baszler, Sheamus, Roman Reigns, Solo Sikoa, Tama Tonga, Paul Heyman, Zoey Stark, Luke Gallows, and Karl Anderson, Michin and other NXT talents are eligible for the draft.

On Night 2 superstars including Braun Strowman, Johnny Gargano, Tommaso Ciampa, Apollo Crews, Bronson Reed, Candice LeRae, Indi Hartwell, Chelsea Green, Piper Niven, CM Punk, The Creeds, IYO SKY, Naomi, Dakota Kai, Asuka, Kairi Sane, Drew McIntyre, Karrion Kross, AoP, Paul Ellering, Imperium, GUNTHER, Finn Balor, Dominik Mysterio, JD McDonagh, Kevin Owens, Santos Escobar, Natalya, Pete Dunne, Tyler Bate, The New Day, Pretty Deadly, Shinsuke Nakamura, Bobby Lashley, Street Profits, B-Fab, Tiffany Stratton, Rey Mysterio, Carlito, Jade Cargill, Dragon Lee, LWO, Zelina Vega and NXt talents are available for the draft.

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