WWE releases rules for upcoming draft

wwe drew mcintyre
WWE releases rules for upcoming draft WWE

It's that time of the year again — the WWE Draft, where Superstars find a new home for the rest of the year.

The draft begins this Friday (April 26) on SmackDown and ahead of the first round, WWE has released this year's rules.

On SmackDown, there will be four rounds giving the brand 16 picks. Then on Monday's Raw there will be six rounds, totalling 24 picks.

wwe drew mcintyre
WWE

Related: Rhea Ripley vacates WWE Women's World Championship

Champions on each brand are protected, while the women’s tag team champions, The Kabuki Warriors (Asuka and Kairi Sane), are eligible to be drafted.

On Monday, May 6, the rosters will be locked.

Previously, WWE released this year's Draft Pool, revealing the full list of eligible Superstars from SmackDown and Raw, including the injured CM Punk.

NXT Superstars are also eligible to be drafted.

Missing from the list is former WWE Women's Champion Rhea Ripley who, earlier this month was forced to relinquish her title after suffering an injury at the hands of Liv Morgan.

The vacant WWE Women's Championship was won by Becky Lynch on Monday (April 22) after she won a Battle Royal on Raw.

wwe rhea ripley
WWE

Related: WWE's Nikki Bella was ready to call AEW to make wrestling return

Following her victory, Lynch posted on X: "The Man is back where she belongs, as your Women’s World Champion. #AndNew."

WWE's next Premium Live Event will be Backlash on May 4, which emanates from the LDLC Arena in Lyon, France.

The event will be headlined by Cody Rhodes vs AJ Styles for the Undisputed WWE Championship and Damian Priest vs Jey Uso for the World Heavyweight Championship.

Catch up on Raw, Smackdown, NXT and all the big WWE action via the WWE Network or TNT Sports. US viewers can access the WWE Network via Peacock.

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