The October 11 2019 episode of WWE SmackDown is taking place later this evening.
The following “quick hits” are advertised to be included in tonight’s show:
1. The Draft Kicks Off with a Contest Between Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns
To determine which brand, Raw or SmackDown, will receive the first pick in the 2019 Draft, Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns will go one-on-one, with Rollins representing Raw and Reigns representing SmackDown.
Even though they are representing the brands in this kick-off match, both Rollins and Reigns are eligible to be picked for the draft.
2. Bayley Challenges Charlotte Flair for a SmackDown Women’s Championship Rematch
The Queen conquered Bayley at Hell in a Cell, becoming the new SmackDown Women’s Champion, as well as the impressive title of 10-time champion. But tonight, Bayley will get a shot at regaining the prize in a SmackDown Women’s Championship Hell in a Cell rematch.
3. The Draft Begins
Tonight is the first of two shows that will feature the 2019 WWE Draft. Many of the top stars are in the draft pool, including Becky Lynch, Roman Reigns, The Fiend, and The OC (though this faction will be drafted separately and could, therefore, be split between brands when it’s all said and done).
The Draft rules, according to WWE’s website, are as follows:
- Over 70 Superstars, as well as tag teams, are eligible for selection in this year’s WWE Draft
- SmackDown will draft 30 Superstars, and Raw will select another 41 Superstars
- Since SmackDown is a two-hour show and Raw is a three-hour show, for every two picks SmackDown makes, Raw will receive three
- Tag teams will count as one pick unless FOX or USA Network specifically want to pick only one Superstar from the team
- Any undrafted Superstars will immediately be declared free agents and able to sign with the brand of their choosing
4. Kevin Owens Begins Again, Sans Shane O’Mac
Now that Kevin Owens has finally bested the best in the world, Shane McMahon, defeating him in a ladder match and winning the right to fire his long-time oppressor (which he took advantage of immediately), he will be taking the next step in his career tonight on SmackDown.
5. What Will the SmackDown Roster Look Like After the First Half of The Draft?
As both tonight’s episode of SmackDown and Monday night’s episode of Raw will include portions of the draft, we won’t know where everyone stands until next week, but there are sure to be many members of the Raw roster that will now represent the blue brand, some of which will be drafted tonight.
Need to catch up on all the action before tonight’s episode of SmackDown? Read all about the best moments from last week’s episode here.
How are you feeling about the October 11 2019 edition of SmackDown? Let us know on Twitter, @TheRumbleRamble.
