Retrospective: Looking Back On The First WWE Draft

Once “Raw” went off the air, WWF determined the rest of the brand assignments via draft lottery.

On the “Raw” side, Flair secured the likes of Bradshaw, Matt and Jeff Hardy, Goldust, Mr. Perfect, and Raven, who entered the brand with the Hardcore Championship after defeating the aforementioned Maven. Within the women’s division, “Raw” gained the likes of Trish Stratus, Mighty Molly, Jacqueline, and Terri. Flair also won the battle for Steve Austin’s services; he would remain on “Raw” for the very brief remainder of his in-ring career, which ended in 2003 at WrestleMania XIX.

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Meanwhile, “SmackDown’ officially welcomed in talents such as WWF Cruiserweight Champion Tajiri, Albert, The Hurricane, Al Snow, Lance Storm, Hardcore Holly, and Diamond Dallas Page. A match involving the latter two, however, eventually resulted in a serious neck injury for DDP, after which doctors advised him to step back from professional wrestling.

Another notable lottery recruit was Chris Jericho, who, after losing in the Undisputed WWE Championship match the night of the draft, was assigned to the “SmackDown” brand as well. Along with Jericho, “SmackDown” also clinched a few figures in the women’s division, including Torrie Wilson, Ivory, and Stacy Keibler, who eventually succeeded in becoming Vince McMahon’s personal assistant.

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