WWE Brand Split - Mock Draft 2016

This is a page documenting James' mock draft for the impending WWE brand split in 2016, in which SmackDown will go live for the first time ever.

Management
Raw COOs: Stephanie McMahon will end up being one of Raw's COOs, as she is a superior talker, and has more experience on live programming. Also helping keep things in the Authority's favor is her husband, the returning Triple H.

SmackDown COO: SmackDown's COO will end up being Stephanie's brother, Shane McMahon. This is because SmackDown will likely be the wrestling=oriented show, and Shane is the wrestling-oriented McMahon.

Draft
Raw Pick #1 - WWE Champion Dean Ambrose

Raw is the more established show between the two, and the WWE Championship is the more established championship. Dean also has too much charisma to not be featured on the flagship show.

NOTE: The reason I referred to Dean as the WWE Champion is that I assume WWE is reviving the World Heavyweight Championship and giving it to SmackDown. I will talk more about that later.

SmackDown Pick #1 - John Cena

John Cena has not been a member of the SmackDown roster in over a decade. A return to their roster would certainly indicate a refreshing change of pace for the franchise player.

Raw Pick #2 - Roman Reigns

Roman Reigns is in the center of a whirlwind of controversy right now after his Wellness Policy violation, which caused him to be punished with a 30-day suspension. However, Reigns is still undeniably being pushed as the chosen one of the company, so he gets an early draw tonight.

SmackDown Pick #2 - Kevin Owens

A shocker occurs tonight, as Kevin Owens is drafted in the first 3 rounds, alongside the top stars of WWE. However, now is a great time to pull the trigger on his main event push. He is currently doing the best heel work of his career, and fans are clamoring for him to get a chance at the top.

Raw Pick #3 - Seth Rollins

Seth Rollins just edges out KO as the best heel in WWE right now, but it's less 1/2 and more 1A/1B. That being said, The Architect is already a key player in the main event, so he gets drafted here to keep up his feud with his former Shield brethren.

SmackDown Pick #3 - AJ Styles

AJ Styles is currently in a huge top feud with John Cena, so he is drafted here to continue the rivalry. I doubted a Styles heel turn at first, but he has been doing excellent chickenpoo heel work so far.