While a formal draft has been declared "dead" by some analysts, several significant roster changes and status updates have occurred on Friday Night SmackDown as of late April 2026:
: The new United States Champion is staying on SmackDown to defend his title after defeating Sami Zayn at WrestleMania 42 [16, 19]. WWE Friday Night SmackDown
For context on how these changes differ from previous years: Traditional Draft (e.g., 2024) 2026 "Shake-up" Status 2-night live broadcast (SmackDown & Raw) [6, 15] No scheduled broadcast date [12] Selection Count ~16 picks on SmackDown, ~24 on Raw [6, 8] Fluid, unannounced trades [12, 14] Draft Pool Clearly defined lists of eligible stars [8, 9] Internal restructuring [12] Effective Date Post-Backlash (May) [8, 9] Immediate following WrestleMania [16] Operational Changes While a formal draft has been declared "dead"
: Though rumored for a SmackDown debut, he was reportedly absent from the April 24 broadcast [23]. Solo Sikoa has publicly challenged him to join his version of The Bloodline, stating he "brought him into this world" [27]. ~24 on Raw [6