WWE Draft News, How NXT Is Affected (Patreon)

The WWE Draft is upon us, and Fightful has learned some lines of thinking that WWE has ahead of this year's draft.

It's important to note, that nothing is set in stone, and we've seen changes happen all the way up to one hour before the show. 

Ilja Dragunov is a name that was pitched to potentially join the main roster for the draft. We can confirm PWinsider's report that Pretty Deadly were pitched as well. Tyler Bate has also been pitched, per WRKD Wrestling/

Cameron Grimes has been considered for a main roster call-up for months, and actually worked a Smackdown taping in February. When we asked about his status, we were told that WWE doesn't have NXT talent work the Smackdown tapings.

Instead, NXT talent regularly works WWE Main Event tapings before Raw. Of late we've seen tons of talent at varying degrees of experience appear on those tapings. Sources familiar with the situation said that's to add intrigue to the Main Event show, get talent reps in front of bigger non-Florida TV crowds, see how they work on main roster TV, and evaluate the talent working with veterans. While it isn't an indication that a call-up is even being considered, it can go a long way with a good performance.

It's worth noting that just because an NXT talent is working tapings or dark matches, doesn't mean they're primed for a call up. Both Dakota Kai and Bronson Reed were regularly at main roster tapings before their releases their first go around.

Teddy Long was contacted to appear at the Draft as well.