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WWE SmackDown Preview: Night One of WWE Draft 2024, Cody Rhodes Contract Signing

A preview of the WWE Draft 2024 on tonight's episode of Friday Night SmackDown.

The April 26, 2024 episode of Friday Night SmackDown will also serve as night one of the WWE Draft this evening.

In this year's draft all current champions are protected, meaning they will not be eligible to be picked by another brand. Some other members of the main roster, such as Jimmy Uso, are also not in the draft pool. NXT stars will be available to be drafted and many are expecting the likes of Ilja Dragunov and Carmelo Hayes to be drafted. Will they be moved tonight or on night two this coming Monday?

The Heritage Bank Center on Cincinnati, OH will play host to tonight's show, so let's get into this WWE SmackDown preview.

WWE NEWS: MAJOR SURPRISE APPEARANCES REPORTEDLY PLANNED FOR WWE DRAFT 2024

Tonight's episode of Friday Night SmackDown will also feature a contract signing to make the next Undisputed WWE Championship match official. AJ Styles has earned a title opportunity against champion Cody Rhodes at WWE Backlash 2024. Will there be any shenanigans during the signing?

Also, PWInsider recently reported that surprise appearances from WWE Hall of Famers have been planned for SmackDown tonight. Names reportedly discussed are former WWE Champion JBL, former GM of the blue brand Teddy Long, and former women's champion Alundra Blayze. We'll soon find out who will pop up on the show.

Sports Illustrated's MMA Knockout will be providing live coverage of WWE Friday Night SmackDown and the WWE Draft 2024 throughout the night. Keep it locked on our homepage for the latest updates beginning at 8 p.m. ET.

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