Former WWE superstar Maven has revealed a behind-the-scenes detail about the inaugural WWE Draft in 2002, stating that the company kept the draft selections a secret from the talent in order to get authentic, on-camera reactions.
The Secretive First WWE Draft
In a new video on his YouTube channel, Maven, who was the 10th overall pick for the SmackDown brand in that draft, explained the process from the wrestlers’ perspective. He confirmed that no one in the room knew where they were going until their names were called live on television.
“During the very first WWE draft, I had no idea I was going to be drafted 10th overall to SmackDown until it happened on live TV. No one else in that room knew either,” Maven said. “On the day of the very first draft, the only instructions we were given were to corral ourselves into a room and wait to hear our fate.”
A Desire For Authentic WWE Reactions
Maven explained the reasoning behind the secrecy. “One of the reasons the WWE refuses to enlighten the talent on where they might be going is because they want genuine reactions from everyone,” he stated.
“I can tell you, when they called my name 10th, my facial, my reaction was 100% authentic. I can also tell you the reaction of others was also equally authentic.” At the time of the draft, Maven was the reigning WWE Hardcore Champion and the first-ever male winner of the “Tough Enough” competition series.
The annual WWE Draft traditionally takes place either in the spring after WrestleMania or in the fall. WWE has not yet held a draft in 2025. The full video, featuring Maven reflecting on his career, can be viewed on his official YouTube channel.
