WWE fans experienced a night packed with twists and turns as the 2011 WWE Draft unfolded before their very eyes.
Cena switches brands more than once as part of the 2011 WWE Draft
WWE fans experienced a night packed with twists and turns as the 2011 WWE Draft unfolded before their very eyes.
On a night which promised to shake things up, WWE fans worldwide endured a series of unexpected twists on Monday Night Raw, which culminated in a reversal that left many scratching their heads.
As RAW came on the air, a 20-Man SmackDown vs. RAW Battle Royal was already under way - with the winning brand receiving one draft pick.
When the ring finally cleared, it was the blue brand that had prevailed. In the end, SmackDown had earned one unbelievable draftee in the form of John Cena. However, SmackDown shouldn't have banked on Cena making it to the blue brand just yet.
During Layla's match with Eve Torres, to determine which brand would receive the next draft pick, Layla appeared to be in control.
However, Michelle McCool's distraction proved to be the deciding factor, as it allowed Eve to capitalise and secure the victory. The win for RAW resulted in Rey Mysterio being drafted to Monday Night's.
SmackDown's Kofi Kingston came up trumps for the blue brand when he faced off against United States Champion Sheamus in a non-title bout to determine which brand would earn another draft pick.
The Dreadlock Dynamo executed Trouble in Paradise not once but twice to pin the Irishman. The victory led to WWE's Apex Predator Randy Orton joining the SmackDown roster.
Thunderous
As his business associate, Vickie Guerrero, looked on, Dolph Ziggler lost his match to recent SmackDown draftee Randy Orton. Ziggler felt the wrath of a thunderous RKO which earned the blue brand two new draft picks: Mark Henry and new high-flying sensation Sin Cara.
RAW's newest recruit, Rey Mysterio, squared off against Intercontinental Champion Wade Barrett with an opportunity to earn their respective brands two draft choices.
Although the Englishman proved to be a resolute champion, fan favourite Mysterio struck with a 619 followed by a top rope splash to earn the red brand two draftees: Big Show and Alberto Del Rio.
In the night's main event, freshly drafted Superstar Alberto Del Rio joined WWE Champion The Miz and CM Punk to form Team Raw. The three clashed with Team SmackDown, comprising of Christian and SmackDown's newest recruits Mark Henry and John Cena.
With one more draftee at stake, the two groups battled it out, but in the end it would be the rebels in red who triumphed - namely down to Mark Henry, who attacked his fellow boys in blue.
The WWE Champion celebrated as he levelled one of his two Extreme Rules opponents, Cena, with a Skull Crushing Finale to capture the win for his squad. However, Miz' celebrations soon turned to despair when RAW won back John Cena in the final draft pick of the night.
Coming Up
The 2011 WWE Draft isn't over yet! This afternoon, the Draft continues on wwe.com. Later tonight, be sure to check back to skysports.com for all the latest developments.
WWE presents a special feature on the top 50 WWE Superstars of all time. A countdown of some of the greatest wrestlers in WWE history comes your way this week exclusively on Sky Sports HD.
And just 48 hours before WWE Extreme Rules airs live on Sky Box Office HD, SmackDown emanates from The Greensboro Coliseum Complex in North Carolina. See all the action this Friday Night at 9pm on Sky Sports HD4.
You can order WWE Extreme Rules now! Simply press the Box Office button on your Sky remote control. Select 'sports & events' and follow the on-screen instructions.
