Bray Wyatt, Big E, Randy Orton Among Notable Names Not Eligible For WWE Draft

The 2023 WWE Draft concluded on "WWE Raw Talk" following last night's broadcast of "WWE Raw" at the Dickies Arena in Fort Worth, Texas. While most WWE Superstars learned their fate, some contracted performers were not assigned brands or listed as free agents. Notable names missing from the promotion's roster shake-up include Bray Wyatt, Randy Orton, Big E, Logan Paul, Alexa Bliss, Uncle Howdy, Tommaso Ciampa, Shanky, R-Truth, Robert Roode, Aliyah and Carmella. The new WWE rosters are set to come into effect following the Backlash premium live event on May 6. 

It is known that most of the wrestlers listed above are currently dealing with injuries or medical issues. Orton, Big E, Ciampa and Roode are currently long-term absentees after undergoing surgery following serious injuries. In Bliss' case, the former "Raw" and "SmackDown" Women's Champion recently disclosed that she was "all clear" following skin cancer treatment, while Wyatt was abruptly taken off television leading up to WrestleMania 39 with an undisclosed health problem, which resulted in Howdy being removed from WWE programming at the same time. Carmella announced that she was pregnant this week, meaning that she will be stepping away from the ring indefinitely. Meanwhile, R-Truth recently teased a return to the squared circle following a setback during his recovery from a torn quad that he suffered last year. 

It was revealed last month that social media megastar Paul had signed a new deal with WWE. However, it is unclear why the 28-year-old wasn't featured during the 2023 WWE Draft, even being listed as a free agent. Furthermore, Aliyah hasn't been featured on WWE programming for several months, but the reason for the former WWE Women's Tag Team Champion's absence has yet to be disclosed. Shanky's status is also unknown, with his most recent match taking place on "SmackDown" last summer.