WWE 2K19 Universe Mode (Series 1)

Information
This is the first series of Universe Mode in WWE 2K19 for Gore and Perkins. The brand split returns, with Gore once again running the Raw brand, and Perkins running the SmackDown brand. As usual with Series 1 in Universe Mode with new games, no champions will carry over from the previous game, and all titles will be vacated. Pete Dunne is the only exception to this rule, as Gore and Perkins agreed to let him keep the United Kingdom Championship.

Championships on the SmackDown brand will reflect the current WWE programming, meaning Perkins will have the WWE and United States Championships. On the Raw brand, general manager Goldberg decided to bring back the World Heavyweight Championship in favour of the Universal Championship as announced in Episode #3. As a result, Gore will have the World Heavyweight and Intercontinental Championships. The United Kingdom, Tag Team and Women's Championships will all be dual-branded. The Cruiserweight Championship did not return in this series, as it was rarely being defended in 2K18 Universe Mode. It's also worth noting that Superstars from any brand can team up to go for the Tag Team Championships. For example, the Hardy Boyz could be drafted to separate brands and still team up to go for the titles.

In addition to the usual Raw and SmackDown shows, NXT has returned for the first time since Series 2 of WWE 2K16 Universe Mode. In their 2K19 preview videos, Gore and Perkins announced that NXT had merged with 3 Star Wrestling and will operate as one brand. Drafted Superstars can be chosen to go down to NXT at any time by either Gore or Perkins, but they will still be attached to their drafted brand. For example, if Dolph Ziggler is drafted to Raw and is sent down to NXT by Gore, he will still be representing the Raw brand despite being a part of the NXT/3 Star roster. Undrafted Superstars can compete there as free agents in an attempt to get signed to Raw or SmackDown.

The Draft
1Both the normal Finn Balor and the Demon Finn Balor are counted as a draft pick, as they are different characters in 2K19.
 * 15 Superstars were selected by Gore and Perkins each
 * Tag teams and stables counted as one pick, as well as Superstars who have managers
 * 6 women were also drafted by both brands
 * In this table, picks 1-30 are male Superstars, and picks 31-42 are female Superstars
 * As per usual, anyone who goes undrafted can be used by both shows, unless Gore or Perkins decide to sign them to their show