The first WWE Brand Extension lasted from 2002 to 2011. For the wrestlers active during this era, see the following pages.
- The Ruthless Aggression Era: For the time period between the first WWE Draft in 2002 and WrestleMania 24 in 2008, when the company began shifting to a PG rating.
- The WWE Universe Era: For the time period between the RAW following WrestleMania 24 in 2008 and WrestleMania 27 in 2011, when the company's World Wrestling Entertainment name was abandoned and the Brand Extension was phasing out.
In mid-2016, a second Brand Extension was created. For the wrestler's active during that era, see The New Era.
