4 Big Name Wrestlers Likely To Leave WWE In 2019

To put it simply, the WWE product is currently in a slump. Despite the critical acclaim of NXT, the flagship shows continue to disappoint wrestling audiences. An influx of talent in early 2019 could help energise the televised shows and build some momentum within the company.

With more call-ups from the NXT brand imminent, there is no question that some of the current roster will be released to free up spots. These are the most likely wrestlers to be deemed expendable by the company.

Matt Hardy

Woken but not quite Broken

Matt Hardy got that last run with WWE that he craved. After leaving the company in 2010 in negative circumstances, Matt Hardy found work in IMPACT. During his first few years there, his career looked to be dwindling. This was until 2016 when he took the world by storm with his incredibly popular 'Broken Matt Hardy' persona. This brought new eyes to the Impact product whilst also serving as a late-career Renaissance for Matt.

After a well-publicized release from Impact, Matt made a shock return with his brother at WrestleMania. Months of Matt being a strange mix between his Broken persona and his old character ended when IMPACT allowed Hardy control of his gimmick. Despite this, his new toned down 'Woken' character was not as popular or successful. Hardy is now questioning his future with the company as he is no longer performing in the ring due to injury and just this week he fuelled rumours of a return to Impact Wrestling.

Returning to Impact will provide Hardy with a much kinder work schedule and the chance to be closer to his family in North Carolina. Working just a couple of days a month for Impact whilst also resuming creative control over his Broken character looks incredibly likely at this point so don't be surprised to see Broken Matt Hardy in the Impact Zone at some point in 2019.

Mickie James

Mickie James' reinvention in TNA earned her a final run with WWE

Mickie James is currently the oldest member of the female roster. Despite her experience and ability, James has largely been used to put over younger performers. For long periods recently the wrestler has stood behind and backed Alexa Bliss.

From a story standpoint, it would have been more beneficial for Mickie James to be in charge of this pairing considering the veteran's experience and prestige. Instead, she seems destined to be used as an enhancement talent in order to continue Alexa Bliss' push to the top of the card.

With Mickie James turning 40 next year and the fact she has not signed a contract since December 2016, all signs point to retirement. A return to the Knockout division is unlikely as James already achieved everything during her 3x title run in the company. Retirement will likely suit James as it will allow her to spend more time with her son whilst supporting her husband's promising career.

Rusev

The end of Rusev Day?

The role that Rusev plays continues to frustrate the WWE Universe. As one of the most popular emerging performers on the roster, Rusev seemed destined for stardom in 2016. His unique look and excellent Rusev Day gimmick left fans wanting to see more. Despite his popularity, his previous momentum has since evaporated. WWE creative does not know how to utilise the big man and he continues to be wasted in his current position on Smackdown, much to the disappointment of fans.

Rumours that started WrestleMania weekend about Rusev's unhappiness at his current position won't go away. It is believed that Rusev still has a lengthy contract with the company so we could eventually see another Neville situation play out. As to where Rusev eventually lands if he leaves WWE is anyone's guess but NJPW is the best financially equipped.

Bobby Lashley

Bobby Lashley is currently in his second stint in WWE

Lashley returned shortly after WrestleMania and received an immediate push. Despite this, he has recently been used sparingly on RAW and often finds himself in an unannounced fight that ends up just being filler content on a three-hour show. WWE has taken away his destroyer persona from his run in IMPACT and instead equipped him with a permanent smile on his face. This was, of course, the source for online ridicule during his feud with Sami Zayn.

The WWE Universe have never taken to Bobby Lashley as the fans did in IMPACT. The signs do not bode well for the superstar as creative have also run out of ideas for him after just six months. With Lashley recently turning 42, a return to IMPACT looks likely considering it wasn't a long-term deal that he signed with WWE back in April. It may be a case that he is currently working a one year deal and he will be released soon after WrestleMania next year.