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The WWE landscape is ever changing. The main event scene is completely different from what it was a few years ago, new superstars are given the platform to shine, while erstwhile cornerstones of WWE programming have faded to the background of the product, as new blood emerge to establish their places on the WWE hierarchy.
A perfect example of this is the fact that just four years after their break-up, every member of The Shield is now a Grand Slam Champion, an honor very few wrestlers can boast of. All this changes obviously results in certain superstars being undervalued and under-appreciated.
With time, wrestlers often lose a step or two and get ever closer to calling it a day on their career. WWE contracts don't tend to be more than a couple of years unless you're Kevin Owens, so let's check out the 5 superstars who probably won't renew their contracts with WWE.
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#5 Jeff Hardy
When Jeff Hardy returned to the WWE alongside his brother Matt at Wrestlemania 33, the WWE Universe completely lost its mind. The return was unexpected and it brought back one of the most beloved tag teams to the WWE.
Since then, the Hardy Brothers have gone their separate ways, with Matt forming a tag team with Bray Wyatt, and Jeff embarking on a solo run over on SmackDown Live.
Jeff became a Grand Slam Champion a few months ago after winning The United States Championship from Jinder Mahal. Since then he's been called a legend in WWE programming, and at the age of 40 he has certainly lost a step or two. A career of high-risk maneuvers has definitely taken a toll on the Charismatic Enigma's body.
The man has achieved everything there is to achieve in the WWE, and after a topsy-turvy career in the business, he may be ready to call it a day.
He has publicly stated that he wants to compete in a Hell in a Cell match before he retires, and with the Hell in a Cell pay-per-view locked in on September 16th 2018, it is highly possible that Hardy will not renew his contract with the company having done everything he has desired in his illustrious career.
#4 Cesaro
Cesaro is one of the best wrestlers in the world. He is a mind-boggling blend of superhuman strength and cat-like agility. He has put on fantastic matches against a variety of opponents, and created a connection with the WWE Universe through a unique move-set and pure athletic ability.
The fact that Vince McMahon truly believed Cesaro could not grab the 'brass ring' because he couldn't connect with audiences was and is preposterous, because the word 'special' is synonymous with The Swiss Superman.
It is saddening to see that Cesaro is just sitting on the side-lines now because WWE Creative have nothing for The Bar to do in a crowded tag team division on SmackDown Live.
The fact that someone like Cesaro who should be a multi-time World Champion by now is just sitting backstage, is a scathing indictment of the WWE and its mismanagement of an immensely talented roster.
Don't be surprised if he turns down a fresh WWE contract and returns to the independent scene where his talents are truly valued.
#3 Sheamus
The other member of The Bar may be hanging up his boots soon. Sheamus revealed a little while ago that he is suffering from Spinal Stenosis; the same injury that resulted in Edge's premature retirement.
It is rumored that his injury is not as severe as initially feared, but there is no doubt that it has significantly shortened his career. The complete absence of The Bar can also be chalked up to protecting Sheamus, in addition to a lack of creative direction.
Sheamus has had a great career with the WWE and has won a number of titles in his time. He may not be remembered as one of the greatest of all time, but he is undoubtedly one of the best and most professional workers to have plied their trade with the company.
It is a shame that Spinal Stenosis will cut his career short, but it is better to be safe than sorry, so don't be surprised if Sheamus is rapidly approaching the end of his career.
#2 Daniel Bryan
Daniel Bryan is a once in a generation talent. It is a shame that his career has been marred by injuries, but he has always found the will and resolve to make his way back from seemingly insurmountable odds.
After returning to the ring at Wrestlemania 34 following a 3 year hiatus, WWE hasn't really done justice to Bryan. He was briefly stuck in an uninspired feud with Big Cass, and after flirting with the main event, he reunited with Kane to re-form Team Hell No.
What should have been a wonderful match at Extreme Rules was rendered a disappointment due to poor booking at the show. Luckily, it moved Bryan into the much awaited feud with The Miz, likely leading to a match at SummerSlam.
It's unlikely that WWE will give Bryan the WWE or Universal Championship, given his history with injuries, so where does he go next? It is interesting to note that Bryan is yet to renew his contract with the WWE.
His contract expires on August 31st, and while there is time for him to sign a new contract, it wouldn't be surprising if he instead chooses to have a run on the independent scene once more, there he might have a real chance of winning the most prestigious titles at promotions such as New Japan Pro Wrestling.
#1 AJ Styles
In a short time AJ Styles has established himself as one of the top players in WWE. He is a 2 time WWE Champion and the face of SmackDown Live. He puts in great matches every week, and could have a 5-star match with a mop.
He is that good. However it is important to remember that AJ Styles has been wrestling for about 18 years now, and is 41 years old.
He has publicly stated that in a couple of years, he wants to be present for his children's events and be a bigger part of their lives. Family is extremely important to Styles, which is evident by the tattoo on the right side of his torso.
The man loves wrestling and is one of the biggest stars in the biggest promotion in the world. But he has also been around the block, and must seriously be considering hanging up his boots to spend more time with his family.
We should really treasure every moment we get to see AJ Styles in a ring, because there's a good chance he may be tempted to leave the squared circle.
Who do you think won't renew their contract with WWE? Have your say in the comments!
