5 wrestlers who could leave WWE in 2018

WWE has seen many unexpected exits in the past. CM Punk, The Ultimate Warrior, Edge, AJ Lee, Randy Savage to name a few, left WWE unexpectedly. A few of them left due to fatal injuries where continuing could affect their conditions ever more while some left as the time for passing the baton to the future stars had arrived and realized.

Retirement and injuries come as a closed package with wrestling. The stars reluctantly or willingly have to agree to it and also retire one day, which can either be early in their career or when even when they in their prime.

These stars have been legends in their careers but they later found alternate careers or any other reason such as retirement or that of stepping down from their positions in order to give the newer stars their time to shine.

These legendary wrestlers mentioned below have reached a point that they have to leave the company. Most probably, these wrestlers might retire or leave WWE this year.

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#5 Kane

Kane might not come back after the mayor election

Kane had an illustrious career in WWE. His run in WWE since 1997 has been extremely successful, especially when he was involved against and with The Undertaker. He was also a part of the successful tag-team, 'Team Hell No'.

Demon Kane gave up his masked persona and pledged his alliance to Stephanie McMahon and joined the authority in 2015. Kane is also an insurer and politician outside WWE. Subsequently, his hiatuses became more frequent because he had to concentrate both on politics and his insurance business.

When talking about his WWE career and political career to Wrestlinginc.com, Kane indicated that he is considering retirement and as he is 50 years old, it is a good decision for him and his family. But, when asked about whether he is retired from the ring he said that in WWE they never say never.

In 2017 he competed as masked Kane again and he was involved in a feud with Braun Strowman and Brock Lesnar, which was quite eventful in his career. He is now on a hiatus and his return is indefinite.

The seven- footer's primary concern now is to become the next mayor of Knox County, Tennesee. His exit will surely sadden many of his fans. Until recently, he has been getting a major push which can lead to a good WM match which could result to his retirement.

#4 The Undertaker

The Undertaker might fight his last match this year.

In the previous year, The Undertaker competed against Roman Reigns in WrestleMania 33 in a losing effort and he decided to hang his boots. This year, The Undertaker is going to turn 53 and his growing age can be one of the reasons for him to leave WWE. Undoubtedly, The Undertaker is one of the greatest achievers in the field of on-screen wrestling but it has been seen that WWE is tarnishing his image to promote other stars.

The Undertaker's streak was broken by Brock Lesnar in WrestleMania XXX. In Wrestlemania 33, Roman Reigns defeated him again which was quite a shocker. The Undertaker left his costume which indicates that 'The Dead Man' has retired from the squared-circle. The act has agitated a lot of fans and it is hard for his fans to believe that he has left WWE on a losing note.

Now that it is clear that The Undertaker is going to compete against John Cena, it can be his last match in WWE altogether. It is a dream match which is going to happen and it might be his last one too. It is against Cena who is capable of putting up amazing matches, which can make Taker's farewell memorable and legendary.

#3 The Big Show

The Big Show has passed the baton to the young wrestlers

The Big Show was one of the destroying forces of WWE. During the peak of his career, he was one of the most feared giants. His tag team with Mark Henry, Chris Jericho, The Miz and The Undertaker were a huge success and they have numerous laurels under their names. The seven-footer has also won the World Heavyweight Champion seven times and has defeated all the big names of WWE.

Recently, his absence in WWE has indicated on his chances of retirement. In one of his interviews, he had said that his contract is going to expire in February of 2018 and that he would be retiring soon.

In his interview with Mirror.co.uk, he said,

“No dream matches, no fanfare, just ride off into the sunset and disappear”. He added, “That’s more my style. I’ll find something else to do that is inspiring - and let these new kids take the business and the reigns and let them build the future. I wish them all luck. Everything changes. We’ve got a great group of talent that deserves the spotlight.”

The Big Show was last involved in a feud with Braun Strowman. Strowman annihilated him in the match which led to his departure. The feud was used to write-off Big Show from WWE stating that he required a hip surgery. His return seems questionable as his contract with WWE expired in February.

#2 Brock Lesnar

He might go back to UFC and start a feud with Lashley

Brock Lesnar's contract is supposed to end this year in April. The hottest soon-to-be-free-agent who juggles between UFC and WWE will most probably not renew his contract. According to the publisher and editor of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter Dave Meltzer, Lesner may not renew his contract and might go on to face Bobby Lashley. Also, President of UFC Dana White has posted a picture of him with Lesner, shrewdly indicating that the Beast Incarnate might join UFC.

The distributor of one-way ticket to Suplex City has defeated almost all the big names of WWE. He has competed against John Cena, Goldberg, CM Punk, The Rock, Hulk Hogan and he also broke 'The Streak' of The Undertaker. His exit from WWE speculated to occur after WrestleMania 31, but after which he signed a 3-year contract with WWE, breaking those speculations. This time there are high chances that he might move on to UFC.

Because of his part-time nature, his departure might delight a part of the universe. Their main complaint against him is that he appears only before main PPV's and then disappears for the rest of the year and as he is the champion, the Championship has become stagnant. But this does not deny the fact that he has a huge fan following and also of his capability of putting up amazing matches.

#1 Daniel Bryan

The 'Yes' chants proved his popularity amongst the fans.

The Yes-man retired from in-ring action in 2016 and then he started his off-ring activities as the General Manager of Smackdown Live after the draft. He has the largest crowd support in WWE and fans go insane when he makes his entry in the ring as the 'YES' chant erupts in the arena. However, his injury came at the prime of his career which led to his untimely retirement. His contract is getting over in September and reportedly, he might leave WWE to join the Independent Circuit. He has mentioned that the best doctors all around the world have cleared him to wrestle but the WWE doctors are reluctant to do so. As he is still very young, he can continue wrestling with other companies.

Bryan himself recently weighed in on the decision, while talking to Sports Illustrated he stated:

“I assume that if I don’t wrestle by WrestleMania, I probably won’t be wrestling with WWE at all. That’s my assumption.”

According to Express.co.uk, Bryan's contract is expiring on September 23rd and he might leave shortly after SummerSlam.

For the past few months, Daniel Bryan has been in a cold war against Shane McMahon which might lead to their match in WM34. If that doesn't happen, then Bryan might never wrestle in a WWE ring. His exit will result in an inexplicable loss to WWE.