Vince McMahon recently made his return to WWE and it has definitely rubbed more than a few people the wrong way. He returned to initiate a sale of WWE and UFC’s parent company, Endeavor purchased the company. In a statement, Endeavor announced a “definitive agreement” that will see WWE come under the company’s ownership in an estimated $9.3 billion deal. Vince McMahon will continue to be involved with the company as Executive Chairman and in regard to Triple H will carry on as Chief Content Officer.
Here are some talent WWE could choose to cut if they immediately want to save money on big name contracts.
#5 AJ Styles
AJ Styles is a veteran in the business who has gained success globally. He had stated that he is content to finish his career in WWE. His deal with the company runs out in January 2024. He has been away from the programming as he is nursing an ankle injury. ‘The Phenomenal One’ still has a lot to offer but he might depart WWE. He is friends with AEW’s higher-ups which could play a role in his departure.
#4. Drew McIntyre
Drew McIntyre was Vince McMahon’s “chosen one” back in the day. ‘The Scottish Warrior’ has had his redemption story when he won the WWE Championship during the pandemic. However, he has not been involved in the main event picture since September last year. He also reportedly has not signed a new deal with WWE despite his contract being set to expire soon.
Vince’s return has reportedly got his morale down and McIntyre is seemingly unhappy with the creative direction. There have been rumors that McIntyre is trying to run out his contract and depart the company. The former WWE Champion had recently blacked out his Twitter account, removing all the WWE references in his bio, leaving fans worrying about his future. McIntyre could be an important addition for AEW as they are planning All In event at the iconic Wembley Stadium in England.
#3. Bayley
Bayley is one of the most decorated and celebrated wrestlers in WWE at the moment. The Damage CTRL leader was reportedly unhappy with her current role in the company. Her absence from the RAW after WrestleMania 39 worsened the situation. There also have been cracks in her faction which could lead to her departure.
The Role Model has also had issues with Vince McMahon in the past. She and Sasha Banks were notably upset after they lost the Women’s Tag Team Championships a few years back. Banks who now go by the name, Mercedes Moné is having a great time in NJPW where she is IWGP Women’s Champion.
#2. Alexa Bliss
Former RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss has not been seen on WWE programming since her loss to Bianca Belair at the Royal Rumble event earlier this year. ‘The Goddess’ took time away and successfully battled basal carcinoma after surgery. She has since been cleared to perform and even hinted at making an appearance at WrestleMania.
However, this did not come to fruition. Rumors floated that she is not happy in the company. With Vince McMahon back in power, there is an air of uncertainty over the futures of many talents, and Little Miss Bliss may be on the list.
#1 Bray Wyatt
WWE star Bray Wyatt has been one of the most fan-favorite stars. However, he has not been featured inside the squared circle since his storyline with LA Knight following the former’s return last year.
Wyatt reportedly had been pulled out of WrestleMania 39. He was announced to battle Bobby Lashley at WrestleMania 39. It has been noted that Wyatt hasn’t been seen on television for a while. He also missed a big show for WWE at Madison Square Garden.
It was reported that Bray Wyatt temporarily walked out on WWE after frustrations over Bobby Lashley being his WrestleMania opponent and not Brock Lesnar. Reports suggested that Wyatt has been dealing with a “physical issue.” There have been speculations that Wyatt might be leaving the company. Wyatt was released from WWE under Vince McMahon’s regime. Back in July 2021, when Vince McMahon was still in control of WWE’s day-to-operations, Bray Wyatt was shockingly released from the company.
With WWE Draft arriving soon, we will now have to wait and see what the future holds for these stars.
