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The WWE is a business, and just like any business, it's aim is to make money.
For over 30 years, the company has just done that, using the business savvy of Vince McMahon and others to turn this once small promotion, into the undisputed global juggernaut of Sports Entertainment.
But in order to keep making money, sacrifices have to be made. Often, this comes in the form of releases, when a talent is removed from the company, as they deem that wrestler unprofitable.
Here are three wrestlers who fans would be shocked to see get released next year, as well as 2 which are pretty obviously going to get the chop.
Shocking: Sheamus
The former WWE Champion may seem a shocking pick, given his current tag-team with Cesaro, but for the past few years, Sheamus' push has dramatically slowed down.
He last held a singles title nearly 3 years ago, a brief WWE World Championship win, that seemed more-so fodder to progress the Triple H-Roman Reigns feud.
In addition, the Celtic Warrior has been diagnosed with spinal stenosis, and whilst several stars have it, it will affect the Great White in the later part of his career, according to analyst Dave Meltzer.
“He’s got spinal stenosis but a lot of guys have that. It’s not a good thing to have and it will affect him most-likely when he gets older in not so great ways.”
Obvious: Apollo Crews
It is a real shame to see the incredibly talented Apollo Crews fade away into obscurity, yet this is happening each week.
When he was signed to WWE's developmental brand NXT, the news was a huge deal for wrestling fans, as the former Uhaa Nation had already established himself on the independent scene.
Whilst many expected Crews to quickly capture a championship, the opposite has happened, with the superstar very rarely getting a shot at any gold.
Perhaps it would be best for Apollo to reassert his worth back on the indies scene, where he will be a bigger star than before, thanks to his tenure in WWE.
Shocking: Bobby Roode
Debuting in NXT, seeing Bobby Roode in WWE was one of the most shocking sights, as he is still the longest-reigning World Champion in TNA history.
Quickly capturing the NXT and United States Championships, Roode has entertained, but his face turn on the main roster has fallen flat with many fans.
Most recently, the former TNA star has been put into a team with Chad Gable, which is good as it allows both to be featured, but there are hints of singles stardom from both men.
Sadly, it seems Roode will always be overshadowed by his incredible theme song.
Obvious: Hideo Itami
Before researching for this feature, I had completely forgotten Hideo Itami was still a part of the WWE roster.
Debuting in NXT, the former KENTA was one of the brand's biggest signings, and was part of the NXT 5 - a group of signings who had established themselves on the indie scene.
But unlike Finn Balor, Kevin Owens, Sami Zayn, and Neville, Itami has yet to capture gold in the company, with a series of injuries keeping him away.
Aged 37, Itami may not have long left wrestling, and should pursue it in places where he will be well-featured, perhaps in his native Japan.
Shocking: Rusev (and Lana)
The Bulgarian Brute has been one of the most entertaining parts of WWE SmackDown Live recently, but even that may be nothing.
The former US Champion has teased leaving the company on several occasions in the past but has yet to follow through with the threat.
He has also been cautioned by WWE in the past, most notably when he described the Undertaker as old in an interview with TMZ Sports.
The claim caused Rusev to be removed from their casket match at the Greatest Royal Rumble, and was only re-added (allegedly) at the request of the Saudi Royal Family.
