5 wrestlers that may quit WWE in 2018

A quick search will show us that WWE currently employs over 550 people. A majority of them are the male and female talent that either work house shows, train at the Performance Centre, or appear on WWE programming every week. Professional wrestling, in general, is a cutthroat business, and the performers have less time to make friends, when they are in a constant battle to protect their spot, or climb up the food chain.

While some make it, many of them don’t and are often lost in the shuffle. WWE Superstars are ambitious, as a little taste of the spotlight leaves them wanting for more success. However, very few get the opportunity to make a real difference in the company, while the others lag behind, unable to keep up with the rest of the locker room.

Whether it is due to differences with the creative team, or to just freshen up their characters and make a fresh start, a few WWE Superstars may end up leaving the company this year. Let’s take a look at five wrestlers that may quit the WWE soon.

---

#5 The Colons

Primo and Epico

You’d be forgiven if you’ve completely forgotten the fact that The Colons are still employed by the WWE. Primo and Epico have gone through a couple of gimmick changes; the duo have been given multiple chances by the company. Although one could argue that their gimmicks were destined to flop with the WWE audience, they did not do themselves any favours either.

Primo and Epico won the tag team titles once on the main roster, but have largely gone unnoticed over the past couple of years. While their run as Los Matadores was entertaining, they couldn’t capitalise on the momentum, and were taken off television to be repackaged yet again.

Now, however, they find themselves in the middle of nowhere, and it would do their individual careers a world of good if they took some time off, went back to the independents, and started enjoying themselves again.

#4 Rhyno

Rhyno

It has been a long time since Rhyno was involved in a meaningful storyline, and while he is still working with Heath Slater, the end of the line is in sight for ‘The Man Beast’. Rhyno lost in the November’s general election, but it is obvious that the former United States Champion will focus on his political career once he takes off his wrestling boots.

The Superstar has won titles in various top promotions, and he, much like The Big Show, is in the twilight of his wrestling career. There was something for Rhyno and Slater to work with a couple of months ago when Rhyno told Slater they had to do something to change the dynamic of the team. That, however, has amounted to nothing, which could signal the end for the Superstar.

With his political aspirations, we could expect Rhyno to walk away from the wrestling business entirely this year.

#3 Hideo Itami

Hideo Itami has not been able to reach his potential due to injuries

Hideo Itami was supposed to be the key to unlocking the Japanese market for the promotion. Itami was one of the best wrestlers on the planet when WWE came knocking and was unveiled as a WWE Superstar in front of the Japanese fans, which was done by none other than ‘The Hulkster’ himself!

Needless to say, a lot was expected from Itami, but unfortunately, things haven’t worked out for him in the promotion.

From suffering multiple injuries to inadvertently hurting his fellow Superstars, it hasn’t been the best of times for Itami. While he was expected to be brought up to the main roster within a year of joining NXT, Itami now finds himself on 205 Live, which should be a cause for concern.

Itami isn't the only Japanese Superstar that wasn’t used properly in a major North American promotion. Okada suffered a similar fate in Impact Wrestling, but when he returned to Japan, he quickly ascended to the top and is one of the biggest names in the business today. Itami should follow in his footsteps, if he intends to revive his flailing career.

#2 Paige

Paige is currently the mouthpiece for Absolution

Paige has got to be the unluckiest WWE Superstar today. The one that arguably kickstarted the women’s revolution in WWE - even before it was a thing, now has to sit on the sidelines and watch other women make history.

Paige had to battle through a serious neck injury, and when she finally returned to WWE programming, she suffered a scare during a live event - something that the WWE officials don’t take lightly.

The former Divas Champion might believe that she is physically fine to compete, but she will never likely wrestle again in the promotion. Paige is currently serving as the mouthpiece for Absolution, but would sooner or later want to either wrestle outside the WWE, or permanently retire from professional wrestling.

As unfortunate as it is, she would be better off staying away from the promotion.

#1 Kane

'The Demon' Kane

For Kane, being the ‘Big Red Monster’ is now a side job. Kane has been a mainstay in WWE for two decades, and while the fans have been treated to some incredible moments, courtesy of Kane going berserk, setting people on fire and electrocuting Shane’s ‘family jewels’, the former WWE Champion has his one foot out the door.

Back in 2016, Kane announced that he would consider running for the Knox County mayoral seat in 2018, and confirmed the same last year.

Glenn Jacobs, as he is known to people who don’t just know him as the maniacal WWE Superstar will be running as a Republican. And with all of those commitments, we might see Kane hanging up his boots after WrestleMania this year, after nearly three decades of service to the wrestling industry.