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The WWE has one of the strongest and deepest talent pool in all of pro wrestling, with several top stars across their two main brands - RAW and SmackDown, as well as potential superstars at NXT, WWE's developmental promotion.
The deep talent pool means that several interesting characters and Superstars will have to leave the WWE to reinvent themselves and find new direction before returning back to the Vince McMahon-run company to offer something different. Some Superstars may have also left the company due to creative differences or not finding enough opportunities.
The last few years have seen WWE re-sign several Superstars, who have also gone on to win key titles or play a major role in the mid-card and upper mid-card. Superstars like Jinder Mahal, Bobby Lashley, Drew McIntyre, Kurt Angle, and Rey Mysterio have re-signed with the WWE in recent years.
Which other former WWE Superstars should be re-signed by the WWE in 2018? We take a look at 5 wrestlers WWE should re-hire in 2019:
#5 Cody Rhodes
Cody Rhodes has an action-packed 2018, from winning key championships across the world, to setting up and running a successful pro wrestling event. Cody is the current IWGP United States Championship, which was the first title that he won in NJPW, earlier this year when he defeated Juice Robinson at Fighting Spirit Unleashed.
At the All In show, which was run and organised by Cody and The Young Bucks, Cody became NWA World Heavyweight Champion when he defeated Nick Aldis for the prestigious title. The title was won by Cody's father, Dusty, thrice, but Cody lost the title to Aldis at the NWA 70th Anniversary Show.
Recent reports have stated that Cody's contract with NJPW will expire in January 2019, and there has been a lot of talk about him going back to the WWE, the company that he had left in 2016.
Although he has denied rumours linking him back with a move to the WWE, he could perhaps be swayed to change his stance if he had a chunkier role and an interesting storyline in the WWE. The fans are clamouring for his return, and with his time away from the WWE and successes outside of WWE could hold him in good stead.
#4 Kenny Omega
Not many know that Kenny Omega was once with the WWE, albeit on a developmental contract back in 2005-06. Omega is regarded by many as one of the best pro wrestlers of his generation, thanks to his incredible story-telling and athleticism.
His matches with Kazuchika Okada have been praised by critics and fans alike, including by WWE Superstars, and are regarded as some of the best matches in pro wrestling history.
Omega has previously talked about how he has turned down several offers from the WWE, but this upcoming year seems to be the most likely scenario when the Canadian could make the switch to the WWE. Omega's contract with NJPW ends in January 2019, and there have been rumours that he, along with other stars from NJPW, could move to the WWE.
And there can't be a better time for Omega to join the WWE. With Roman Reigns not available, and Brock Lesnar available for few dates, WWE needs an injection of freshness and a new star on top. The feuds that Omega can have are mouthwatering - Styles, Bryan, Rollins, Balor, are just a few names that roll off the tongue...
#3 James Ellsworth
This may be an oddball pick, but James Ellsworth has added comic relief to WWE television whenever he has appeared. He may not be the greatest wrestler, but Ellsworth is much-loved by the WWE Universe thanks to his unusual looks and mannerisms.
He added something extra during AJ Styles' feud with Dean Ambrose on SmackDown Live in 2016, as well as the Survivor Series match in that year. WWE, especially SmackDown, has few comedic Superstars, who could add some lightness to storylines, as the comedic aspect has been important in WWE television over the years.
Ellsworth is an average wrestler, and he could perhaps be added to the dying 205 Live brand, which current only caters to serious wrestling fans who like only the high-flying action that the supremely talented Superstars on the 205 Live brand offer.
With the addition of Lio Rush to 205 Live, a Superstar who can run his mouth, another Superstar who is good on the mic would be a great bonus for the brand.
#2 The Young Bucks
Like Omega, The Young Bucks, brothers Matt and Nick Jackson, were also a part of the WWE (even parodied as DX) appearing on TV in ECW, while Matt even wrestled Big Show when he was hired as a jobber by the WWE.
The Young Bucks are a fantastic tag team who have wowed audiences around the world in NJPW and ROH, to name a few, while also featuring in TNA.
One of the most successful tag teams in NJPW, the seven-time IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions have carved a niche for themselves, while also creating a huge brand for themselves.
The duo's contracts is also rumoured to expire in January 2019, and they could also perhaps make the switch to the WWE (as they have been teasing on social media; but it could also be a great work!), perhaps debuting at the Royal Rumble.
Their addition to the main roster would add some much-needed impetus to the tag division, especially on RAW, which has been stale despite the likes of Rollins-Ambrose and Ziggler-McIntyre holding the belts.
#1 Sting
I can almost hear you screaming into the that Sting has retired from the WWE and has repeatedly said that he wouldn't make a comeback. But - and this is a very big 'but' - he has time and again teased one final match in the WWE with the one opponent he hasn't faced, The Undertaker.
For just that one match, WWE could - and should - sign the WWE Hall of Famer, and have one match between the two legends. There have been some rumblings about The Undertaker retiring at WrestleMania 35, before which he will be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame.
A match between Sting and The Undertaker - perhaps the last match for both wrestlers in pro wrestling - would be a fairytale ending to the careers of the two iconic wrestlers. The match wouldn't be technically great, but just for the sake of nostalgia, WWE should book the match!
