It's a day of infamy for the few select superstars who get that call on what has become known as WWE's "black Friday." It's the time of the year in which lower-to-mid careers anxiously wonder if they are the next to be called into some corner office in Stamford, patted on the back and given well wishes on their future endeavors.
During this year's annual round-up, fans worldwide were shocked to learn the news that Damien Sandow had fallen victim to this grim day. Not only Sandow, but others such as Zeb Colter and little Mr. Never Quit, Hornswoggle were also among those released this year.
It's understandable that in business, there's a constant need for cost-cutting measures. Depending on where you work, I'm sure you've experienced it as well. You know, when the boss puts the hammer down on all the excess office supplies being purchased, or maybe your company puts a stop on overtime hours, or whatever the case may be.
However, in professional wrestling, when it's time to trim the fat, they go right for the most expensive cost on the books, the talent.
Now that 2016 is winding down, we look ahead to 2017. While it's obviously too early for the WWE to mention who may or may not be on their radar, it's never too early for us to speculate. That's why today, I give you my way-too-early predictions for who might get that dreaded call in 2017.
This is your 2017 Future Endeavor Forecast.
EMMA
We start this list with a lady who should, for all intents and purposes, be sitting atop the women's division right now. Emma brought her Australian style to the States after working with Lance Storm in the early 2000's.
She eventually made her way to Shimmer, which is regarded by many as the top women's promotion in the land, which is where she really made herself known as a bona-fide star in women's wrestling.
In 2011, Emma inked a developmental deal with WWE and quickly became a fan favorite. Upon arriving on the main roster, things looked great for her future. Unfortunately, there was an incident in 2014, where she was accused of stealing an iPad case from a Walmart store in Connecticut.
Emma claims it was merely an oversight and she planned on paying for the item. The charge was eventually dismissed, but Emma has yet to be fully redeemed in the eyes of WWE creative.
Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge Emma fan. In fact, I believe she can be a dominate and VERY entertaining Womens Champion. However, I just don't have faith in the company to give her the push she rightfully deserves.
Emma is currently rehabbing a back injury, but is expected back soon. Unless something drastic changes between now and next spring, don't be surprised to see her name listed with a group of released talents, during next year's cattle call.
BO DALLAS
Another victim of what I call the NXT Success curse, Bo Dallas is one of the reasons why I truly got interested in NXT. As the youngest to ever hold the yellow brands strap at 22, Bo had an incredible run of 363 days as the NXT Champion.
When he arrived on the main roster, I sincerely had high hopes for the third generation superstar. While Dallas doesn't have the average, cookie-cutter, chiseled physique, he more than makes up for it in charisma and comedic value.
Bo has done what he can, with what he's been handed. Unfortunately, angles such as the Social Outcasts aren't conducive to a championship career.
Along with the fact that Bo hasn't necessarily been able to set the world on fire just yet, he's also dealing with a new hand of drama, stemming from the recent issues he had with a commercial airline company, which couldn't have come at a worse time.
Dallas is talented, but he doesn't have that draw and wow factor that his brother, Bray Wyatt, possesses. Unless there's a major shift in the universe relatively soon, don't be surprised to see Bo Dallas called to the carpet on black Friday 2017.
JINDER MAHAL
I honestly believe that when the history books are re-written, Jinder Mahal will be remembered as one of the most mismanaged, wasted talents in WWE history. Folks, we truly have no clue exactly how much this guy can offer the WWE.
It is a rare occasion that someone comes along with so many intangibles that Mahal has. Not only the look, but the in-ring ability he possesses, along with his experience, give him enough to be not only one of the top heels in the company, but in all of professional wrestling.
When I first learned of his return to the WWE, I was really excited. But, that excitement wore off quickly, once I saw how he was being booked. There's a place for Jinder Mahal in the WWE – there's a really good place for someone of his caliber – and it's a shame that it's not being capitalized on.
Sure, there's plenty of time between now and next spring, but if history is any sort of indicator, look for Jinder to be headed out, just as quickly as he came back, and that is really unfortunate.
ERICK ROWAN
There's not many people who fit the mold, which is necessary to be a member of Bray Wyatt's "family." However, if there's ever been one person who was genetically created for a stable such as this, it's undoubtedly Erick Rowan.
Ever since the formation of The Wyatt Family, Rowan has quietly remained in the back, anxiously awaiting orders from the family patriarch and when called upon. Rowan always delivered.
Rowan has been the most underrated of all the members of The Family, since the main roster debut. Now that it appears to be the end for the remnants of the Wyatt Family, Rowan will be forced to make a go at a singles run, once again.
The problem with that, has been that WWE's creative super powers cannot seem to get a good grasp of what they need to do with Erick, nor what direction to take. With that in mind, unless there's a directional epiphany made somewhere along the way, I can easily see them parting ways with Rowan and that too....is really a shame.
FANDANGO
Of all the current superstars I've had the chance to meet in person, Fandango has been one of the most pleasant and humble people of all. He's a guy who truly loves being a WWE Superstar and appreciates the opportunities that he's been given.
The problem I have with that, is those opportunities haven't been quite what he deserves, at least from my point of view.
Some may not know this, but Fandango has been in professional wrestling for roughly 17 years all together and 10 of those years has been under the WWE banner. He's a guy who has honed his craft to the best of his ability and when given the Fandango persona, he owned it. Period.
Let's be honest, how many people could've taken a ballroom dancer gimmick and made it a success. Don't forget, there was a time in which his entrance theme was one of the top purchased songs on iTunes and fans all over the world were "doing the Fandango." It truly became a phenomenon.
I'm not exactly sure what happened, but somewhere along the way, someone in WWE's power circle, decided it wasn't cool anymore for fans to cheer for Fandango and eventually, his character was essentially buried.
Now that he's a part of the Breezango tag team, his stock has plummeted. Removing the spotlight from Fandango's career, may have been the proverbial nail in the coffin. However, there is time for someone wake up and put Fandango back in line – back in line for at least some sort of mid card push.
Otherwise, he may very well fall victim to the sadness of Black Friday.
