5 WWE Superstars who are out of contract in early 2019

Just like with any sports team, WWE superstars are signed to exclusive contracts, tying them exclusively to Vince McMahon's company. Unlike in sports, however, the WWE doesn't have any major competition and this means that most wrestlers will look to spend the majority of their careers with the clear number one wrestling promotion.

Other factors, however, can play a role in wrestlers leaving the WWE, such as the company wanting to rid themselves of the wrestler, salary issues and retirement. This list will count down all the big name wrestlers that are out of contract in 2019.

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#5 Paige

The English wrestler was forced to retire in 2018 (Picture: USA Today)

Paige has had a tough 12 months. The WWE star had to deal with a public break up from Alberto El Patron and then aged just 25, the former champion had to retire from in-ring competition.

Paige is currently the on-screen manager of the SmackDown brand, however, it is unknown if she was handed this position for an extended run, or if it was just a temporary gig until her contract ran out. As one of the highest paid wrestlers on the women's roster, Paige's future in the WWE is currently in doubt

#4 Luke Gallows

Gallows has won the RAW tag team championship once

Luke Gallows had his first run with the WWE in the mid-2000's before being released after limited success in 2010. The 34-year-old found a role on Impact Wrestling as a member of the Aces & Eights, however, his career really took off during his run with the Bullet Club in NJPW.

Gallows followed AJ Styles to the WWE back in 2016, however, the wrestler has failed to see the same success as the Phenomenal One. He was able to capture the WWE Raw tag team championship once, however, he and partner Karl Anderson are now often used to put over other teams. The WWE may want to keep Gallows, however, if NJPW is interested, the Superstar will have a tough decision to make.

#3 Karl Anderson

Anderson and Gallows have formed a successful tag-team despite their recent losses

Just like his longtime tag team partner Luke Gallows, Anderson also has an upcoming expiring contract. Karl Anderson is, however, five years older than Gallows, so it remains to be seen if the 38-year-old is willing to see out his remaining peak years as a mid-card talent.

Anderson also had a much longer relationship with New Japan Pro Wrestling, appearing for the promotion over six years before signing with the WWE. The North Carolina native will weigh up the offers on the table over the next few months, before deciding where he will spend the remaining peak years of his career.

#2 Shinsuke Nakamura

Shinsuke Nakamura is incredibly popular among the WWE Universe

Most WWE fans are still surprised that Nakamura ever made the switch to the WWE due to his incredible success and popularity in his native country. After leaving Japan in 2016, Nakamura spent a notable few years in NXT and he is now starring on SmackDown.

Due to his expiring contract, Nakamura has been heavily linked with a return to his former employers, New Japan Pro Wrestling. The wrestler is approaching 40, and Nakamura himself has stated that he has a huge decision to make on his future in the next few months. This one is hard to predict as the WWE has handed the 38-year-old a great platform, however, the Japanese wrestler may ultimately want to return home to end his career.

#1 AJ Styles

AJ Styles has quickly ascended to the top of t WWE

AJ Styles is easily the biggest star on this list. After spending the majority of his career with TNA, it looked as though we would never see the Phenomenal One in the WWE. This all changed when Styles snubbed a return to Impact Wrestling and instead finally debuted for Vince McMahon's company in 2016.

The 41-year-old currently holds the WWE Championship, a reign that has lasted for over 350 days. He is currently SmackDowns biggest star and luckily for WWE fans, Styles looks as though he will re-sign with the company in 2019. The wrestler has dismissed rumours that he will soon retire, and it is unlikely that any company could match what the WWE is currently giving him, both creatively and financially. Expect to witness the Phenomenal One at the top of the WWE for a number of years to come.