You have probably noticed by now, but each year around the spring months, there are usually a number of cuts made throughout the company. While some corporate personnel occasionally get called to the carpet, it's usually the in ring talent who find themselves on the chopping block.
The origin of these cuts have never been adequately addressed by Vince, nor his corporate minions; it’s evident that these measures are in place to help trim costs and assist with getting budget issues for annual shareholders meetings.
These cuts are a necessary component to the day-to-day operations of any company. With this in mind, after taking an in-depth look at both of the main rosters, as well as the NXT roster, I have narrowed a list down to 10 Superstars who could potentially receive their marching orders at some point this month.
#10 Cruiserweight Division (multiple Superstars)
Let's just call a spade a spade, the Cruiserweight Division has not been anything to write home about. Don't get me wrong, Brian Kendrick, TJ Perkins, Neville and Austin Aries, Rich Swann and a few others are great performers, but beyond that, we see a plethora of quality talent that will likely never get much love on WWE programming.
When the Cruiserweight Classic was announced, there was a lot of hype surrounding the idea and rightfully so. Fans have been begging for a Cruiserweight Division rebirth. However, the company went at it a little too unconventional, and fans have just not bought into it at all. The 205 Live show was a good idea, but there was a need to actually build that division before going live with its own program, in my opinion.
When it's all said and done, I believe there will be 2 or 3 Cruiserweights cut, 205 Live will abruptly disappear, and that gaudy purple belt will suddenly transform into a retro-style Cruiserweight title, just like the one the great Cruiserweights of the past wore.
#9 Aiden English
I'm not sure of all of the details surrounding the sudden departure of Simon Gotch, but I feel horrible for Aiden English, especially now. Aiden is in the middle of nowhere, with no direction and seemingly no one willing to give him a shot to display his real talent.
The Vaudevillains was a fantastic concept for a tag team. While in NXT, Gotch and English proved it could work, but the move to the main roster turned out to be the kiss of death for the dignified duo. After being drafted, it seemed as if they were all but forgotten and that's too bad. These guys brought a unique brand of quality entertainment to the table, but thanks to the creative powers that were too scared to pull the trigger, we will never know what could've been.
Aiden English is a great tag team wrestler. The Vaudevillains was the perfect gimmick for him, and now, he's isolated on an island full of rosters so deep that he would surely be overlooked. Hopefully, Gotch and English meet back up somewhere else; both of these great guys will land perfectly on both feet.
#8 Eva Marie
Yes, she is still technically employed by WWE and no, I will not waste much time on this pick.
Eva Marie began her career as a liar. She lied about being a skilled ballroom dancer so that she could get a shot at being Fandango’s valet. We all know how that one ended. She has been given every opportunity, and then some, to improve her in-ring skills to the level of at least being able to survive a normal match. Even after her NXT training, as well as the additional private training from Brian Kendrick, Eva Marie never got any better; and to be quite honest, she's too dangerous to be in a ring. I honestly don't believe she ever intended to be a WWE Superstar. I think she wanted to use whatever fame she could get with the WWE and use it as a catalyst to jump into another industry.
Good riddance, Eva Marie.
Also read: 5 up-and-coming WWE NXT Superstars to keep an eye out for
#7 Rhyno
I have nothing but respect for this 41-year-old veteran. Rhyno has consistently been one of the most underrated big guys of the last 20 years or so. His recent run as Smackdown Tag champion, along with Heath Slater as his partner, was a highly entertaining story and helped Smackdown Live achieve so much success this past year.
Just as the seasons change so to do the priorities of humankind and while Rhyno is still capable of competing at a high level, his focus seems to have shifted to public service, which is perfectly fine. In fact, it's admirable. Rhyno recently ran for Michigan House of Representatives, in an election where he won the Republican ticket but was defeated in the overall election. Despite not winning a spot in the House, Rhyno still works diligently in his community of Dearborn, Michigan and its a pretty safe assumption that he will likely run for office again in the near future.
#6 Darren Young
Darren Young is a superstar who has fallen victim to what many within the industry succumb to, which is simply a lack of creative direction. The company has tried implementing some of the more hokey ideas into Young's persona, such as the angle with Bob Backlund, but they went over like a sack of potatoes. Darren probably had his best run with Titus O'Neil, as the Prime Time Players.
Darren is the perfect middle-of-the-road performer, but there's not much beyond that, and it's highly doubtful that he will ever make it to the main event level; and when the WWE has a developmental program such as NXT, which has a plethora of top level talent, there simply comes a time when one must trim the fat, and for Darren, he just may fall into that category.
#5 Sin Cara
This one has been delayed long enough, now its time to pull the trigger on Sin Cara, figuratively speaking, of course. I’ve often wondered how he would be received if he just reverted him back to Hunico, but to be honest, the ship has sailed. It's time to move on, which is the best move for both WWE and the talent himself.
Sin Cara and Kalisto had a pretty good run as Lucha Dragons, but even that was short-lived. If in fact, he were to get canned, there’s no doubt he’ll do just fine, whether it be with him going somewhere such as TNA, or even back to AAA in Mexico.
Also read: 10 top-tier Superstars that could still sign with WWE in 2017
#4 Summer Rae
Some people find their way onto WWE’s payroll, and you wonder exactly why or what qualities they have that constitutes a WWE contract. I think it's pretty safe to say that Summer was probably signed based on looks alone. However, I will give credit where credit's due and acknowledge the fact that Summer has indeed improved as an in-ring performer, but she still lacks the desire needed to be a WWE Superstar.
Summer has been out for quite a while, due to nagging injuries, but I would not be the least bit surprised if we have seen the last of Summer Rae as a WWE Superstar.
#3 Tyson Kidd
After an in-ring career that began in his teens and lasted nearly 20 years, Tyson Kidd has retired from all in-ring competition, according to a report from Dave Meltzer. However, Kidd remains on the WWE roster as of this writing.
I’m not sure if maybe the company can find a use for Kidd outside of in-ring competition, but I hope they do allow him the opportunity to contribute somehow. Tyson Kidd is one of wrestling's genuinely good guys outside of the ring. Considering the current landscape of the sport, it is very likely that Kidd will be one of those who gets called to the carpet when cuts are made.
#2 James Ellsworth
There is nothing you can say that will ever convince me of a legitimate reason why James Ellsworth was signed to a WWE contract. I mean, I understand the whole ordeal in the beginning when he got squashed by Braun Strowman, and I’m sure some will point out the fact that he “defeated” AJ Styles, but that was after signing.
The bottom line is that James Ellsworth is an annoying gnat who needs to disappear. His current role is the most cringe-worthy thing on television. For the love of all things holy, do the world a massive favour and get rid of Ellsworth immediately!
#1 Paige
Someone has to be the voice of reality, and well, I am going to nominate myself. Paige had the potential at one time to possibly be one of the greatest WWE Women's wrestlers of all-time. That is a fact, not an opinion. Paige had the entire women's division in the palm of her hands and was in a position to lead women's wrestling for the foreseeable future. Paige was essentially the face of an entire division. In the eyes of the WWE Universe, she could do no wrong. And then came Alberto.
The personal lives of the WWE Superstars are none of my business. But when it begins to impact the business itself, then there's a problem. Whatever Paige has with Alberto Del Rio, it's obvious that it was the wedge which was driven by her love for the business, as well as the fans....and her romance outside of WWE.
While I still have hope that Paige will soon return and leave all her personal drama at the door, I have a strong feeling that her man is calling the shots and telling her not only what to do, but how to feel. With this said, I actually believe we are soon to see the demise of the Anti-Diva, and that's a shame.
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