8 Contracts Vince McMahon Shouldn't Even Think About Renewing (And 8 He Absolutely Must)

There are many difficult decisions that Vince McMahon needs to make over the course of his year. But nothing that he does may have quite as big an impact as when he looks over the WWE roster and decides that things need to be shaken up. And while Vince may look at many superstars and realize he's getting a great bargain, there are some contracts on the roster that he may be wondering if he was under the influence of something when he offered them. A decision that while may be causing him some pain in the wallet at the moment, should at least make it a lot easier when he's deciding where he needs to trim the fat going forward. Below we have 8 contracts that Vince shouldn't have to think twice about when it comes to exchanging their paperwork for a pink slip.

Which is something that he'll definitely have to do if the other 8 superstars on our list come and ask for the raises that many of them surely deserve. If the WWE is going to be a stronger company in 2019, it's going to be with the vital help of the 8 superstars who have contracts that Vince has to renew with deals that make everyone happy. Included throughout our list in many entries are surprising details about many of these superstars' paydays that makes it abundantly clear why some superstars have landed where they have, as well as insider opinions on who it is in the company that Vince McMahon has his eyes on.

11 Absolutely Must: Braun Strowman

One of the most respected 'voices' in the wrestling industry is the Wrestling Observation Newsletter. Every year they come out with their annual list of various award winners. And back in 2017, when it came to the area of the most improved wrestler in the entire world, they chose Braun Strowman. Which is definitely something that Vince needs to keep in mind when considering future contract negotiations. Strowman has definitely been given some opportunities to shine in the WWE as of late, including knocking out 13 competitors back at the Greatest Royal Rumble event on his way to winning the match.

Strowman is also a contender for the Money in the Bank match and if you're a betting man, you may want to consider his name as among the most viable to come out on top. And if it does, it should only lead to a prolonged stay in the spotlight. An insider was also quoted as saying, "Vince is very high on Braun and I was told Vince has taken a personal interest in Braun’s success." When you consider Vince is one of the most influential voices in deciding who gets pushed, him feeling attached to the success of Strowman's career should only work as a positive for Strowman. (Source: RingsideNews, Wiki).

10 Won't Renew: Zack Ryder

If you're a big fan of Zack Ryder, then you may be ecstatic at his recent news about the status of his health. Taking to Twitter, Ryder stated "MCL/ACL/Calf muscle strains…nothing completely torn… no surgery will be needed. Thanks to everyone who reached out. It’s time for #Raw to get #Zacked! It would have perhaps been inevitable that if Ryder had required surgery that his time impressing you in the WWE were coming to an end. But at least with this news, he'll be able to still compete.

With a contract that also pays Ryder $400,000, it's clear the company at the very least had some faith in him at one point. But Ryder's performances prior to leaving the ring were also not something that may have instilled Vince with confidence. This includes coming out on the losing end in several bouts against Rawley. Ryder may hope to have his influence be heard in an even bigger way on Raw, but it's also very possible that he finds himself get swallowed up by some of the other bigger names on the brand and once he flames out there, he may find himself not have any excuse as to why he's worth close to half a million. (Source: ProWrestlingSheet, Wiki).

9 Absolutely Must: Daniel Bryan

There was a long time when it looked like Daniel Bryan would never be able to enter the ring and compete again after suffering from medical setbacks. But after 2 years spent on the sidelines, Bryan returned to the ring back on March 20th. His return to the ring has definitely lived up to the expectations with several prominent moments including lasting 76 minutes in the Greatest Royal Rumble. This is clearly proof that the company and Bryan, at the very least, are comfortable putting his body through the stressors of a match. Bryan also looked strong in his match against Big Cass that was featured at Backlash.

And while that may make it an easy decision for Vince to try and make sure Bryan doesn't go anywhere anytime soon, Bryan's career may not be as clear-cut as Vince would want. Reports back in March state that his contract is currently set to expire in September. There is no question that Vince will want to (and should) sign Bryan, but it may be even more interesting if Bryan chooses to take his talents elsewhere and the potential contract that he'd be able to earn. Though being able to compete in the same company as his wife, Brie Bella, is probably a pretty big perk that'll help keep him in a WWE ring. (Source: Wiki, SportsKeeda).

8 Won't Renew: Sin Cara

Now we aren't saying that Sin Cara didn't exactly have a great turnout at the WWE Greatest Royal Rumble. But if you found yourself taking a little too long grabbing some snacks in the kitchen, you may have forgotten that he was in the match entirely. Cara was the 3rd entrant, but Ziggler quickly made sure his night of work was a short one as he was bounced after only a minute. When you learn that Cara earns $700,000 a year, perhaps you won't find yourself feeling too bad for him though. Because while he's far from the most talented wrestler on the roster, he's probably not complaining about how much he has been paid over the course of his career.

And if he does start complaining, something tells us those complaints would be replaced by Vince's words telling him that he's fired.

Cara has failed to find success in the ring, far more than he's won as of late and if you had completely forgotten he was on the roster, we're sure the WWE would be okay with that. Though we're sure Vince feels a lot worse when he has to pull out his cheque book and give Cara a paycheque for the amount of "work" he's putting in. (Source: Wiki).

7 Absolutely Must: Ronda Rousey

When Nia Jax was asked to name who she wanted to challenge her for her belt, she picked perhaps the biggest female name on the WWE roster. Even if Rousey's reputation was one that was earned from accomplishments in the MMA world. Does Rousey have a shot to dethrone Jax at MITB in June? You better believe it. Especially as the WWE is going to do everything they can to cash in on the momentum that they're riding from Rousey's decision to try and make a name for herself as a wrestler. But the WWE may also use this as a huge opportunity for Rousey to show her skills. Look good, and perhaps the belt comes her way at a following PPV.

Because the last thing they may want to do is decide ahead of time that they want to give her the win, and then have her stink up the joint during the actual match. Even Rousey admitted that she was a bit shocked by the opportunity, saying on Twitter "This challenge came earlier than expected... but I was born ready...I’ll see you at #MITB, @NiaJaxWWE." So perhaps she won't be too crestfallen if she loses. Either way, Rousey is a contract that Vince should be sure to be happy he signed. (Source: Twitter).

6 Won't Renew: Kane

It was reported that Kane is being paid $900,000 a year. Which can make sense when you consider that Kane has been one of the most recognizable members of the company since his debut in the 90s. But Kane's passion as of late definitely hasn't been centred around the ring. Kane was recently announced as the Republican candidate in the upcoming mayoral race for Knox County, Tennessee. Which means that if Vince calls up the Big Red Machine and says it may be time to re-evaluate his contract, he may be more than willing to understand why he can't be bringing in close to 7 figures. And if he doesn't understand, then it may be an unfortunate end to his career. Though you can imagine if he did become mayor that it would probably have a pretty significant hindrance on his wrestling time!

You also just have to hope that the voters in Tennessee don't come across some of the more controversial things that Kane has done during his time in the company; such as his participation in the infamous Katie Vick storyline. Kane was apart of the Battle Royale at WrestleMania and was allegedly pulled from the Greatest Royal Rumble. (Source: SportsKeeda).

5 Absolutely Must: Baron Corbin

4 Won't Renew: Dolph Ziggler

Dolph Ziggler is involved in one of the most important storylines of his career right now as he teams up with Drew McIntyre forming what they are dubbed "The Show". Mike Johnson who works with PWInsider Elite Audio recently stated "This is either the beginning of his exit storyline or the beginning of the next generation of whatever Dolph Ziggler’s career is going to be." Which means that this show may be the final curtain for Ziggler. Ziggler didn't do much to make fans feel better about his future of the company when he recently denied rumours that he had re-signed with the company, “I would love to get into that more, but based on the internet, they told you I’d re-signed. I have not. I have a bunch of things going on and I don’t like taking days off and I don’t want to leave WWE, but it’s great to have some options. I’ve asked before to go away for a little while just so everyone can forget I lose 99 times out of 100 and it’s never really come through, so I might have to do it on my own and see what happens.”

Ziggler is one of the highest paid wrestlers on the roster with an annual earning of $1.4 million and 3.5% share on his merchandise. He also earned upwards of an additional $250,000 if he was in the main event. All factors that may make it a lot easier for Vince to just step away. (Source: FanSided, RingsideNews).

3 Absolutely Must: Ricochet

Vince McMahon is definitely someone who finds himself quite busy on a regular day. Which means that when it comes to making important decisions like on how contract negotiations should go, he may at times require the help of outsiders to influence his decision making. One person that Vince should definitely keep on speed dial if he ever needs advice is Dwayne Johnson. Who, as we're sure you know, definitely knows a thing or two about what it means to succeed in the world of professional wrestling (not to mention Hollywood).

And if Johnson was asked about Ricochet, who up until this point has only performed on NXT, he'd definitely give him a ringing endorsement.

Back in April, Johnson praised Ricochet on Twitter saying "He’s the man! Love the stuff King is doing and will no doubt be the leader in ushering in a new era of our wrestling business. Future champ." While it is important to make sure that Ricochet stays humble and works hard if he's to ever reach those expectations, hopefully reading those words can be that extra little motivation he needs to go and kick some serious ass at the gym and not allow him to get complacent with his talent. (Source: Twitter).

2 Won't Renew: R-Truth

If we had to speak the truth about R-Truth, it's probably that he is getting far too overpaid at the moment. His current reported contract sees him bring home $500,000 a year. Not to mention 5% of whatever his merchandise makes. Though are too many people really going out and buying R-Truth gear in 2018? R-Truth tweeted out back in December 2017 that injuries were what was preventing him from making an impact, "What’s up y’all! Hey if anyone is wondering where I am, please read my earlier tweets. People asking me the same question everyday, why am I not on WWE. I AM INJURED"

You can imagine it must have been incredibly frustrating for R-Truth to want to get out there and turn his public image around, but have to be stuck in rehab instead. He was drafted to Smackdown recently, but that may not be enough to turn around his career. We are sure that Vince is looking at some of the other value he could get for that $500,000 - including wrestlers on our list - and that the decision to let R-Truth go may not be a hard one. You just have to hope he's managed to save a solid portion of his income. (Source: Twitter).

1 Absolutely Must: AJ Styles

AJ Styles spent decades bouncing around various wrestling promotions before the stars finally aligned and his time in the WWE came. The company loves Styles as much as the fans do and his contract is reportedly paying him $2 million; as well as a revenue share percentage from the PPV's that he is in the main event of. And considering his run as the WWE Champion, we're sure Styles is hoping he'll be staying in the spotlight for the foreseeable future and continue raking in the dough. Vince renewing Styles contract is something that would be great news for not only for Styles but also for the WWE as it's clear that he is expected to continue to be one of the stars for the company. That is provided that he can stay healthy and free of scandals that could plague him outside of the ring.

It's impossible to say that Styles is underpaid when you consider the things he can pull off in the ring. His current feud with Nakamura is one of the best ones of the year and a recent match on SmackDown between the two was praised by fans with a "This is Awesome" chant. Though Styles may be a little bummed if Nakamura ends up coming out on top with the belt when the two clash at the upcoming Money in the Bank PPV. (Source: CagesideSeats).

Source Used For Contract Information - TotalSportek.