The WWE has always been very warm and receptive towards their old-timers (the ones who made the company money, anyway...), but they always have the need to sign new talents to bolster their roster. Despite having some performers who can no longer perform up to the standard that is expected of them, WWE has kept many aged wrestlers contracted with them. It seems like Vince McMahon really values loyalty among his employees and despite contributing very little to the product, he uses them as much as possible. Be it in short segments or to put over upcoming talent, WWE makes the most use of their old-timers who are on the brink of retirement.

The fans and WWE both know that many of their stars will be walking away next year. 2019 will be a big year for WWE, in which they will have to shuffle up their roster and say goodbye to some old talents. There are some older wrestlers who will be hanging their boots, departures that could make fans emotional. Many fans have a strong connection with these old-timers, but WWE will make sure their goodbyes don’t hurt their product by replacing them with newer talents.

WWE is always on the hunt to sign exciting, new talent who can take their product to a whole new level. These talents will definitely get fans excited if the company can sign them, and will reduce some of the sting from certain WWE superstar goodbyes next year.

20 Emotional Goodbye: The Undertaker

via wwe.com

The Undertaker looks to be fitter than ever in his recent matches at WWE, with his successful recent surgeries helping him wrestle more comfortably than before. The Phenom is rumored to be part of some big matches heading into the Road to WrestleMania and will mostly meet his long-time rival Shawn Michaels in a few matches as well. But one has to predict that 2019 will finally be the year The Undertaker bows out of WWE, as he’ll want to retire on a high after competing at WrestleMania 35. Despite fans “wanting” him to retire, watching him leave for the final time will be extremely emotional for everyone and will be an iconic moment in itself.

19 Signing: Chelsea Green

via dailywrestlingnews.com

For Chelsea Green, a run at the WWE has been a dream for years and is something which could be arriving soon. Green has been doing some amazing work in recent years, as she rose through the ranks at Impact Wrestling with her crazy bride gimmick. Green is a hit figure in the Independent scene right now because of her unique work. She is not only a great wrestler but has the capability of portraying a wicked character. WWE will probably sign her up next year to bolster their Women’s Division with an unorthodox character like Green. She can soar with her unreal charisma in WWE and could become the top female star of NXT in 2019 if Green is signed.

18 Emotional Goodbye: Shelton Benjamin

via youtube.com

For Shelton Benjamin, a return to WWE programming has been anything but fruitful as “The Gold Standard” is not living up to his standards at all. Benjamin was put into a transitional tag-team with Chad Gable initially, but after Gable moved to Raw, he’s barely doing anything on Smackdown Live! Benjamin is portraying a “veteran heel” who helps to put over other stars on the blue brand, but he must be hating his position in WWE right now. Benjamin’s career is going nowhere at this point and he may leave if things don’t improve. With WWE wanting to introduce more new talent into their brands, Benjamin’s lack of popularity on Smackdown might cost him and result in a moving departure next year.

17 Signing: Marty Scurll

via twitter.com

“The Villain” Marty Scurll has every aspect of being a terrific WWE heel, but he’s been quite hesitant at joining the big leagues. Scurll has been one of the more entertaining aspects of Bullet Club and has impressed at Ring of Honor and New Jan Pro Wrestling. But Scurll was allegedly under heat from his Bullet Club mates after over-stretching his match against Kazuchika Okada at All In. This could spark his temptation to join WWE in the future as Scurll doesn’t really have anything left to achieve with Bullet Club. He can be a really entertaining, innovative heel for WWE and climb its ranks quickly. Scurll has the ability, personality, and charisma to thrive under WWE and could be its “big signing” in 2019.

16 Emotional Goodbye: Rhyno

via pinterest.com

The old Rhyno who used to terrorize superstars is long gone from WWE, with his current stint proving how horribly his character has aged over the years. Rhyno hasn’t really done anything memorable in recent years, with the Smackdown Tag Team Championship victory his only real achievement. He’s been sticking to Heath Slater for a long time and they have been given the job to put over other tag-teams. While Rhyno seems to be content with doing so, it doesn’t feel like he has much more left to give. 2019 could be the year “The Man Beast” finally hangs up his boots and despite his forgettable recent work, his departure will definitely be an emotional one.

15 Signing: Rosemary

via pinterest.com

Rosemary has been one of the best things about Impact Wrestling’s knockout division over the years, with her creepy gimmick working really well. She got really over a few years ago during her stint as part of Decay, with many fans urging WWE to sign her. Rosemary is still contracted to her company, but the consistency to her good work and impressive gimmick must be impressing WWE. The company is always looking to stack up on talented female wrestlers and Rosemary could help bring something new to their Women’s Division. WWE will sign up Rosemary next year if they get the opportunity to do so, and use her unique personality to create a much-needed “dark” character in their Women’s Division.

14 Emotional Goodbye: The Big Show

via TheSixthAxis.com

The Big Show has been a part of WWE for close to two decades now, in which he has terrorized many individuals with his gigantic size and superhuman strength. But the World’s Largest athlete’s age is definitely catching up to him, as The Big Show barely wrestles these days. The Big Show has barely wrestled all through this year and has indicated in interviews in his plans to retire soon after. Despite signing a new contract earlier this year, The Big Show is probably going to call it quits next year. His sendoff will be a moving one and having enjoyed an illustrious career, Big Show will now look to work in an ambassador role for WWE.

13 Signing: Jay Lethal

via cagesideseats.com

Ever since his boom at Ring of Honor, Jay Lethal has become a highly popular figure among wrestling fans who have wanted to see him in WWE for a long time now. Lethal has impressed at both Impact Wrestling as well as Ring of Honor, where he is the ROH World Champion right now. Lethal has to be among the best wrestlers on the promotion and has the charisma and ability to thrive anywhere he goes. WWE must be interested in signing Lethal, whose contract is allegedly set to expire sometime next year. Triple H will be highly interested in signing the ROH Champion next year in what would be a huge coup for WWE knowing Letha’s ability to entertain.

12 Emotional Goodbye: Goldust

via wwe.com

Goldust has been an outlandish figure in WWE over the decades, where he’s creeped out many with his weird mannerism. Despite his unique character, Goldust has been a really devoted employee for WWE over the years and helped put over many talents during his time. But it seems like time is running out for Goldust, who suffered a horrible injury and had to undergo a double knee surgery earlier this year. He is recovering from that and has indicated in recent interviews that he’ll be retiring sometime next year. It seems like that surgery has taken a bad toll on his physical state, as Goldust will want to give fans something to remember before putting an end to his illustrious career.

11 Signing: John Morrison

via sportskeeda.com

Ever since leaving WWE, John Morrison’s stock has risen in the wrestling industry, as he has done some amazing work in Mexico. Morrison did some fantastic work at Lucha Underground, where his career got the boost it needed. Morrison also attained some mainstream success by appearing in the hit TV show “Glow”, and has been working with Impact Wrestling these days. Morrison is a main-eventer on Impact and must has impressed WWE with his work after they released him. WWE will definitely want to bring back the charismatic, high-talented star back to their show and will aim to get him in 2019. Morrison could be a fantastic addition to Smackdown once it moves to Fox, and we could see him return mid-way through next year.

10 Emotional Goodbye: Kane

via wwe.com

Kane has had to take a foot back on his wrestling career ever since becoming the Mayor of Knox County earlier this year. But the Big Red Machine is still employed with the company and hasn’t officially retired from wrestling either. In fact, Kane is rumored to have a match as WWE Crown Jewel where he’ll team up with Undertaker to take on D-Generation X. The Big Red Machine might not have the stamina or ability to wrestle frequently anymore, but is still a big draw for WWE. But with his overwhelming political career, Kane will probably be forced to say goodbye next year in what will definitely be an emotional send-off to a terrorizing WWE character and devoted employee.

9 Signing: Adam “Hangman” Page

via chrisjerichocruise.com

Adam “Hangman” Page has turned into a prominent member of the Bullet Club ever over the past year or so, with his impressive performances being noticed by many. Page has struck quite the impression as this hard-hitting superstar who is the muscles of Bullet Club. Page must be one of the many Bullet Club members WWE are looking to snatch away from the group and that could come true next year. Page will never really become a “leader” of the Bullet Club and will not be able to resist the temptation of joining WWE much longer. The company can do great with a charismatic, hard-hitting wrestler like him and Page’s ruthless mannerism could make him a potent threat for many in WWE in 2019.

8 Emotional Goodbye: Dolph Ziggler

via dolphziggler.org

While Dolph Ziggler’s career has seemingly turned around since getting Drew McIntyre as his partner, he is just grooming McIntyre for the big push after a while. After he splits with McIntyre, Dolph will go back to being a shaggy mid-carder who mostly puts over other guys. He has indicated in recent interviews that he has not signed a multi-year deal with WWE and with his scope dampening at WWE, Ziggler might be thinking of quitting. After his angle with McIntyre is done, Ziggler could pitch a final run at WWE next year. He has stated about his willingness to focus on his stand-up comedy career, as fans will be left heartbroken if Ziggler decides to walk away next year.

7 Signing: Walter

via twitter.com

One of the rising stars on the Independent circuit, Walter’s impressive work as a heavyweight recently has left many people impressed. Not only has he won over the Indy fans, but WWE has also found a fond liking to his wrestling style. Walter has shown impressive athletic ability despite his big size, something which separates him from the rest. The current PWG(Pro Wrestling Guerrilla) is rumored to be a highly-wanted figure in WWE right now, with William Regal even scouting him in a recent PWG show. Walter is hesitating at working for WWE because of his unwillingness to live in the US. But his stance will soften up once WWE show real interest, which will allow them to bring him to NXT in 2019.

6 Emotional Goodbye: Mickie James

via pwmania.com

After being brought back as a veteran in the Women’s Revolution, Mickie James has played the role of guiding women on Monday Night Raw. She’s currently aligned with Alexa Bliss and Alicia Fox, mostly playing the role of putting over other talents. James hasn’t really done anything memorable during her latest stint in WWE and she is working limited dates with WWE as well. Having to manage her own family and fulfilling her WWE duties seems to be taking out a lot from her. James might bid goodbye for good from WWE next year as she just can’t wrestle frequently anymore. She will want to bow out at the right time and could get fans emotional with her retirement in 2019.

5 Signing: Eli Drake

via spaziowrestling.it

Another talent who has been thriving lately at Impact Wrestling, Eli Drake is probably one of the most charismatic wrestlers on the promotion right now. His recent stint as Impact World Champion was memorable because of his cocky, arrogant mannerism and this caught the eye of WWE as well. Drake is a much-wanted figure at WWE right now and despite not being able to sign him right now, they can snap him up sometime next year. Drake has indicated in interviews about his desire to join WWE and if things go well, he’ll end up there in 2019. Drake has the ability to portray an excellent heel character which can help him succeed on NXT or the main roster.

4 Emotional Goodbyes: R-Truth

via twitter.com

R-Truth has been showing no signs of aging with his recent work on Smackdown Live! where he’s been part of some really entertaining segments. Truth has shown his ability to make the audience laugh in recent weeks through some hilarious segments and looks to be in great shape as well. But Truth is 45+ and wrestling so frequently is no mean feat for him right now. Truth might be performing seamlessly, but he knows that he has to walk away soon. There’s a very good chance for Truth to hang up his boots next year. He’s done all he can to entertain audiences and R-Truth’s departure next year could be an extremely emotional one because of his connection with the fans.

3 Signing: Flip Gordon

via wrestlinginc.com

After making quite the impression in his match at All In, Flip Gordon must be turning heads onto him knowing how great a performer he’s developed into. Gordon is not only about the “flips” but is a very sound technical wrestlers who fits with WWE’s style. Apart from his wrestling skills, Gordon is also a former marine, something which definitely attracts WWE’s attention. He is currently contracted with Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling but should be available next year. WWE will definitely stake their claim into bringing the high-flying, athletic superstar into the company to add more excitement to the product. Gordon can fit in really well at NXT and climb the ladder quickly to the very top of WWE.

2 Emotional Goodbye: Kurt Angle

via VoxCatch.fr

Kurt Angle has been gone from WWE TV for quite a long time, but that doesn’t mean he’s gone from WWE programming for good. The Olympic Gold Medalist is scheduled to return some-time later this year and will work more matches heading into WrestleMania 35. But it could be predicted that Mania 35 will be his swan song before he calls it quits from wrestling. Angle has struggled to wrestle much at WWE, with his physical attributes being nowhere close to what it was. Angle will probably participate in some “dream matches” before retiring from WWE next year for good. Angle’s retirement will be an emotional affair because the fans’ love for him, as watching him hang up his boots will be heart-breaking for many.

1 Signing: Kevin Kross

via Twitter.com

Kevin Kross has earned quite the reputation for himself with his recent stint at Impact Wrestling, where he’s caused a lot of destruction lately. Kross earned a great reputation at Lucha Underground with his powerful, dangerous character. Kross’ impressive work in recent months has caught the eye of WWE, who are allegedly very interested in signing him up. Along with New Japan pro wrestling, WWE wants to bring Kross to their company, as his character can really thrive in their surroundings. It seems like a tug-of-war is going to take place between WWE and NJPW for this terrorizing superstar. But knowing their financial strength and luring power, WWE should win that battle and will look to introduce Kross into their programming in 2019.