The road to WrestleMania is here and that usually means a handful of roster changes within the company. Throughout WrestleMania weekend, fans chat about which NXT stars will be promoted and who will have to make room for them. You may see someone’s last match for the company at WrestleMania or the night after - don’t be surprised, it’s part of the business.

The wrestling industry has a serious turnover rate when it comes to wrestling talent, so it shouldn’t be a stunner if someone gets released. Sometimes it happens because the wrestler is terrible, other times it could be a mutual separation of both parties. When it comes to who gets released or re-signed, the decision ultimately falls on the WWE Universe’s overlord, Vince McMahon. McMahon may say he listens to fans, but don’t be fooled, when it comes to the contracts of his employees, he’s going to go with his gut feeling. We can only hope and pray he keeps the talents we like and releases the talents we don't.

A lot of the times when an employee gets released, it’s a mutual decision. For example, Cody Rhodes asked to be released and has been on fire since. Many wrestlers may look at Cody and believe they can do what he’s done. This list is about talents that should be re-signed or released. Enjoy.

20 Big E - Re-sign

via wwe.com

Awwwwww The Sportster Universe, don’t you dare be sour! Clap for your world famous tag team, Intercontinental and NXT champ, and feel the power! It’s Big E, yes it is. Big E and the rest of the New Day have been on a tear for several years but they will inevitably break up like all stables do. When that happens, Big E can have a serious shot at being a top contender.

He has the look, strength, and in-ring ability to make the crowd go wild. You may have criticized his mic skills, however, since being a member of the New Day, Big E has consistently improved. With his in-ring skills and ability to keep the crowd's attention in promos, Big E should be signed to a long-term contract.

19 Dolph Ziggler - Release

via wwe.com

The WWE should keep Dolph Ziggler, however, for the lack of a push they’ve given him and the amount of money he makes, it’s better if they split for economic purposes. Allegedly, Ziggler makes $1.4 million a year based off his new contract and earns a 3.5% share from merchandise sales along with his pay-per-view earnings can increase up to $250k per the main event. If you were looking to cut some salary, Ziggler would be that guy.

Think about it, he’s good enough to main event but rarely does. He’s good enough to be an awesome babyface but WWE has made him a heel. We’re pretty sure the WWE doesn’t want to pay him. Ziggler has flirted with leaving the WWE before but never pulled the trigger. It’s well documented Ziggler wants to do a lot of things outside of the WWE, such as professional comedy and working for Fox News. Leaving may be the best thing for Ziggler in the future, even with his recent contract extension.

18 The Usos - Re-sign

via pnj.com

It has been reported both Jay and Jimmy Uso have short-term deals with the WWE and are without the perks of extra share revenue or bonuses from pay-per-view main events. That should change going into 2019. The Usos at one point where the babyface heroes all the fans loved. After years of performing the same routine and gimmick, fans and the Usos wanted change.

We got the change and the Usos have been one of the brightest spots on SmackDown Live since. Their raw and realistic gimmicks have helped the brand as well as their careers. Arguably the greatest tag team in the world, it would be extremely unwise for the WWE to not sign these guys to long-term deals. Their family legacy and commitment to the company means a deal will most likely happen.

17 Kassius Ohno - Release

via wwe.com

He’s a legit wrestler and fans love him but do you really think Vince McMahon is going to push him? If Triple H isn’t pushing him to the top down in NXT, we doubt McMahon even has him on his radar. It might be better for Ohno to leave the WWE and make some big bucks on the indie circuit. This isn’t his first run in the WWE either, he would sign his first contract with the company in 2011.

Two years later he would be released and put on lots of weight. Coming back in 2016 seemed like a great signing but it’s 2018 and Ohno has been limited to mid-card duties for most of his time here. As we mentioned in the beginning, do you really see Vince pushing this guy? No, and for that, WWE should cut him.

16 Samoa Joe - Re-sign

via wrestlingnews.com

Samoa Joe is in the midst of a three-year contract and we know his fans believe he still has a lot to offer to the WWE. After a successful stint in NXT, Joe would make the big league in 2017 and quickly became a top contender. An injury to his right foot has derailed his “Road to WrestleMania” storyline, however, don’t be surprised if he shows up at the event to cause some chaos.

With Brock Lesnar basically done with the WWE, the company needs a big threat that has an MMA background. Joe can fill that role and more. At 39 years old, Joe has a few prime years left in him. It’s a no-brainer for the WWE to re-sign the Samoan when his contract is up.

15 Cesaro - Release

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He has the size, speed, and strength to compete with anyone in the ring. There are countless testimonials from the wrestling industry that peg Cesaro as one of the greatest wrestlers of his generation. However, Vince McMahon has a problem with guys that have limited mic skills and don’t use English as their first language. Cesaro is a stud, and if he was in any other promotion, he would be their top guy.

His contract is almost coming to an end and we’re pretty sure he’s debating on whether to stay or go. It makes no sense for both parties (WWE and Cesaro) to continue the same path that we’ve seen for the last several years. He’s more than just a tag team partner, he’s more than just a jobber to the top guys, and he’s the Swiss Superman and deserves McMahon’s respect. If you’re not going to push him, get rid of him.

14 Nia Jax - Re-sign

via wwe.com

You may have read the rumors about Nia Jax being upset with her role in the WWE in 2017. Allegedly, Vince McMahon would get a phone call from The Rock himself about the state of Jax in the WWE Universe. Most agree that Jax should be booked like a monster because of her size and set of skills.

Whether a heel or babyface, it doesn’t matter, what does matter is pushing Jax to the top. She has the unique look, family history, and work ethic to be a legend in the WWE. It was reported Jax was on a short-term contract and we hope she doesn’t leave. Now that she’s in a title match at WrestleMania, we believe The Rock told McMahon what her role is.

13 Paige - Release

via wwe.com

Sometimes the brightest stars burn the quickest. Paige would explode onto the WWE Universe after becoming the youngest Divas Champion in the history of the company at the age of 21 in 2014. She was destined to push the women’s division into a new era and was doing great before everything started tumbling down. We don’t have to get into the specifics, but it seems to be that Paige is more of a headache than a blessing.

From her wild relationship with her former boyfriend, Alberto Del Rio to her controversial leaks involving current and former employees, and a potentially career-ending neck injury in October of 2017 are enough red flags to say enough is enough. Although young, Paige is on her way to having more controversial incidents than Sunny, which isn’t a good thing.

12 Braun Strowman - Re-sign

via wwe.com

Strowman should be the first man to sign a 100-year contract with the WWE. If Vince McMahon has any brains, he would lock up Braun to a long-term contract. The guy is a physical specimen and has picked up wrestling very well. Not only has he performed at an excellent rate in the ring, the way he connects with the fans is surprising.

In 2017 and early 2018, Braun really opened up to the fans and his charisma is exploding. Rumors have it that Vince McMahon is actually disappointed that his golden boy, Roman Reigns, can’t connect with the fans the way Braun has. Once considered an experiment, Braun is becoming a legend right before our eyes. As a big man, he’s been given the torch by Kane and fans can’t wait for what the future holds for him.

11 Brock Lesnar - Release

via wwe.com

Vince McMahon loves him and unless he screws up big time in life, Lesnar will always have a home in the WWE. However, the writing is on the wall. Lesnar doesn’t work a lot of dates and Vince wants a Universal Champion that will show up every Monday night to work. We don’t have any psychics at The Sportster but it’s safe to say Roman Reigns will be the next Universal Champion.

Recent photos of Lesnar and UFC President, Dana White, almost guarantees the Mayor of Suplex City will be back in the octagon later this year or early 2019. Lesnar’s contract ends after WrestleMania 34. Leaving the WWE for a year or so and coming back in the future is a win-win for both sides.

10 Broken Matt - Re-sign

via forbes.com

Brother Nero may have signed a multi-year contract but that wasn’t the case for Broken Hardy. Maybe Jeff getting injured in 2017 was the best thing to happen for Matt. No longer could Matt be used in the tag team division and Vince McMahon finally let him become “Woken” or is it “Broken?” Allegedly, the Broken Hardy gimmick is why Vince wanted to sign Matt so we hope both parties are satisfied.

There is a lot of gold left for Broken Hardy to obtain, and now that the WWE Universe has been introduced to the Hardy Compound, re-signing Matt is best for business. If the single’s run Matt is currently on ends when Jeff gets back, it won’t take long for them to obtain Tag Titles in either brand.

9 Mojo Rawley - Release

via wwe.com

Can we just get down to it and say Mojo Rawley won WrestleMania 33’s André the Giant Battle Royal because of being good friends with NFL legend Rob Gronkowski? Rawley has done nothing but end a tag team with Zack Ryder since winning the battle royal in 2017. Maybe the whole point of that battle royal match was to elevate the runner-up, Jinder Mahal, than Rawley.

Mahal would interact with Gronkowski more than Mojo that night and there are rumors Mahal and Gronk could have another segment together at this year’s WrestleMania. So where does that leave Mojo, nowhere. It’s why the WWE should release him when the time comes. Baron Corbin won the inaugural André the Giant Battle Royal and barely had a run at the United States Championship. You think Mojo is going to get a push anytime soon? We think not.

8 Big Cass - Re-sign

via wwe.com

Big Cass was on a short-term deal before he suffered a devastating blow in his career. During a match with former tag team partner and WWE employee, Enzo Amore, Cass would tear his ACL in 2017. Before the injury, it looked like the WWE had a major push for the towering wrestler. He recently had his own theme music, was being booked as a brutish heel, and would get a lot of time on the mic.

His injury may have derailed his momentum but we believe Cass can come back better than ever. If booked right, he could be a top contender and a formidable foe against a big guy like Braun Strowman. You can’t teach seven feet, and Vince McMahon loves the big guys. Cass re-signing with the WWE is best for business.

7 Hideo Itami - Release

via nexterawrestling.net

Everyone was and still is hoping Hideo Itami and the WWE works out. Sadly, that hasn’t been the case at all for the originator of the GTS finisher since signing with the WWE in 2014. After a stellar career in Japan and around the world, Itami would be one of the biggest signings the WWE would make in 2014. WWE knew they needed fresh, fun, and young faces that made a huge impact on the indie circuit.

Itami was one of the signings, along with Kevin Owens and Finn Balor. Itami would start off hot but suffered a shoulder injury that derailed his career for half a year. When he did return, he never had the same momentum. It’s obvious Vince McMahon was looking for a Japanese star, it just so happens he found one in Shinsuke Nakamura and not Itami. Leaving the WWE and going back to Japan may be best for business.

6 Curtis Axel - Re-sign

via wwe.com

The third-generation Superstar could probably make more money on the indie scene but that’s not where Axel belongs. He belongs in the WWE and we’re glad he’s getting more television time as a member of the Miztourage. Axel is one of the nicest guys, ask anyone in the business. He’s also helped get The Rock and Brock Lesnar back into ring-shape after their long layoffs with the company.

He’s a company man, has the look, has the experience and history and isn’t bad in the ring. He may never be a top contender but that doesn’t mean Axel can’t compete in a Tag Team Title or Intercontinental Championship match. At 38 years old, Axel still has a lot of serviceable years left in his wrestling career. Make them count WWE.

5 Epico and Primo - Release

via wwe.com

Shining Stars, the Colons, who cares? These guys deserve to be released and work for their family’s promotion in Puerto Rico. While on the SmackDown Live brand in 2018, the Colons have just had four matches in 2018. All four of those were live event matches in which they lost. The last time they were seen on SmackDown Live was on an episode in May of 2017.

It wasn’t even a tag team match but a Battle Royal. Vince McMahon doesn’t put them on television, doesn’t give them a push - so why in the world are they in the WWE Universe? It’s best for both parties to call it a day and split. We’re pretty sure Epico and Primo believe highly in their skills and family name, so being released is something they must be excited for.

4 Curt Hawkins - Re-sign

via wwe.com

We could have put someone like Seth Rollins or Bray Wyatt in this slot but that’s too easy. The man with the longest losing streak in the WWE deserves a new contract. If your memory is a little fuzzy, you may have forgotten the last Hawkins victory in a WWE ring. It took place against Apollo Crews on episode #899 of SmackDown Live in November of 2016.

That’s a long time ago and Hawkins has had to job to guys like James Ellsworth, Darren Young, and Jack Swagger. Notice those three names there; none of them are with the WWE anymore. Hawkins doesn’t mind losing and knows his role. He’s actually got people talking because his losing streak is so hilarious. Keep Hawkins around, he’s done fine for what WWE has asked him to do.

3 Sin Cara - Release

via wwe.com

The last time anyone saw Sin Cara on television was in November of 2017. That’s a long time and we’re pretty sure Sin wishes he was on television. We wonder why Vince McMahon would leave an established wrestler and the only luchador on the SmackDown Live roster off television for so long. It’s not like he’s getting young or training to be better.

He is what he is, and either put him on television or release him. Sin Cara has the talent but lacks the push and we’re pretty sure if he was released, he would pick up work quickly. Since being off television, Sin Cara has been booked to lose to Dolph Ziggler and Jinder Mahal at live events. At least Vince should put him in the André the Giant Battle Royal at WrestleMania 34.

2 Daniel Bryan - Re-sign

via skysports.com

Yes! Yes! Yes! Picture this, Daniel Bryan doesn’t re-sign with the WWE in September of 2018 and instead books dates with Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro Wrestling. How bad would the WWE look if Bryan then started having 5-star matches for those promotions? It wouldn’t be a good look and Vince McMahon knows this. For the past several years, rumors have been swirling that Bryan could return to in-ring action at a WrestleMania event and with his recent medical clearance, that time is now!

Since his devastating neck injuries and concussions, Bryan has been on the shelf, acting as a General Manager for SmackDown Live. He received a thunderous pop with the announcement of his clearance - the WWE better ink him to an extension ASAP based off that reaction alone. We're salivating thinking about the amount of programs Daniel can work. Get it done Vince, now!

1 John Cena - Release

via twitter.com

His name is John Cena and he’s the greatest wrestler of his generation, so why is he on this list? We'll tell you why, because, it’s time to let him go. Just like the time Vince McMahon let Hulk Hogan go, just like the time McMahon let The Rock go, Cena needs to spread his wings and fly away. It’s no secret Cena wants to get into Hollywood and other possible entertainment projects.

He will never be free to do what he wants unless he doesn’t have WWE and Vince hanging over his head. WWE has been moving away from Cena but still brings him back to the big events. Enough is enough, let him go. We’re not saying Cena will never return, because he will, like The Rock did, however, he should have the opportunity to be completely free from the WWE.