WWE is a constantly changing company, with one of the biggest shifts being in the talent who work for them. While WWE tries its best to keep hold of everyone, sometimes changing a gimmick or placing a wrestler in a tag team in order to not release them, that isn't always possible.

Whether it's because a wrestler can't connect with an audience the way WWE has intended or if they are incredibly injury prone or have backstage issues, the company often has to release a bunch of talents and 2019 will be no different.

Next year will certainly see many wrestlers released throughout the time and one reason that does happen is because of WWE's highly competitive NXT brand, which now boasts some of the best wrestlers in the world who are constantly putting on amazing content.

Triple H's crop of talent is constantly knocking on the door of the main roster, putting real pressure on them to perform because after so long, WWE needs to promote them to the main roster in order to open more doors for other talents outside of WWE.

That's right, because now WWE is constantly looking at the independent scene for the latest great wrestler, making the company a real revolving door process that keeps things fresh.

Within this article, we will take a look at eight possible future releases in the coming year, the NXT talents that may replace them on the main roster, and eight possible independent talents that could be joining NXT in 2019.

24 Released: Tyler Breeze

via wwe.com

As unfortunate as it is, not every NXT call-up is able to work in the same way that they do at Full Sail University and a perfect example of that is Tyler Breeze. One of the top stars in NXT hasn't stayed at that level on Raw and SmackDown.

Breeze hasn't been able to establish himself as a singles wrestler with his gimmick not connecting with the wider WWE Universe.

It did seem like things were starting to click when he teamed with Fandango but with his partner on the shelf, Breeze has gone right back to square one.

The tag team was struggling anyway with a lot of its momentum fading away from the early hype the team had. Unfortunately this could lead to Breeze's time with WWE coming to an end.

23 NXT Replacement: Pete Dunne

via wwe.com

The current UK Champion is the longest reigning champion in the entire company right now and is set for a big few months as the face of the brand new NXT UK brand, which means his call-up might be further away than some others on this list.

However, there is no doubt that the Bruiserweight is main roster bound after all the time and effort the company has placed into him. Triple H has praised Dunne highly in interviews and is clearly a big fan and given that the fans treat him like a megastar it's clear big things are in his future.

Dunne has been used more frequently on NXT in recent months as his push continues and having him move to the main roster could be the perfect way to promote the NXT UK show to a wider audience, especially if he is treated as a top star.

22 Joining NXT: Juice Robinson

via sportingnews.com

This would be an interesting signing with Juice Robinson returning to WWE's developmental system after originally being released by the company, following the same path as Kassius Ohno.

Robinson worked under the name of CJ Parker during his time in NXT previously and while he was a solid worker, he was never really positioned as a star. However, since leaving WWE, Robinson has thrived and really shown his personality.

WWE is reportedly very interested in re-hiring Robinson and that isn't a surprise as his New Japan work has been incredible, showing all the potential that Dusty Rhodes knew he had originally.

21 Released: No Way Jose

via wwe.com

As previously mentioned, not all NXT call-ups work and No Way Jose is an example of another that hasn't gone to plan for WWE, but this one isn't that surprising as his gimmick is incredibly limited.

He was never a major star in NXT and it was quite a surprise to see him get called up to the main roster in the first place, but after a couple of weeks on TV he was quickly relegated to WWE's Main Event and is now rarely used on Raw.

WWE tends to not focus too much on gimmicks like this.

Sadly, No Way Jose is likely going to experience the same fate as Adam Rose, another similar character that is hard to evolve past what it is.

20 NXT Replacement: Lars Sullivan

via wwe.com

A totally different character to No Way Jose, Lars Sullivan isn't about dancing or making anybody laugh but is instead simply all business.

Sullivan might not be the smoothest in the ring, but considering his gimmick he really doesn't need to be. Sullivan is a perfect big man and we all know that is something that Vince McMahon loves, which will stand him in good stead moving forward.

Sullivan has been carefully booked in NXT in order to protect him and keep him strong and considering that he can also cut a promo, making his monster gimmick somehow even more intimidating, there's no doubt he will be on the main roster at some stage soon.

19 Joining NXT: WALTER

via twitter.com

Current PROGRESS Wrestling World Champion, WALTER, is often regarded as one of the best big men in professional wrestling right now, and if you're going to lose a big man in Lars Sullivan then why not replace him with WALTER.

In the ring, he is a total general and without a doubt has the best chops in the industry today, often knocking his opponents off their feet and leaving their chests red by the end of the encounter.

With an ability to get around the ring with great comfort, WALTER easily sits as one of the best stars on the indies right now and after whispers of Triple H's interest in him, it is likely only a matter of time.

18 Released: Dana Brooke

via pinterest.com

Out of all of the women on the current main roster, Dana Brooke is one of the people who barely gets used with the company tending to push other women over her, with Brooke only being used to help put over other talents.

In the ring, Brooke certainly isn't at the level of her fellow roster members.

Ever since she was split from Emma it's been clear she is out of her depth and therefore when it comes to the company wanting to release someone, she may find herself at the top of the chopping block.

Despite having a fantastic look and a tremendous work ethic, with so many amazing women's wrestlers all pushing to be in the spot she has, WWE might need to make some room in order to allow them to move up.

17 NXT Replacement: Bianca Belair

via WWE.com

She is currently the EST of NXT and is without a doubt one of the most exciting upcoming female talents in the entire company. If you haven't seen Bianca Belair then go and check out her work as she has already had some standout matches for someone so young.

Belair is an incredible athlete who has amazing strength as well as fantastic athleticism and she is also able to grasp the entertainment aspect as well, creating herself a unique character.

As well as all of that, Belair has her secret weapon; her hair. Using it during matches to whip her opponents, the crack sound always gains a huge reaction from the fans and the fact that talent like Charlotte Flair has claimed she is the future shows that people see her huge potential.

16 Joining NXT: Tessa Blanchard

via wikidata.com

It is a major surprise that Tessa Blanchard hasn't already been signed by the company after appearing at NXT several times and being an entrant in the first Mae Young Classic, but eventually, she will find her home at Full Sail.

Blanchard is arguably the best female wrestler outside of WWE right now.

She has proven that everywhere she's gone, especially at IMPACT Wrestling where she has been a major hit in the popular Knockouts Division.

Her legacy in the wrestling industry due to her family is something that WWE will certainly play-off and she is someone who will instantly rise to the top of the roster from the moment she arrives.

15 Will Be Released: The Club

via wwe.com

Despite the fact that when they joined WWE they were one of the most popular tag teams on the planet, fresh from their time as members of The Bullet Club, wrestling fans had real hopes for what they could achieve.

Both men are excellent wrestlers, each having unique talents that make them work so well together. However, they aren't just a box standard tag team, they have tons of charisma too, but sadly they have only been able to show that in glimpses.

The Club has had a few moments to showcase just how talented they are, but sadly they have now fallen to the bottom of the line in the tag team division and are no longer featured, which may be a poor sign of things to come.

14 NXT Replacement: War Machine

via wwe.com

Hanson and Rowe have made a major statement in NXT so far, with their Viking like gimmicks providing a unique presence in the Full Sail University which has seen them get over as top babyfaces.

Not only have they connected with the fans, but they have already been able to put on several fantastic matches as well.

It's looking very likely that they will become future NXT Tag Team Champions, which would lead many to believe they will then join the main roster.

War Machine would be a hit on the main roster as not only do they have a fantastic look, but they aren't just the average big men, they are able to do some things that some cruiserweights can't do and because of that, they should be able to standout.

13 Joining NXT: Young Bucks

via YouTube.com

It is highly debatable as to whether or not the Young Bucks would go to NXT, as a case can certainly be made that they are big enough stars to jump straight onto the main roster and be treated as megastars.

However, if WWE doesn't want to give them the AJ Styles treatment, then there's no doubt they would fit in very well on NXT as well with their incredible in-ring abilities being well suited to that audience.

It seems as if their time is winding down on the indies and while it might not be at the start of 2019, with the Bucks likely re-signing until at least WrestleMania time with Ring Of Honor, next year seems like the time we will see them in WWE.

12 Will Be Released: SAnitY

via wwe.com

Remember when everyone was so upset that Nikki Cross wouldn't be making the jump to the main roster with the rest of SAnitY? I wonder where those people are now because it's fair to say not joining them is the best thing to have happened to Cross.

For some reason, the main roster just hasn't been the place for SAnitY, with creative barely even giving the group a chance, which is a huge letdown considering how fun the group is and how talented all three men are.

Sadly, WWE has decided to focus on repeating the same Usos and New Day feud over and over, rather than providing something new and fresh which SAnitY could have brought and if room is needed, these three men could end up creating that.

11 NXT Replacement: Undisputed Era

via wwe.com

While SAnitY as a group hasn't quite clicked on the main roster, one stable that will certainly be a big hit is the Undisputed Era, who is arguably the best thing on NXT on such a consistent basis right now.

The group has taken NXT by storm and the entire arena always stands up and pays attention whenever they arrive. With their unique style of promos and backstage segments, the group simply oozes cool and it comes across so naturally.

It is clear that they all work and get on together, something which hasn't been seen since the days of The Shield with a group who are totally together and after seeing how successful The Hounds Of Justice were, this talented stable will be heading in the same path soon.

10 Joining NXT: Joe Hendry

via heraldscotland.com

Joe Hendry can wrestle and he can sing and he is one of the UK's most entertaining talents as either a heel or a babyface. For several years now Hendry has been growing his craft and developing his brand, but 2018 has put him on the map.

Joining IMPACT Wrestling, Hendry has been able to show just what he is capable of and on a grander stage such as NXT, there is no doubt he could make an even bigger name for himself, especially with his incredible entrance videos which he creates to mock his opponent.

Hendry is also an amateur wrestler and has represented his country, something that very few wrestlers can say they have done. With his star continuing to rise, if he can keep on the same path in 2019, he may just land that NXT deal.

9 Released: Shelton Benjamin

via youtube.com

Fans were incredibly excited when WWE first announced that Shelton Benjamin was returning to the company following the return of the brand split, but after his return was delayed, he hasn't been able to hit the ground running as many hoped.

After a pointless and rather lackluster tag team run with Chad Gable, Benjamin is now simply filling spots on the SmackDown roster whenever he is needed.

He's often seen jobbing for others, rather than showing everyone just how talented he still is.

WWE could be getting so much more out of Benjamin if they wanted, but it's clear that he is stuck in this position until his contract comes to an end and he either returns to the indies or transitions into another company role.

8 NXT Replacement: Velveteen Dream

via wwe.com

It might have seemed like a very odd and wacky character at first, but Velveteen Dream has become one of the hottest commodities in NXT and he is incredibly over with the WWE Universe.

The Dream is a well fleshed out gimmick who has really developed a personality, rather than just allowing his tremendous wrestling do the talking for him, as can be the case in NXT at times.

However, while he does have fantastic charisma, he can also back it up inside the ring, which he has done countless times, often stealing the show at NXT TakeOver events and eventually, his time will come on the main roster.

7 Joining NXT: Dalton Castle

via twitter.com

It would be quite fitting if Dalton Castle is the man to replace Velveteen Dream in NXT because the two men actually have quite similar gimmicks, but thankfully there are just enough differences that they would both be able to co-exist at the same time.

Castle is one of the most talented wrestlers in the world and boasts a German Suplex that even Brock Lesnar would be proud of and is someone that will be on Triple H's radar, with his incredible charisma really putting him head and shoulders above others in the business.

Castle has proven himself as a top quality star who is able to main event major shows having worked as the Ring Of Honor World Champion, something that is usually an express ticket to a WWE contract.

6 Released: Chad Gable

via youtube.com

At one point, Chad Gable was part of the best tag team in the entire company alongside the currently sidelined, Jason Jordan and they didn't just work in NXT, but also on the main roster.

However, creative somehow decided to slowly stop pushing them and eventually Gable and Jordan were split, with Chad barely even being used on TV at all, which was a real shame.

Even though he has started to be used once again, it is only in an awkward tag team alongside Bobby Roode, which simply doesn't work and isn't connecting, and sadly his future might be doomed.

5 NXT Replacement: Johnny Gargano

via WWE.com

WWE hasn't been able to create a top babyface in a long time in the way which the creative team did with Johnny Gargano. Even though he just made a major heel turn, it just shows how well-rounded he is as a performer.

Johnny Wrestling is one of the very best inside the ring right now and is on an absolute career high as one of the brightest WWE stars in the entire company and is absolutely bound for the main roster in the near future.

Whether he goes as a heel or a face is unknown, but as long as WWE books him smartly, then Gargano will be a huge hit on SmackDown or Raw just as he has been in NXT with potential dream matches with Daniel Bryan, Seth Rollins and more just waiting.