10 Major Challenges Facing WWE In 2019

9. The Chaotic Labour Market

WWE Roster Too Many Wrestlers
AEW

Rarely has competition for talent been so chaotic, with the emergence of All Elite Wrestling and NJPW's continued surge sending the sport's labour market into a tailspin over the past few months. They, along with ROH and MLW, are all competing with WWE for signatures. It's insane, and no free agent with a solid reputation is off the table.

Vince McMahon & co. now face the prospect of paying over the odds to acquire their secured targets. This is a legitimate bidding war, and with guys like Bandido turning WWE down for ROH and the Elite stable going their own way over grabbing McMahon's dollars, Vince's may not be the most attractive deal in town anymore.

AEW are offering comparable deals. ROH, funded by a giant media corporation, aren't exactly minnows either, while NJPW will forever be the most attractive destination for those who value their craft above all else. It's crazy, and it means WWE are going to have to start handing out deals they would've scoffed at even a few months ago, though it's great news for the wrestlers themselves. Never before have they had so many viable, well-paying options available.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.