8 Ups & 11 Downs For WWE In 2018 (So Far)

Downs...

11. The Injury Epidemic

Dean Ambrose
WWE.com

Professional wrestling is inherently dangerous, accidents are inevitable, and injuries will never be completely eliminated. They're part of the job, and a risk every performer must accept when stepping between the ropes. That being said, WWE's injury reserve is bursting at the seams right now, and with an unreasonably large number of performers sidelined at any given point throughout the year, the problem isn't easing up.

Ruby Riott (sprained MCL) and Sami Zayn (two torn rotator cuffs) have both joined the wounded in recent weeks. Long-term absentees Dean Ambrose, Jason Jordan, Samir Singh, and Bobby Fish are still missing. Throw the likes of Epico Colon, Charlotte Flair, and Randy Orton into the mix, and the list is huge.

We accept a certain number of injuries, but this is an epidemic. WWE's supposedly "safe" working style hurts way more performers than New Japan's "dangerous" product. Whether this is down to the gruelling road schedule, an ageing roster, or WWE's insistence on populated TV and house shows with lengthy singles match is up for debate, but there's clearly a problem.

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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.