10 Reasons Why WWE’s Future Is Brighter Than You Might Think

2. Out Of (Part) Time

Surely, with the returns of Goldberg and Shane McMahon, WWE has exhausted the last of the part-time stars of yesteryear and thus has left itself with no option but to focus on the future - and thus give fans a reason to invest in talent 365 days per year.

The Undertaker has retired. Batista, burned by what he perceived as creative mishandling of his character, does not need nor want a return. The Rock is wary of returning for another 'Mania match, lest more injuries jeopardise his acting career. Steve Austin, Mick Foley and Shawn Michaels are happily retired. You get the feeling Hulk Hogan and Ric Flair miss the ring. Still, age has finally caught up with them. They can't bring it to leisure centre standards, much less WWE standards, in 2017.

Triple H is still around, but he's far more selfless these days. His annual 'Mania match, while not the star maker it is intended as, at least provides a LOL or two with its ludicrously bloated entrances. The chasm left by 'Taker alone will force WWE to go all in on the current crop; WWE needs a new Mr. WrestleMania to replace the legends. The big push seems imminent for at least two full-time performers come January, because there is nobody left to provide WWE with a short-term injection of star power.

With the notable exception of...