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

2. Out Of (Part) Time

Batista Quits
WWE.com

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...

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick (Creative Writing BA Hons) is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over a decade of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential UK institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!