10 Ways WWE Are Destroying Their Own Roster
7. Stifling Creativity
WWE is the most regimented wrestling promotion in the world.
A handful of top stars have a slither of creative control but for the most part, WWE steer every aspect of their wrestlers' performances, stifling their creativity, and forcing them into roles they just don't want to play.
The consequences of this are entirely destructive for the wrestlers. Cody Rhodes asked for his release after growing sick of his Stardust persona, and has since become a major star on the indies. Similarly, in keeping Neville stranded in the lowly Cruiserweight division, WWE destroyed his passion for the company, leading to his walkout. If he ends up leaving, there's no doubt he'll become a massive asset wherever he lands.
This is dangerous. WWE are effectively creating an army of creatively stifled wrestlers who could be so much more, and will be when they're eventually released. With guys like The Young Bucks, and Kenny Omega showing that success outside the sport's top promotion is no longer a pipe dream, this could, hypothetically, result in more repressed WWE Superstars betting on themselves, heading out into the opening, and levelling the playing field for companies like ROH and NJPW.