12 Ups & 13 Downs For WWE In 2019 (So Far)

3. Poisoning The Locker Room

Luke Harper
WWE.com

WWE cannot be absolved of blame for their role in what's currently going on with the likes of Lio Rush and Luke Harper.

2019's walkouts and protests were inspired by what the performers involved perceive to be mistreatment, but that's just the start of it. Only those involved know exactly what went down with their respective cases. That isn't why this Down exists: it's because of the way WWE have handled the mini-revolt.

The company responded to Harper's polite, respectful release request by refusing to use him and adding six months to his contract. The Revival will now depart the promotion two months apart from each other when Dash Wilder was dealt with similar treatment, and we can't forget their 'Ucey Hot' burial either. Lio Rush has been banished. Sasha Banks, meanwhile, hasn't been used since WrestleMania 35, and there's currently no word on when (if ever) she'll come back.

Doling out punishments like this sounds like a great way to destroy what little morale remains in the locker-room, with WWE seemingly going out of their way to make the promotion as unattractive a proposition to free agents as possible. At the moment, the company sounds like a horrible, horrible place to work, and it's their own doing.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. 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.