16 Ups & 9 Downs For NJPW In 2018

4. The Elite's Song & Dance

The Golden Elite WWE
NJPW

Regardless of where The Elite end up wrestling next year, the carnival surrounding their NJPW/ROH contractual situation has been tedious. Utterly, utterly tedious.

We'll be glad to see the end of the will they/won't they bullsh*t, even if that means Kenny Omega, Cody, and The Young Bucks walking off to pastures new. It'd be a shame to see them go, of course, but this writer (along with countless others) just wants to see these guys wrestle, not 'work the marks' with vague statements, Being The Elite angles, and co-opted media stories designed to increase their bargaining power.

NJPW can endure their losses. They'll take a hit, particularly in the United States, but there's always someone ready to take your place in this company. Their domestic business will be fine, so while it'd be great to see The Elite stick around, it's not the end of the world if this saga ends in them leaving to form their own promotion (as has been rumoured) or jumping ship to WWE. At least the media shenanigans will be over by that point.

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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.