WWE is currently trying to sign as much talent as the company possibly can in time for January 2019. Increased competition from promotions such as New Japan Pro Wrestling, as well as the potential rise of All Elite Wrestling headed by the members of The Elite, have been attributed as likely causes for WWE’s recent signing spree. WWE has been particularly interested in hiring members of the Ring of Honor roster since several of their contracts are said to be expiring towards the end of the month. Cody Rhodes and Silas Young are among the names who have turned down WWE deals this month, but the promotion could still land a major signing from ROH if they bring former world champion Dalton Castle on board.
According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer, WWE is interested in signing Dalton Castle to a deal as soon as possible. The date of Castle’s ROH contract expiration is unknown as of right now, but he is undoubtedly one of the popular stars in the promotion. Castle even won the ROH World Championship last year and held onto it for a number of months. Dalton actually just returned to the ring after taking some time off to fix a serious back injury a few months ago, and he has been climbing back up the ladder in the ROH ranks. Could he be on his way into WWE at some point in 2019. Castle now joins Karen Q and Beer City Bruiser on the list of rumored ROH talents that WWE is hoping to recruit early next year.
TLC will be taking place this Sunday night on the WWE Network, but once that pay-per-view wraps up, WWE will begin building up their annual Royal Rumble event. Much like last year, the show is expected to feature Royal Rumble matches for the men and women of the roster. Thirty participants will be featured in each, but who is currently slated to win the Royal Rumble match. The Wrestling Observer’s Dave Meltzer believes that current Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins will be winning the match before challenging Brock Lesnar for the Universal Championship at WrestleMania 35. WWE is also said to be considering having Drew McIntyre win the Rumble and then facing Braun Strowman for the Universal title at WrestleMania 35 in April.