WWE ratings continue to decline and depending on the Rumble, may decline even more.
A long and slow Mania season occurs.
Something major happens at Mania or shortly after that changes the company.
NJPW takes on more of a US presence and gains popularity.
AEW begins and does well but nothing major. I'm thinking a few live events here and there like All In. Maybe like 3 or 4 major independent events. I don't see them being a dominant promotion in 2019.
But in 2020 they grow and create a competing brand.
Lucha Underground gets another season thanks to some new funding by an unknown source.
The WWE loses some of its stars and doesn't sign much free agents.
A revolution happens within the company and some unhappy wrestlers leave.
By the end of the year, most of the wrestlers will have left to other brands like new japan and 2020 will be seen as a battle for the crown. WWE vs the world.