10 Most Improved Wrestlers Of 2017

Few fans expected Naomi to emerge as one of SmackDown's biggest breakout performers in 2017. Her elite athleticism has never been in doubt, but she was used only as a spot-filler prior to the turn of the year - though her progress was admittedly hindered by injury that November.

The former Funkadactyl returned in January, and immediately entered the title hunt. Much to everyone's surprise, she knocked SmackDown Women's Champion Alexa Bliss off at Elimination Chamber in February, though another injury forced Naomi to relinquish the belt two weeks later. She was thrust straight back into the spotlight after returning, recapturing the gold at WrestleMania 33, and embarking on a 140-day run at the top of the pile, making her the title's longest reigning champion.

Naomi is still an incomplete project. Her athleticism and flashy ring entrance remain her strongest cards, but she has demonstrated considerable improvement between the ropes, and her increased spotlight has given her the opportunity to grow on the microphone. No longer there to make up the numbers, Naomi has surpassed even Becky Lynch in the division's pecking order. It'll be a while before she's anywhere close to the 'Lass Kicker' on a technical level, though.