Best And Worst WWE Title Reigns Of 2017 (So Far)
Who has elevated their titles, and who have dropped the ball?
As Triple H loves to say, "the title doesn't make the guy, the guy makes the title."
The guys and girls of WWE have had mixed results in their 'making' of titles in 2017. Firstly, you have the belts that fans know and love, such as the WWE, Intercontinental, and United States Championships. Some holders of these prestigious belts have made them seem like the ultimate achievements in the world of pro wrestling. Others have let them fade into the background as nothing more than props.
Then there is the bevy of new titles introduced since the brand split. Capturing one of these holds the troublesome task of getting over a belt that fans are completely unfamiliar with, in order to make them seem like Championships to fight and die over. Some wrestlers have fared better at this than others.
As it stands, some titles in WWE seem like the ultimate prize for WWE's competitors. Others don't hold even remotely as much significance. Which title reigns so far in 2017 have been the most damaging for the belts involved, and which have elevated the straps to new heights?
Worst
5. Dean Ambrose (WWE Intercontinental Champion)
The Miz was in the middle of a career renaissance in late 2016. Using Talking Smack, The Miz captured the viewers' attention and honed in on the beloved General Manager Daniel Bryan. As his heat returned to the nuclear levels of years past, the Intercontinental Championship slung over his shoulder became a sought-after commodity.
This generated high expectations when Dean Ambrose finally derailed The Miz's IC Title run. For him to capture the belt surely meant the WWE had big plans for Ambrose and the IC strap. So far, no such plans have manifested themselves. In fact, the WWE did not believe he and Corbin had produced enough buzz around their IC Title feud to warrant a spot on WrestleMania 33's main card.
At this point, it looks like WWE are acknowledging their mistake by bringing The Miz back into the title picture. Dropping the title may end up being the best thing for Ambrose. It would allow him to interact with his old Shield buddies, and claw back some of the blistering momentum he possessed in the summer of 2016. Ambrose and the Intercontinental Championship simply do no need each other right now.