10 Unexpected WWE Standouts Of 2016

10. The Brian Kendrick

Now, to be honest, I could just say all the cruiserweights were standouts due to the CWC, but once that was over, there was really only one man that stood out, and that was The Brian Kendrick.

Kendrick's story in the CWC, that of a veteran getting one last shot at redemption, made him an instant sentimental favourite. Even though Kendrick may not have youth on his side, he proved he could still keep up with the fast-paced action of the young lions of WWE, and put on classic matches. His post-elimination embrace with good friend Daniel Bryan was one of the most emotional parts of the tournament.

When the cruiserweights moved up to RAW, the main problem was a lack of identity and character. While recent standouts like Rich Swann and Jack Gallagher have come into their own, there was only one man that the audience recognized. That was Kendrick. The man with a plan managed a flawless transition from a sympathetic veteran to a delusional heel grasping at any shred of success he could see. With inaugural Cruiserweight Champion TJ Perkins flopping, Kendrick stepped in to save the division from certain failure.

With the recent addition of Neville in the division, Kendrick's role as top cruiserweight heel may have been passed on. That being said, it was the hard work of The Wizard of Odd that helped it survive through its rocky inception.