10 WWE Creative Success Stories In 2017

8. Sami Zayn: Mega Troll

Who could've possibly known that Sami Zayn would make such an outstanding heel?

'The Underdog From The Underground' was a great role for him. A sympathy-getter par excellence, no male wrestler was as inherently affable as Zayn, who, like Daniel Bryan before him, had always maintained immense crowd support in spite of inconsistent booking. There was nothing to suggest he'd prosper as a villain, yet he has become an awesome standout since re-aligning with long-time frenemy Kevin Owens, finally ascending to the show-topping spotlight his talents deserve.

The turn itself was masterful, with Zayn's Hell In A Cell interference striking like a bolt of lightening. He has since become SmackDown's alpha troll, mocking and belittling Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan on the microphone, meddling in the authority figures' every plan, and jiving his way to the ring in gloriously over-the-top fashion. Heel Sami is a gem, and must be cherished.

It looks like Zayn's mid-term future will be tied up in his and Owens' ongoing feud with their bosses. Shane has been particularly invasive in 2017, but we can definitely tolerate him in the spotlight if it means more Zayn & Owens greatness.