WWE's Singles Title-Holders In 2016 - Ranked Worst To Best
Who brought value to their title belts and who brought shame?
Championship belts are a cornerstone of the WWE, helping bolster the 'sports' element in 'sports entertainment.' When used correctly they can provide the perfect plot device for storylines to be built upon, with no need to resort to conflict on a 'you flirted with my wife' or 'you stole my jacket' level.
Winning a title is meant to show that the company has faith in the wrestler, and what the wrestler does from there can either make their title seem like the crown jewel of the wrestling universe or merely an accessory to go with their wrestling attire. This is a list of the singles champions in WWE over the course of 2016 based on how they elevated the belts which they won.
The trio of Cruiserweight Champions have been excluded as to this point none of them have managed to bring any significance or intrigue to that division or its top title.
17. Zack Ryder (Intercontinental Champion)
To many fans, Zack Ryder's Intercontinental Championship win at WrestleMania 32 was one of the highlights of an otherwise drab night of wrestling. A great moment it was, but that was all.
Ryder would lose the belt the following night to The Miz proving that WWE had planned for him to be only a stopgap between two heels, both of whom had a much better time with the title. Ryder ranks dead last on this list because the complete lack of faith shown in him means he was essentially winning a participation medal in Dallas, not one of the most significant belts in WWE's long history.