10 Best WWE Character Arcs Since Last Year's WrestleMania

A lot can change in a year.

Unless your name is Baron Corbin, that is. Except for a new spikey crown and weird fur cloak, he's still the same old audience provoking piece of cr*p he was coming out of his clash with retiring Olympic hero Kurt Angle at WrestleMania 35.

Yet, not all of WWE's combatants on that night in New Jersey have refused to grow as a character in the time that has unfolded since. Some have even become almost another being entirely and that's a testament to the (sometimes doubted) range of the stars who call Vince McMahon's company home.

After all, there's a reason they were drafted into the biggest wrestling organisation on the planet in the first place. They are all exceptional professional wrestlers (well, most of them are) and able/willing to gradually evolve their characters as the clock ticks on.

Of course, a compelling story as to why this evolution has taken place also has to be told in order for fans to care about this progression. Luckily all ten of these stars' stories have been executed expertly well and they enter this year's 'Mania off the back of a year of solid character development.

When you're given the Roman Reigns spot at WrestleMania, that must be seen as a well earned pat on the back for all your hard work throughout the year - in Vince McMahon's eyes, that is.

'You did good, kid. Now go eat a few superman punches and a big ol' spear!'

Yet, Drew McIntyre's humbling at the hands of the returning 'Big Dog' only acted as a prelude for the 'Scottish Psychopath's underwhelming role as one of Shane McMahon's enforcers. As glorified cannon fodder for Reigns, McIntyre and Elias weren't really given any chance to step out and become anything more than bit-part players in the wake of 'Mania 35. Although, McIntyre did hint at his undoubted potential at the top of the card when he stared down The Undertaker at Extreme Rules 2019.

Spots in both the Team Hogan vs. Team Flair Crown Jewel tag match and three-brand traditional Survivor Series match followed, but an underlying feeling of support for the heel Scot was undoubtedly brewing.

By the time 2020 rolled around, McIntyre finally accepted the fan appreciation that was being sent his way and began to lean into their adoration - introducing a 3-2-1 countdown before his trademark Claymore Kick.

The evolution from growling obstacle to this year's hopeful Brock Lesnar conqueror was completed when McIntyre sensationally Claymored 'The Beast' out of the Rumble match and booked his place in the main event of WrestleMania 36.

From 'Mania 35 b*stard to 'Mania 36 babyface - what a ride.