10 Best WWE NXT Wrestlers Of 2017

6. Andrade 'Cien' Almas

Andrade Cien Almas Zelina Vega
WWE.com

The former La Sombra's credentials were never in doubt - but the discordant, smily generic New Mexican Babyface gimmick was deeply unflattering to a performer of Almas' aloof heel cool.

This year marked his redemption, and what's ironic is that he slowly seduced the audience through a spate of losses. That audience appreciated his underrated ability to flatter the likes of Roderick Strong - and especially Aleister Black - in defeat with the sort of fast-paced, back-and-forth matches designed to flatter undercards without stealing focus from the main attractions. This is a vastly overlooked role, and Almas perfected it; he was one of the crucial, low key reasons TakeOver cards were celebrated so universally throughout the year.

Good hand was an improvement on manufactured babyface - but with the simple yet profoundly effective addition of Zelina Vega to his act, Almas lived up to his star billing and reputation in a series of dastardly, deliriously-paced bouts with perfect foil Johnny Gargano, furnishing him with next-level confidence and credibility.

El Ídolo enters 2018 as the real, unmasked face of WWE's relentless attempt to recapture the Mexican market.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!