10 Best WWE Storylines Of 2017
8. Welcome To The Blue Brand
Few needed a change of scenery in April's 'Superstar Shake-up' more than Charlotte Flair. Having traded the Monday Night Raw Women's Title for the better part of a year on the red brand in an inescapable rivalry with Sasha Banks that occasionally dragged in supporting players Bayley, Dana Brooke and Nia Jax, Charlotte had proved herself the most versatile all-rounder in the division, but risked going staler than her old man's hotel sheets if she continued on with the same conflicts.
Furthermore, she'd built up far too much credibility with the audience to remain a heel. Her introduction to SmackDown Live! was even used as a stick to beat the less-than-thrilling Tamina's own arrival on the show, despite no official babyface turn occuring during the transition.
That was the inherent brilliance behind the Welcoming Committee. As former self-appointed SmackDown Live! gaffer, Natalya had an instant cross to bear. As did Carmella, gradually gaining confidence thanks to aura-enhancing feud with Nikki Bella and a curious relationship with James Ellsworth. Tamina's aforementioned slight made her a natural ally, and the three's uncharacteristic unity gave Charlotte an immediate axe to grind in her new surroundings.
Levelling the playing field somewhat as the division's nicest babyface, Becky Lynch's decision to help her fellow 'Horsewoman' reestablished their on-screen bond too, redrawing SmackDown Live! battle lines for the year ahead.