10 Biggest Improvements WWE Have Made In 2016

6. Better Authority Figures

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WWE.com

Triple H, Stephanie McMahon, and Triple H were WWE’s prime authority figures at the start of the year. 2016 began the trio focused solely on screwing Roman Reigns out of the WWE Championship in exactly the kind of story that has made fans utterly sick of heel authority figures. The “evil boss” archetype ran its course many moons ago, and there was little reason to feel optimistic that the situation would ever change back in January.

Things have unquestionably improved, however. SmackDown’s Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan play the “people’s boss” role to a tee, and their affability makes SD infinitely more enjoyable. They don’t appear as often as most traditional WWE authority figures, but their presence is rarely a chore, and their contributions are always positive.

Things aren’t as rosy on Raw, but the red brand’s front office is still in a stronger position than it was in 2015. Mick Foley’s character is inconsistent and weak, but he’s a beloved performer who helps balance Stephanie McMahon’s loathsomeness. Steph, meanwhile, remains the black spot: she’s perfected her character, but she’s still too invasive, and still spends too much time verbally eviscerating her roster members. Still, three out of four isn’t bad...

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.