10 Reasons To Be Cheerful About WWE In 2017
7. The British Invasion
Further information has been limited since Tom Phillips cooly snuck in a reference to an upcoming UK-only WWE Network show during a presentation of the top British performers on the post-WrestleMania edition of 205 Live.
But with the London O2 Arena about to host back-to-back Monday Night Raw and SmackDown Live! tapings and several of the crew working alongside the main roster regulars on the supporting house show tour, the timing may be perfect for the organisation to perform a major roll-out of their latest pet project.
The United Kingdom independent circuit has been on a tear for several years, and WWE's sudden interjection into the scene has shone a huge spotlight on electric new talents such as Pete Dunne, Trent Seven, Mark Andrews and the current UK Champion Tyler Bate.
Their continued presence on company-approved indie shows has allowed performers and promoters alike to take full advantage of the increased profile since January's outstanding UK Championship Tournament, but a mandated ban on broadcasting the contests has kept the talented crop freshly sealed for the eventual WWE production.
Boosting NXT in the meantime, challenges to Bate's title from Seven and Cruiserweight sensation Jack Gallagher, as well as a show-stealing Andrews/Dunne match, have been brief reminders of the lofty potential of the endeavour.