10 Reasons To Be Cheerful About WWE In 2017
5. Talking Smack
Though lacking some spark since Daniel Bryan temporarily departed on paternity leave, Talking Smack remains the shining beacon of WWE's live weekly output.
The sister companion to SmackDown Live! first drew headlines for hosting a career-best promo from The Miz as he ripped into General Manager Bryan with accusations of corruption and jealously, just stopping of short of physically assaulting him as he screamed in the affable former World Champion's face.
Since then, the show has developed a deserved reputation as a carefully produced worked shoot environment, where performers can flesh out their characteristics beyond the limiting parameters of live television and Vince McMahon's fractious gaze.
Anchored by the fiercely reliable Renee Young, the show zips through everything significant from the broadcast and pays keen attention to the storyline motivations of virtually every performer on the roster.
Like an interview-only NXT, not all personas effectively translate to the live Tuesday shows, but notable Talking Smack displays from Baron Corbin, Naomi, Mojo Rawley and Jinder Mahal have represented some of the finest moments in the organisation for the unpolished burgeoning talents.
In The Miz' absence since the 'Superstar Shake-up', the show's newest rabble rouser appears to be Kevin Owens. Improvising his way through teeth-gnashingly awkward set pieces he knowingly creates, his cutting disdain for Renee, Bryan and guest host Shane McMahon is an unmissable act.