10 Reasons To Be Cheerful About WWE In 2017
3. The SmackDown Live! Women's Division
With both rosters desperately in need of change, the 'Superstar Shake-up' refreshed the women's line-ups on Monday Night Raw and SmackDown Live!, with both Charlotte and Alexa Bliss laying claim to the title of top trade since their respective switches.
Though the diminutive Bliss has taken control of Raw's league with the deft touch she applied to her role on Tuesday nights, it's the blue brand that seems better prepared for the path ahead with the surprising babyface turn of Ms Flair alongside the formation of an intriguing heel stable formed by the perennially overlooked Natayla.
Charlotte's 'Welcoming Committee' beat her down at the conclusion of her title contest with Naomi, decking the champion as well in a show-closing statement of intent. Odd woman out Becky Lynch was offered a place alongside the disgruntled crew, but her refusal to align with them was undermined by her failure to make the save in their maiden attack as a group and beatdown the following week.
Subverting the old trope, the trio are accompanied by Carmella's goof sidekick James Ellsworth as a male valet, bizarrely enhancing their ensemble in WWE's latest olive branch extended gingerly towards true equality.
With a solid plot and ever-improving in-ring performances, the blue brand's Women's league looks in rude health.