10 Reasons WWE Was Great In 2016

There are many complaints that superstars who work on a part time basis take away opportunities for younger stars and prevent new stars from being made. Valid point. The fact of the matter is that wrestling is as much nostalgia as anything else. We are a rose colored glasses audience, always fondly looking back at what was and not enough at what could be. WWE has shown in 2016 they are more than willing to sell this nostalgia in exchange for buzz and cash.

Goldberg, Shane McMahon, Daniel Bryan, The Undertaker. 4 Huge stars all returning this year either for the first time in years or for more prominent, recurring roles. In a time where special attractions in the wrestling business are dwindling, WWE managed to successfully (so far) bring back Goldberg for what seems to be a possibly huge money making program with Brock Lesnar, which also shows that Vince McMahon was willing to bury the hatchet with the former WCW star all for the sake of business. Bill has proven to move the ratings needle since his return, which signals success so far in addition to the fact that they have made him the top bay face in the company.

Shane McMahon's return in February and subsequent match with The Undertaker (who also moved the ratings needle on SmackDown's 900th episode) upped ticket sales in the weeks after his addition to the card, which show that the SmackDown Commish is a draw and obviously a good TV character. His sidekick is one of the biggest stars of the last decade, Daniel Bryan, who because of injuries cannot compete in the ring but can serve as GM of SmackDown.

All of these individuals have moved ratings, tickets, and audience participation and have been used well by WWE. This is a huge bright spot at a time when business has been down and shows that WWE can still promote when they put their mind to it.