10 Saving Graces Of WWE Programming In 2017
7. Kevin Owens
Champion of the Universe? New Face of America? Smasher of McMahon Faces?
Kevin Owens accomplished it all in 2017 and so much more. His reign as Universal champion, albeit lackluster, lasted longer than anyone ever expected it to and it included an outstanding title defense at the Royal Royal against Roman Reigns. He went on to have many more quality contests throughout the year with Chris Jericho, AJ Styles, and Shane McMahon.
As good as his matches were last year, it was his work on the Raw and SmackDown Live television shows that made him such a treat to watch. It started with the fantastic Festival of Friendship angle in February, continued with his United States Championship open challenge gimmick on SmackDown, and finished with his various encounters with the McMahon family.
Owens has been one of the most prominently pushed players in WWE since his May 2015 debut, and that didn't change in 2017. His recent alliance with Sami Zayn has been especially entertaining to watch as well and should make the first few months of 2018 equally engaging.