10 Unexpected WWE Standouts Of 2016

2016 started with something we've become quite accustomed to: a Chris Jericho return. At one point, this would have been a monumental event, but now it had become apparent that he was just coming back for a nostalgia payday in between Fozzy tours, like always.

After a terrible run as a babyface, (anyone remember "Rooty Tooty Booty"? Horrible), Jericho turned heel to feud with the newly debuted AJ Styles. While Jericho did win their WrestleMania match, he took the fall for Styles the next night to propel Styles into the main event. With the job done, it was time for Jericho to leave us again.

Except he didn't. He went on to feud with Dean Ambrose. Yes, the feud turned out to be pretty rubbish, and Y2J put over the Lunatic, who was on his way to the WWE Title. With his work done, it was time for Jericho to roll off into the sunset.

Except he didn't. This time, he got involved in the Sami Zayn/Kevin Owens feud, and aligned himself with KO, forming an entertaining Canadian heel tandem. Then KO won the WWE Universal Title and was primed for a single's run, leaving Jericho without a tag team partner, and ready to leave.

Except he didn't. He stuck around, helping Owens. He began making a list of his grievances from around the locker room.. He and Kevin declared themselves "Best Friends" and co-Universal Champions, and quickly became one of the most dynamic portions of Monday Night RAW.

As we end 2016, Chris Jericho has been with us for the entire year. At 46 years of age, he has re-invented himself yet again to become one of the most entertaining aspects of WWE TV, and can still put on great matches. He still pushes younger talent towards the top in his supporting role, and shows no signs of leaving anytime soon.