10 Ways WWE In 2017 Could Have Been COMPLETELY Different

6. Cleaning Up

Kevin Owens
NJPW.com

Contrary to popular belief, it probably wouldn't be the best thing evah~~! if Kenny Omega did sign for WWE. Would the coolest and most relevant performer in the world today even survive in the bloated organisation, let alone thrive? On current trends, it's impossible to assess.

Though AJ Styles' tenure has so far set new precedents for incoming talents, like a 1980s Vince McMahon contract - there are still no guarantees. For every Styles there's the case of his own best mates. Karl Anderson and Luke Gallows went from lions to lambs in a matter of months and have since been reduced to WWE comedy while they presumably wait patiently to be reset.

Omega would have unquestionably shook WWE and the wrestling world in general to its very core had he joined up in January 2017 as rumoured, but the ability to maintain his aura on the weekly televised grind would have presented him with an even challenge than Kazuchika Okada did twice more later in the year.

The rumours will inevitably restart in 2018 following Omega's Wrestle Kingdom clash with Chris Jericho, but with 'The Cleaner' still a vital part of NJPW's global expansion, he may elect to remain a central figure than chance it all for the diluted disillusion of a modern-day 'WrestleMania moment'.

Contributor
Contributor

Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation nearly 8 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 35 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz" Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast and its accompanying YouTube channel, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 62,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times, GRAPPL, GCP, Poisonrana and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, Philadelphia, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett