10 Ways WWE In 2017 Could Have Been COMPLETELY Different

5. Blood Hounds

Kevin Owens
WWE.com

WWE were uncharacteristically patient with the 2017 reunion of The Shield, so much so that they effectively had 'The Architect' rebuild his original creation from scratch after shattering it to pieces nearly three years earlier.

It wasn't until Seth Rollins showed contrition for his treachery during his WrestleMania programme with Triple H that the fans finally latched onto the 'Kingslayer', with their newfound support helping reestablish a dormant bond with Dean Ambrose shortly before their SummerSlam Tag Team Title match with The Bar.

Their union ultimately resulted in glory, with the pair scooping gold and eventually linking arms with Roman Reigns to yet again assemble as the 'Hounds Of Justice'.

The conclusion to their triumphant trip back to the top may still be a long-pondered heel turn for Dean Ambrose, but WWE could have been particularly devilish with 'The Lunatic Fringe' had they pulled at that same thread when fans least expected it.

Turning on Rollins as he'd done on him all those years ago, Ambrose's unhinged side showing itself at SummerSlam would have generated a red hot return to an old rivalry for the remainder of 2017. A rivalry reborn by switched alignments, the story may yet be told in 2018.

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