10 Worst WWE Booking Decisions Of 2017 (So Far)

7. Randy Orton Becomes WWE Champion

Randy Orton
WWE.com

Randy Orton and Bray Wyatt have been at the heart of some of WWE’s worst material this year. Their union was actually relatively well booked, and gave both men a much needed sense of purpose, but things nosedived when Orton turned on his false master. The ensuing weeks presented Bray at his hokiest, and brought out some of Randy’s most insipid babyface work.

The rivalry produced two of the worst matches WWE have put on in years, with the first coming at WrestleMania 33. Bray’s WWE Championship was on the line, and as a means of striking fear into ‘The Viper’s’ cold, black heart, ‘The Eater Of Worlds’ projected roaches and maggots onto the ring apron. It didn't work: Orton was unperturbed, and defeated Wyatt shortly after.

The match was a catastrophe, and the outcome deeply unsatisfying. Bray threw everything he had at Orton, including his supernatural powers, but he was comprehensively defeated. The message coming out of it was that Wyatt was no match for Orton, even when he pulled out the biggest guns in his arsenal, and the outcome not only crushed his momentum, but doomed viewers to one of Randy’s least inspiring title runs.

Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.