10 Wrestlers We're Most Thankful For In 2017

7. Becky Lynch

AJ Styles WWE
WWE

Dozens of factors contribute towards Becky Lynch's greatness, but two shine brighter than everything else:-

1. She's a great wrestler.

2. She's the consummate babyface.

Like several names on our list, Becky hasn't always been positioned in a big spotlight throughout 2017, but she has excelled regardless. She's the best women's wrestler on SmackDown, and always the most eye-catching performer when thrown into one of the brand's many multi-person bouts. A smooth, slick technician, nobody can match her fluidity, yet Becky's character work is just as strong.

The 'straight fire' shtick is heavy-handed, but it's entirely appropriate. A gritty, determined underdog, she's sympathetic, but far from one-note, with her inherent likability shining through in everything she does, from backstage promos to those daft "what's the tea?" social media clips with Charlotte Flair.

She hasn't played a lead role, but if it wasn't for Becky Lynch, SmackDown's women division would've sucked in 2017. The scene has been polluted by bland, faceless cluster feuds, with mediocre performers like Natalya and Carmella pushed to the forefront, but Lynch's presence just about makes them bearable. She is, without question, an ace-level star.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.