10 WWE Creative Success Stories In 2017
2. Braun Strowman's Rise
Once regarded as an awkward, unconvincing stiff, Braun Strowman has become the best monster character WWE have built in years.
'The Monster Among Men' has had an incredible 2017. He was presented as a big deal heading into the Royal Rumble, but his rise didn't escalate until after the pay-per-view, when he entered a lengthy rivalry with Roman Reigns. This feud proved to be the making of Strowman. Still a little green, it presented Braun as a truly terrifying force, and their many matches gave him the perfect platform to showcase a shockingly well-rounded skill-set.
Feuding with Reigns put Strowman over the top, and his popularity has continued to grow throughout 2017. He now feels very much like the transcendent star WWE desperately want Roman to be, and while the company's unwillingness to ascend him to this level is disappointing, it's hard to knock the work they've done with Braun.
The sense of spectacle is key. From tipping ambulances to breaking the ring, WWE have positioned 'The Monster' in a number of eye-popping "holy s***" moments this year, and it's one of the main reasons why he's so over. They know exactly what they're doing with Braun at the moment - long may it continue.