10 WWE Wrestlers Who Grabbed The Brass Ring In 2018
1. Becky Lynch
That Becky Lynch will finish 2018 as a leading 'Wrestler Of The Year' contender speaks volumes about her heel run, because 'The Irish Lass Kicker' accomplished nothing of note prior to SummerSlam.
None of it was her fault, but Becky's early/mid-year listless, with the popular star shunted down the rankings in favour of the Charlottes and Asukas of the world. Fortunately, everything changed as 'The Biggest Party Of The Summer.' Lynch became the company's hottest act that night, and hasn't slowed down since, having elevated every aspect of her performance since ditching the old underdog babyface persona and become 'The Man': a cool, hard-edged antihero.
The inspiration behind her transformation? Shawn Michaels on their Marine 6: Closer Quarters shoot:-
“Things weren’t going as well as they are now before I left to shoot. I remember him giving me advice saying, ‘When you go back, go in as a different person. Hold your head a little bit higher. Have that attitude that you’re a top star. Go with it.’ I think this is what I’ve been trying to do since I came back.”
Creative have manoeuvred Becky well since accepting the fans were never going to jeer her. Nonetheless, it's the performer's own swagger and gusto that makes her so special. 'Straight Fire' still exists, but it now manifests through a performer more akin to 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin than anyone else on the roster, with the loveable loser of old now a distant memory.
Lynch vs. Flair (Hell In A Cell) will go down as WWE's greatest women's matches. We were robbed of Becky vs. Ronda Rousey at Survivor Series, but don't bet against 'The Lass Kicker' putting on another all-timer when they inevitably collide.