15 Ups & 13 Downs For WWE In 2017

2. Jinder Mahal's Elevation

Jinder Mahal
WWE

Much has been written about Jinder Mahal's failure as WWE Champion, but a list like this wouldn't be complete without his name.

'The Modern Day Maharaja's' run was a shambles. Not only did it plant the company's supposed 'top prize' around the waist of one of their worst workers, but it completely failed in its goal of spiking business in the Indian marketplace, with Network subscriptions actually declining in the country while Jinder held the gold, highlighting the flaws in WWE's ongoing international expansion plan.

Mahal, to his credit, learned how to carry himself like a champion throughout his run. His work ethic is well-documented too, and he is, by all accounts, a true professional. Regardless, he was woefully unsuited for such a lofty position, and was routinely exposed during his tenure on top, with his in-ring and on-mic deficiencies too huge to hide.

From the Punjabi Prison's disastrous return to the blatant racism spat during his program with Shinsuke Nakamura, Mahal's reign regularly s*** out some of 2017's worst televised moments. We can only pray that his loss to AJ Styles at Clash Of Champions signals the end of his main event push.

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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.