15 Ups & 13 Downs For WWE In 2017

Ups...

15. Kevin & Sami vs. The World

Sami Zayn Kevin Owens
WWE.com

Shane McMahon has rarely been as obnoxious as he is in 2017, but Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn's repeated trolling of the SmackDown Commissioner have almost made his constant meddling bearable. Almost.

Reunited as a team for the first time since Ring Of Honor circa 2009, Zayn and Owens have been on tremendous form on SmackDown, having successfully driven a massive wedge between McMahon and Daniel Bryan. The former 'Underdog From The Underground' has transitioned seamlessly into his new role, displaying levels of heelish charisma that seemed unthinkable before. Owens, meanwhile, has been as great as ever, reaffirming his position as one of WWE's sharpest talkers.

The initial angle closed Hell In A Cell with one of the year's biggest shocks, as Sami assisted Kevin in his bout with Shane. There's no telling how much longer they'll be together, but here's hoping the company don't hot-shot them into a breakup angle: there's too much mileage left in the act, and Zayn has never enjoyed such a big main roster spotlight.

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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.