15 Ups & 13 Downs For WWE In 2017

11. "How Come My Name's On The List?"

Festival Of Friendship
WWE.com

Chris Jericho and Kevin Owens' Festival Of Friendship was one of the best Raw segments in years.

We all knew what was coming, but it was hard not to be roped in as 'Y2J' delivered a heartfelt appraisal of his best friend, calling him the greatest partner he's ever had in his 27 years as a professional. Kevin initially seemed keen to make amends, too. He handed Jericho his own 'List Of Owens,' but the veil was soon pulled down, with a confused Jericho drained of his enthusiasm within a single realisation. "How come my name's on this?", he asked, before KO sprung the trap, throwing his friend's head through a TV monitor.

It was a masterful piece of writing from the creative team, and an excellent performance from both men. A staggering gut-punch, the segment kickstarted a rivalry that didn't deliver between the ropes, but will go down as one of 2017's biggest creative triumphs. It was the kind of long-form storytelling we just don't expect from WWE anymore, and the company will struggle to create an angle as memorable as the Festival Of Friendship in 2018.

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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.