15 Ups & 13 Downs For WWE In 2017

9. NXT's Turnaround

Zelina Vega Andrade Cien Almas
WWE.com

A sacred cow it may be, but NXT's status as WWE's most enjoyable brand was in grave danger in late 2016. SmackDown was surging, and while the TakeOver live events were still delivering, the bloom had come off NXT's rose. The show wasn't fresh, new, or exciting anymore. It was no longer appointment viewing, but just another faceless component of WWE's gruelling weekly grind.

Fortunately, WWE were able to shake NXT from its stagnation soon after WrestleMania weekend. The likes of Bobby Roode and Shinsuke Nakamura were shuffled to the main roster, creating spots for exciting new characters like Aleister Black and The Velveteen Dream. Chicago delivered one of 2017's absolute best shows, with Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate wrestling a UK Title classic, and DIY's implosion rocking developmental to its core. Ember Moon finally ascended the Women's championship ranks. The Undisputed Era arrived on the scene, starring in a highly successful WarGames revival to close the year, and cap NXT's almighty turnaround.

Nobody encapsulates the brand's recovery like its champion, Andrade 'Cien' Almas. Considered a developmental bust six months ago, his allegiance with Zelina Vega has sent him stratospheric, and he is peaking at the exact same time as his home brand.

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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.