8 Big Concerns Ahead Of WWE Clash Of Champions 2017

5. Lumberjunk

AJ Styles Jinder Mahal
WWE.com

When was the last time you saw a truly good Lumberjack match?

Dean Ambrose vs. Seth Rollins (SummerSlam 2014) was solid. Prince Devitt (Finn Balor) vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi at NJPW Destruction 2013 is another decent one, but you'd have to go back years to find more positive examples, as the stipulation is typically too contrived for the competitors to transcend.

One of two things inevitably happens with this gimmick. The lumberjacks will either completely eclipse the active participants, or they'll be a non-factor, rendering their presence pointless. Such issues are particularly pronounced in WWE, and the stipulation's mere existence means there's little reason to get excited about Charlotte Flair and Natalya's SmackDown Women's Championship bout this weekend.

Taking place at the first ever NXT TakeOver in May 2014, the duo's initial match is an unheralded modern classic, but WWE have developed the obnoxious habit of ruining subsequent bouts between the two. Whether it's recreating the Montreal Screwjob at Payback 2016 or Hell In A Cell 2017's daft DQ, the bookers just can't help themselves. This weekend's Lumberjack stipulation is enough to suggest another stinker is on the cards.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.