Ranking 2017's WWE PPV Endings: From Worst To Best

5. Payback: Beaten, Bloodied, & Broken

Braun Strowman vs. Roman Reigns - Payback
WWE.com

Braun Strowman's rise was one of WWE's biggest 2017 success stories, and against feud with Roman Reigns was pivotal in establishing him as WWE's greatest modern monster. Aside from Fastlane, the former Wyatt Family man came out of each of their bouts stronger than when he went in, with Payback offering the most startling image of his dominance.

Defeating Reigns cleanly and fairly, Braun decided he wasn't finished with 'The Big Dog' yet, and continued his assault after the bell. "Thank you Strowman" chants filled the building as 'The Monster Among Men' threw steps into the ring, then slammed them down upon Roman's ribcage, with Vince McMahon's golden child coughing up blood moments later. It was an uncharacteristically grisly visual for WWE's safest era, and really helped put Strowman over as a potential megastar.

WWE technically gave Reigns the last laugh after the show went off the air. He forced Braun to flee after bludgeoning him with an ambulance door in a post-show segment, but we're ranking PPV endings here, not the fallout. Strowman's brutalisation of WWE's hand-picked 'Guy' was a total crowd-pleaser, and that's why it sits so highly.

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.