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

8. Clash Of Champions: A Sigh Of Relief

AJ Styles WWE
WWE.com

WWE's last pay-per-view of 2017 closed with the year's most comforting conclusion, as WWE Champion AJ Styles spared us the tedium of another turgid Jinder Mahal title reign.

The bout itself wasn't great. AJ, 'Phenomenal' as he is, struggled to get anything out of the clunky 'Maharaja,' who remains one of WWE's worst workers. Their SmackDown bout excelled thanks to its brevity and focus, but there was none of that here. Unfortunately, Styles was made to work with Mahal for 23 minutes this time, and Jinder's many control segments killed the bout, with the crowd lulled into a disinterested hush multiple times throughout. AJ worked hard and eventually turned the fans back around, but he spent much of the runtime swimming against the tide.

Still, the finish was worth it. Styles forced the lowly former champion to tap via Calf Crusher, banishing him from the main event scene, and (hopefully) ending this failed experiment once and for all. Coupled with his recent defeat to Triple H in India, it felt very much like WWE were drawing a line under Mahal's push. For that we should all be thankful.

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.