3 underwhelming WWE decisions of 2018

With only one PPV remaining, 2018 has almost reached its end, and fans alongside experts as well as critics have started to recall some of 2018's noteworthy WWE moments.

14 PPV events took place this year (excluding NXT Takeover specials). Raw and SmackDown Live also took place weekly as scheduled, and die-hard WWE fans were likely to watch at least 7 hours of WWE programming weekly on cable, excluding PPVs.

In 2018, WWE hit the jackpot with many awesome booking decisions that were supported by fans and critics alike. Some of which were Becky Lynch's heel turn and Drew McIntyre's rise to the top of the men's division.

However, WWE made numerous questionable booking decisions that drew the ire of many hardcore fans and critics. Likewise, WWE dropped the ball with many missed opportunities that left many fans underwhelmed and irate.

Having said that, lets look at 3 things that shouldn't have happened in 2018.

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#3 Part-timers stealing the spotlight from young talent on big occasions

The Undertaker was heavily featured this year

WWE has been criticised a lot for its over-reliance on part-timers who are past their prime. These stars have been pushed, and have received the spotlight at the expense of full-time, deserving talent.

Brock Lesnar dominated Raw as Universal Champion for the majority of the year. He defeated Roman Reigns in the main-event of WrestleMania, a booking decision that angered many fans.

He then lost the Universal Championship to Roman Reigns at SummerSlam, but won the title again three months later. He has been a top commodity and priority for WWE through the year.

Post-SummerSlam, Raw was dominated by the outdated storyline between The Brothers of Destruction and D-Generation X. The Undertaker and Triple H main-evented WWE Super Show-Down in a No Holds Barred match, in spite of their 'End of an Era' match in 2012.

The storyline didn't end there, as Shawn Michaels came out of retirement to put together a tag-team match at Crown Jewel between The Brothers of Destruction and D-Generation X. This match once again closed the show, in what was an ordinary match which shouldn't have happened in the first place.

#2 Matt Hardy retires from in-ring competition

Matt Hardy possibly retired in 2018

In mid September, rumors were running rampant that the legendary Matt Hardy had officially announced his retirement from in-ring competition. He thanked many fans for their support and said that he was 'going home', but he made no official statement regarding his in-ring status as a performer. I was not a fan of Matt's decision, as he still had a little gas left in the tank.

Hardy could still go in the ring, and was able to pull off moves most men couldn't at his age. He could've taken an extended leave to allow his injuries heal, or could have adopted a part-time status like Triple H or The Undertaker. Hardy had a lot to accomplish, and his Woken persona hadn't reached its full potential yet, which is why fans were upset with his supposed retirement.

Fans are hopeful for a Hardy return, and wish him a speedy recovery.

#1 WWE Crown Jewel

Crown Jewel 2018

In September, WWE announced a special event in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, similar to the Greatest Royal Rumble earlier in 2018. This event was called WWE Crown Jewel, and was scheduled to take place on November 2.

However, the controversy regarding Jamal Khashoggi's murder led to many revolts from fans, and severe opposition. WWE never called off the event, as per the requirement and suggestion of many fans, and went on with the event. Many stars backstage were upset with WWE's decision, and major stars like John Cena and Daniel Bryan backed out at the last minute, leading to card shuffles.

Aside from political issues, the event took place five days after WWE Evolution, and two weeks before Survivor Series. Hence, WWE Evolution became a mere afterthought as it was quickly forgotten due to the build up to Crown Jewel, and WWE had little time to prepare itself for Survivor Series.

Furthermore, the event was absolutely atrocious and abysmal. The event saw WWE make questionable booking decisions by having Shane McMahon win the World Cup, and by crowning Brock Lesnar the Universal Champion at the expense of the overwhelmingly popular, Braun Strowman. Crown Jewel is in the history books, but many fans have already forgotten the event, and couldn't care less about it.