5 surprises by the WWE in 2017

2017 has been one of the better years to be a WWE fan. From really getting behind the Women's revolution, to making some surprising booking decisions, we explore the 5 surprises that WWE sprang on us in 2017 which made viewing the product that much more exciting.

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#5 Women's Money in the bank

Shane Mcmahon introducing the Women's Money in the Bank

The Women's revolution looked to have a promising start. But there were always questions about how much the WWE management would back it. 2017 gave us many firsts for the women. But none demonstrated the faith of the management more than the Money in the Bank.

Not only did WWE give the women the chance to compete in a widely popular gimmick, they created an avenue for a non-title accomplishment that would enhance a women wrestler's career.

#4 Goldberg as Universal Champion

Goldberg wins the Universal Title

Goldberg's first run in the WWE was not one he would like to remember. He had a chance to come back and rewrite that story.

When Goldberg returned in 2016 as a character in the WWE 2K17, it was a great marketing strategy and it appeared as though the WWE would utilise him as a legend to draw up ratings and put over new stars.

Surprisingly, he was out in a prominent spot and even got a pin on Brock Lesnar. But no one in their wildest dreams thought he would be given a title shot, let alone win one.

The WWE management proved us wrong. In the long run, they managed to use this to make Brock Lesnar an even bigger star than he was before.

#3 Woken Matt Hardy

"Woken" Matt Hardy

When the Hardy Boyz returned to the WWE, it was a wonderful surprise in itself. But the one thing on everyone's mind was, if it was going to be Matt Hardy V2 (or 9?) or "Broken" Matt Hardy. While he did tease us with shades and gestures of his 'broken brilliance', the ownership dispute quickly dimmed everyone's hopes of seeing this gimmick in the WWE.

Vince McMahon has not exactly been a fan of promoting IP developed outside of the WWE. But when they actually went ahead and gave us the "Woken" version, it was a Christmas gift that was delivered early.

With Bray Wyatt as his opponent, the WWE has managed to put across a bizarre but engaging program, the likes of which have rarely been seen outside of the Attitude Era. And the WWE Universe is loving every minute of it.

#2 Sami Zayn's heel turn and the Yep Movement

Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens

Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens seemed destined to be at war forever. Out of nowhere, we got a heel turn from Sami Zayn. The icing on the cake? We got a great new catchphrase that is as effective as it is hilarious.

Their program with Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon has made them the centre of programming without even holding a major title. At this point, both these wrestlers have more credibility than Shinsuke Nakamura and Randy Orton.

Not only was it a pleasant surprise, but from a fan's point of view, this one ticked all the right boxes. We can't wait to see more of the duo.

#1 Jinder Mahal as WWE Champion

Jinder Mahal with the WWE Championship

The heading says it all. Never in a million years did anyone predict that Jinder Mahal would be the WWE Champion. Even after he won the title, there were a few who were in disbelief and many others predicted him to be a transitional champion.

Mahal was a part of 3MB, as a jobber who seemed to only exist to elevate others around him, and was not even considered for the mid-card or tag team titles.

To go from that position, to WWE Champion in quick time was unprecedented. He successfully defended his title against Baron Corbin (cash in), Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura. Until Clash of Champions, he had a 5-0 record in title matches on PPV. Of all the surprises WWE sprang on us, this one takes the crown.