5 Best WWE Character Arcs Of 2018

Character Arcs refer to the transformation of a particular character as the story gradually changes through a period of time.

Professional Wrestling or WWE, features a wide range of characters for just about each and every fan preference out there. 2018 was a year that saw several impressive character arcs throughout the course of different storylines.

Now, we are going to be looking at some of the best WWE character arcs that occurred in 2018.

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#1: Dean Ambrose

Dean Ambrose had an impressive heel turn by coincidence

We all know what happened. After Ambrose's triumphant return to RAW, audiences were sure that we were all going to witness the Shield plow through the entire roster like their initial days.

But there was something amiss. WWE booked Ambrose's character such that he became unsure if being with his Shield brothers was the best option for his career or not. As 'The Lunatic Fringe' kept hinting towards a heel turn in the near future, things in the real world went downhill.

Roman Reigns got diagnosed with Leukemia. This unexpected shock not only left everyone in a somber mood, but it also brought audiences back to the reality in the world of Professional Wrestling. However, creative heads work unbelievably well in unforeseen circumstances.

Dean Ambrose turned his back on Seth Rollins during the very same night, and this only lead to a bigger reaction, which is what Professional Wrestlers strive for. It is early to tell whether or not Dean Ambrose's character arc since his return will pay-off, but nevertheless, it is important to note that coincidences do lead to some unexpected returns.

So when people look back at WWE in 2018, this particular character arc will certainly be one of the first things that will pop into our minds.

#2: Becky Lynch

Becky Lynch's popularity has catapulted in recent times

Is Becky Lynch the anti-hero we all deserve? Since turning her back on Charlotte Flair this year, Becky Lynch's popularity has skyrocketed. One of the main reasons behind this upsurge of support for Lynch is the fact that she now uses any means necessary to reach her goals for all the right reasons.

You see, Becky Lynch is not wrong. Becky was not born to be a champion, she fought to become one. But reaching that top spot by doing it 'the right way' never got her anything. Therefore, she ditched all the glitz and glamour and finally, things got better. This is why the fans believe that Becky's actions are justified.

Therefore, what we got from the whole Charlotte/Becky feud was one of the best character arcs we have ever seen in the women's division, and that character arc belongs to Becky Lynch.

As the story changes, so do the characters. But in this case, the story was never going to change, unless Becky hadn't altered her ways.

Who knows what the future might hold for Becky Lynch? But as of 2018, Lynch's character arc has certainly paid off, to say the least.

Coincidentally, Becky Lynch also brings us to the next addition to this list.

#3: Edge

Edge's character arc came full circle during SmackDown Live 1000

As mentioned before in an article solely dedicated to pointing out How Edge's character arc came full circle during SmackDown Live 1000, we learned that there was a lot more to Edge and Becky Lynch's segment than what meets the eye at first.

In real-life, Edge is happily married to Beth Pheonix. He hangs around with his best pal, Christian, and even has a stable life after retirement.

However, it was not until SmackDown Live 1000 we realized that the 'character' Edge was in a completely different boat altogether. We now finally know what 'really' happens to Edge's character after retirement.

Edge as a 'character' gets a divorce from Vickie Gurrero & indirectly burns all of his friendships in the business because of his attitude. Nowadays, the 'character' Edge states that he sits in loneliness, full of regrets, staring at the titles for which he cheated & sacrificed so much.

Many thought that Edge's story as a WWE wrestler was over when he retired back in 2011. But it only took one segment from SmackDown Live 1000 in 2018 which brought Edge's character arc to a full circle. Not all wrestling characters have happy endings.

#4: Baron Corbin

Baron Corbin has been through an interesting journey in 2018

From being a characteristic Lone Wolf only to become the Acting General Manager of RAW, Baron Corbin has certainly been through an interesting turn of events this year.

At some point, his 'Lone Wolf' persona had run its course. Despite putting the character through several different storylines, the fans simply weren't responding to Baron Corbin as backstage officials had hoped.

So in a last-ditch effort, Corbin shaved his head and came out embodying a polar opposite to the Lone Wolf. This new Baron Corbin represents your usual corrupt Authority Figure. He became the Acting General Manager/Constable of Monday Night RAW.

As of now, Corbin has been relevant given the dynamic that he portrays a character we all love to hate, which is what Corbin was supposed to do in the first place.

Despite portraying a less threatening figure as compared to the Lone Wolf gimmick, it is safe to say that Corbin might have found success in a very unusual manner. After all, who would have thought that becoming a non-threatening authority figure would be Baron Corbin's destiny in 2018?

#5: Elias

Hello. I am Elias. And you're going to remember this forever

What makes Elias such a great character? You see, they say that there are some roles that only specific people were born to play. Similarly, Jeff Sciullo was born to play the role of Elias.

Here is Elias in a nutshell up until his babyface turn, best described using his own song lyrics:

"So I'll keep searching...Until I find that town...But until that day...I'll be around"

Despite handing him with the same basic routine week after week, Elias is basically a constant for Monday Night RAW. No matter how contrasting the other segments on RAW might be, Elias is a character that keeps on giving.

When his popularity skyrocketed, backstage officials had no choice but to turn him Babyface. This is because it doesn't matter what Elias says, what matters is how he says it, and fans love the character because of this dynamic.

From being a self-absorbed prophet of the masses to finally becoming a public figure that everyone appreciates, Elias has certainly had one of the most interesting character arcs this year.

Will Elias be the next widely popular babyface that everyone deserves?

What other character arcs interested you the most? Leave your thoughts in the comments section and stay tuned for more.