In this era of the Internet and the ever so hated "IWC," It's easy to pick the WWE apart, and find things to complain about.
However, if you really think about this past year, and everything that has transpired, you'd be hard-pressed to find a legitimate reason to think that the year 2016 was anything other than an improvement, at the very least.
Nevertheless, as long as there are body slams, and dives off of the top rope, there will always be those who want to bring the company down, despite the obvious strides in improvements.
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With this said, we are now entering into the final month of the year. Yes, December is upon us, and in just a few weeks, we will usher in a brand new year. With a new year, comes new opportunities, new faces, and new hope for an even better year than the one which has passed.
But, before we completely say goodbye to 2016, let us take a look back, and give thanks as we reflect on a successful year that was 2016.
These are the Top 10 reasons why every WWE fan should be thankful for the year of 2016.
#10 Kevin Owens & Chris Jericho: BFF's
Yes, it worked!
In the beginning of this storyline, I had my reservations, primarily because I thought it would lead to making Kevin Owens looking weak, or sort of goofy as a champion. Owens has a very unique, serious attitude, or demeanour.
I was afraid that a hokie type of angle like this, would compromise his gritty, no-nonsense persona. However, it was quite the contrary. In fact, working with Jericho has only helped Kevin evolve further as a complete performer.
As far as Jericho goes, he's a proven entertainer, no question about it. He has been absolutely money throughout this angle. Armed with his "List of Jericho," this story has been not only hilarious but also productive.
Plus, when this whole thing is all over, this could potentially lead to a massive payoff contest against one another, possibly at Wrestlemania.
#9 Women's Revolution
Say what you will about the process, or about how long it took to make it happen, but folks, women’s wrestling is back, and stronger than it's ever been.
The talent pool is incredibly deep at this point, and with the average age of the ladies in the women's division being in the mid-to-low 20's, it appears that the future is as stable as anyone could ask for.
Also read: AJ Styles and Kevin Owens: A tale of two champions
The recent call-ups from NXT have also proven themselves to be main roster worthy. Not to mention the abundance of great female talent still with NXT. Stephanie, Triple H, and the NXT coaching staff have outdone themselves in developing a deep stable of quality women's stars for years to come.
#8 Cruiserweight Division
The Cruiserweight Classic was a true classic indeed.
The guys in the 205 and under division are some of the most exciting talents that you'll find anywhere on the planet. Led by newly crowned Cruiserweight Champion Rich Swann, the Cruiserweight Division is stocked with the most premier high flyers in the world.
With guys like TJ Perkins, The Bollywood Boyz, Cedric Alexander and the return of THE Brian Kendrick, just to name a few... we are in for some jaw-dropping action for years to come.
#7 Current Title Holders
You can search the record books, in and out, and you'll be hard pressed to find a time in which the WWE Title holders were as prolific as the current lineup.
With AJ Styles, Kevin Owens, Samoa Joe, and Asuka all holding major titles, life at the top looks pretty good for WWE creative. Not to mention The New Day is on the verge of knocking Demolition off of that all-time top spot.
It's also worth noting that we could easily see the Smackdown Tag Titles move to Bray Wyatt & Randy Orton at TLC. That would make for an incredibly strong duo of champions.
Needless to say, it would appear that the championship scene is very much in good hands at the moment. Not only that but the cast of challengers awaiting a shot are a talented bunch of contenders as well.
#6 WWE Network
I've been a paying subscriber since day one, and I have no intentions of ever cancelling my subscription.
The WWE Network is one of the most well thought out ventures in WWE history. The on-demand library is growing to a near-unlimited status, and the original programming has evolved into a must-see schedule of shows, which are surprisingly entertaining. Shows like Ride Along, Legends House, and Table For 3 are some of my personal favourites.
There are rumours swirling about the possibility of a rate increase in the future, but guys, let's be honest, even if they hiked the rates up to double the current amount (which they won't), it would still be a very good investment.
The monthly, sometimes semi-monthly pay-per-views are more than enough in value to cover your monthly fee. Come on, critics, it's time to admit it, The WWE Network is a very wise monthly purchase for any WWE fan.
#5 Shane-O-Mac!
I can still remember the night his music played, and he made his return. Shane was such a welcome return, with everyone within the WWE Universe hoping this return was not just a one-off. Thankfully, Shane McMahon would be coming back for the long haul, and this return could not have come at a better time.
With struggling ratings, and a Smackdown show that was completely dead in the water. The company needed a saviour, and the fans desperately needed someone to believe in. Shane was just what the doctor ordered.
#4 AJ Styles
He's the one that according to the IWC, was untouchable and the one that would never entertain a WWE offer.
Well, just look what happened. When AJ made his entrance at The Royal Rumble, jaws dropped all over the Amway Center in Orlando, and fans watching live were in shock as well.
Despite rumours of Styles making the jump, it never actually hit the fans and was never truly believable until his music dropped, and The Phenomenal One made his way to the ring.
Since arriving in the WWE, AJ Styles has been on fire.
Now the WWE World Champion, Styles has successfully put Smackdown back on the map. In fact, many would argue that the Blue Brand is the current number one, in regards to the battle versus Raw. A huge part of why Smackdown has been so successful is due to the "Champ that runs the Camp!"
#3 NXT
No matter if you credit Triple H, William Regal, Vince McMahon...or the Easter Bunny, the fact is, NXT is one of the greatest operations the WWE has ever undertaken. Since rebranding from FCW, NXT has soared to a place where no "developmental brand" was ever supposed to go.
With the addition of The WWE Performance Center, uses of Full Sail University, all the coaches, staff, and of course the unbelievably talented roster, NXT has grown into one of the most entertaining, exciting, and productive brands of professional wrestling in the entire world.
#2 The Year of The Miz
I'm sure some of my readers won't agree with this one, primarily because many fans still don't look at The Miz as a true champion.
Folks, I hate to be the bearer of reality, but not only is The Miz a worthy champion, he's one of the top champions on the roster. In fact, I believe The Miz is having a better championship reign than he did while he was WWE World Champion.
Now with Maryse back in the fold, the couple has been lighting the world on fire. These two are working absolutely flawlessly together, and are doing a better job storytelling than most of the roster.
I'm not sure what the plans are, as far as having The Miz drop the Intercontinental Championship is concerned, but I'd hope someone takes serious consideration into keeping the strap around the waist of the one who successfully elevated the title to its current status, and that person is The Miz, and he's... AWESOME!
#1 The Resurrection of Smackdown
Long gone are the days of the big chrome fist protruding from the entrance stage backdrop. Also, we will likely never see another era of Smackdown like the time when The Rock was at the pinnacle of his storied career.
However, since the 2016 Brand-Split, and network restructuring, combined with the fact that Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan are leading the charge, the once stagnate Smackdown is now thriving more now than it has in over a decade.
With a roster including superstars like Styles, Orton, Wyatt, Becky Lynch, and The Miz, just to name a few, Smackdown has the talent to give the brand a strong run for years to come.
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