7 things WWE did right in 2015

Centrestage in 2015There were times in 2015 when WWE knew exactly how to keep its fans happy. Then there were times when we all wonder what the heck was happening. All too many failed experiments. All too many chances to find a diamond in the rough.Too many bad scripts. Too many bad bookings. And for the most part, fans walked away – no ran away – out of disgust.Yes, other things came into play, like competing with the NFL on Monday and Thursday nights. But most of the issues WWE faced this past year were self-inflicted wounds that took too long to heal and now, with the year in the rear view mirror and 2016 and the Royal Rumble on the horizon, there is a chance for change, for improvement and for forgiveness.With everything that went wrong in 2015, meaning major injuries to superstars, bad feuds (everywhere we turn, especially with Dolph Ziggler) and the expectation of more from a roster of potentially phenomenal characters.What does 2016 hold for this company? With a new WWE World Champion in Roman Reigns and the fan base holding its breath until Seth Rollins returns, it’s a crap shoot.But here are a few things that did go right for WWE in 2015.

#1 Seth Freaking Rollins

For 220 days, he was WWE’s world champion. But even before that, Rollins was the heel this company has needed for some time. Arrogant, brash and full-throttle, he defined the company this year. Besides the work of few others on the roster, Rollins made Monday Night Raw.

The fact he had been used in many segments and was overkill in many situations speaks to WWE’s failures in producing other top-notch stars to fill voids because of injury. Rollins was a stud and liked and hated for his role.

That’s what a good heel does and that’s why the decision to turn the former Shield member heel was brilliant in a year that was full of disappointment.

#2 The Fall and Rise of the Roman Empire

Finally, there is a new sheriff in town. The one Vince McMahon hand-picked. The one who could be the next “Rock” in WWE. Roman Reigns must forge his own way with the company, continue on the path he is traveling.

How WWE was able to start 2015 off as the ascension of Reigns and pushed him through ebbs and flows speaks to how badly McMahon wanted him to be the ring leader of the circus. Armageddon was supposed to happen last year, but was stopped by a hernia injury.

Now, with a year to build him, to see him struggle and to see him triumph, Reigns is set to take on the world – or McMahon who has become public enemy No. 1.

#3 The Growth of John Cena

John Cena did one helluva job as the US champion

Lost in all the translation of Rollins and Reigns (and Ambrose, for that matter) has been the growth of John Cena as a wrestler who has helped to put over younger talent and sold for his opponents.

A true superstars knows when to drop the title, step aside and help the company for the greater good. Part of Cena’s persona has been the cash cow, the guy who was best for business. Like Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan before him, Cena continued to get the company belt because he made money.

Now, he is fighting for the company as the leader of the mid card. The United States Title would never have gotten the notoriety it received without Cena holding his open challenge and working with Rusev, Kevin Owens and Seth Rollins in epic battles.

#4 The Ascension of Dean Ambrose

Dean Ambrose became a champion this year

While it took him all year to finally grab WWE gold again, the idea to put the Intercontinental Title around the waist of Ambrose may prove to be the best move of 2015. No other wrestler is in tune with the off-the-wall style of former wrestlers like Roddy Piper and Brian Pillman like Ambrose.

What WWE plans to do with his character is a mystery. Does he remain a babyface, or is there a push for him to turn on his best friend, Roman Reigns? In the past, the Intercontinental Title was the stepping stone to a world title match and run.

Maybe WWE will find success in the past again and make that happen. Like so many other “lone wolves” in the past, the fans identify with Ambrose, which is a major plus.

#5 Bray Wyatt\'s Sinister Ways

Every time Wyatt does a promo, there are chills running up and down my spine. With that, Wyatt’s mission is accomplished. Has there been a more complex and dynamic character in WWE since the days of Goldust’s start in the company or the days of Kevin Sullivan spewing riddles down in Florida or Raven and his Flock in any number of promotions?

Wyatt is the alter ego side of professional wrestling. The question of what will happen next and whom might he be seeking to mentally destroy. Wyatt’s shtick is best served because he does not need a title to be a champion and the masses that follow him and his journey, with his Family are loyal and regardless of face or heel, they follow – like the buzzards.

At some point, Wyatt either becomes a babyface or finally challenges for a company belt. Maybe that happens in 2016.

#6 NXT Call Ups

Neville and Owens were called up to the main roster this year

I am still waiting for Samoa Joe to show his face on the main roster at WWE. But if there was one thing this company did right, it was take talent it cultivated and made it even better through NXT. Neville is a budding star, Kevin Owens is main event deadly.

The growth of Charlotte, Becky Lynch and Sasha Banks is what the Divas need. There is nothing better than seeing talent come in and flourish on the top level. There had been a question presented to me earlier in the year as to whether NXT is better than WWE.

To a certain degree it is because many of us are tired of the same script. The talent from Orlando is new and exciting and packs a punch. I would love to see a faction from NXT – like the Nexus from years past, come in and dominate, with the help of Triple H.

This company needs a shakeup. NXT can make that happen. And at some point, I will get my wish and Joe will be a force in the main event.

#7 The Return of Undertaker and Brock Lesnar

Sometimes, it is good to take a step back and see history repeat itself. While Rollins was off stealing the WWE World Title at WrestleMania, the plan had already been hatched for these two giants to meet again and finish what had never been ended.

The epic battle these two waged in the ring was worth the price of admission. The arc had been formed, the story had been told and the final chapter needed to be written. ‘Taker looked better this year in his matches than he has looked in years and regardless of whether he can carry a match now at the age of 50, there is still a lot of respect for the man who has made the dark side as popular as ever.

Just like Rock-Austin and Cena-Punk, Undertaker-Lesnar is one of the better feuds of this generation. And once again, we got to see and hear from Paul Heyman, which added to the mystique of the feud.

There may never be a script written like this one where brutality was the best form of entertainment.