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As we near the end of the year, it's time to look back and reflect on the year in WWE.
Admittedly, the creative team is not known for compelling, long-term storytelling. The characters and stories they have told this past year miss the mark more often than not. With the emergence of Nick Khan as Vince McMahon's right-hand man, we've seen more talent cuts from the company than we ever have before, at least in the recent past.
Still, there are a few bright spots to remember in 2021 and, as always, you have to hope that things improve in 2022. With more and more competition from other promotions than ever before, WWE finds itself in the position of not being the only show in town anymore.
While that's a good thing for fans, WWE will need to find a way to keep up. Here are some instances where that has worked in the past year.
4. Drew McIntyre and Bobby Lashley for the WWE Championship
It was an interesting decision to go back to Drew McIntyre and Bobby Lashley in a long-term program for the WWE Championship, given that they had completed a multi-match feud in 2020.
While it did overstay its welcome after a while, it re-introduced Lashley as a dominant powerhouse, well-deserving of the main event spot. His feud with McIntyre has served him well, as it looks like he'll be re-entering the title picture shortly.
For McIntyre, the opposite has happened. He's starting to lose some of the momentum he had during his initial title run. And after receiving title shot after title shot, in addition to the introduction of an oversized sword and old Scottish tales, he has started to lose the goodwill he once had with the fans.
3. Bianca Belair and Bayley for the WWE Smackdown Women's Championship
The success of any good babyface is dependent on the heel they work with. So, when Bianca Belair defeated Sasha Banks for the WWE Smackdown Women's Title at WrestleMania 37, the WWE Universe had a new babyface to cheer for.
However, with Banks taking time off, Belair was in need of a new villain to challenge her. Enter Bayley. While the creative team botched her initial babyface run established in NXT, she found new life as a bitter heel, without the hugs and inflatable buddies
Her credibility as a champion is just what Belair needed as an initial challenger. Set against the backdrop of Bayley trying to get into Bianca's head while playing to her insecurities, this led to an excellent series of matches in the mid part of the year.
The feud was supposed to culminate at Money in the Bank, but an injury halted the program. While this is unfortunate, it gives WWE an opportunity to refresh their feud when Bayley is back and ready to compete.
#2 Kevin Owens and Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship
Since winning the WWE Universal Championship at Payback 2020, Roman Reigns has been built to be one of the most dominant heels in recent times. While designed to build up those around him, the lack of a solid mid-card has hindered these efforts.
A bright spot was his long-term program with Kevin Owens earlier in the year. Owens hasn't been used as well as he should have - oftentimes being relegated to comedy skits, meaningless matches and talk show segments. His feud with Reigns was the highlight of his babyface run, complete with passionate promo segments and several exciting matches.
#1 Seth Rollins and Edge
Clearly, this is the most memorable feud of 2021 in WWE. Seth Rollins' "Messiah" character wasn't getting over, so this helped re-establish him as a top-level heel.
For Edge, it gave him something new to sink his teeth into after feuding with Roman Reigns. The trilogy of matches was great, as were the builds to each. One unfortunate part of this is that Edge should really be used to create and establish new stars.
Rollins, who has already proven himself and established his credibility, didn't necessarily need the rub from Edge. After Edge is done with his program with the Miz, here's hoping he's paired with someone who can really benefit.
What were some of your favorite angles from WWE in 2021? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.
