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2017 has been one hell of a roller coaster year for WWE fans and superstars alike. From stunning debuts to the retirement of living legends, this year utterly refused to hold back. But, now that this year draws to its inevitable close, we have no choice but to look forward the plethora of surprises that await us in what is sure to be a monumental three hundred and sixty-five days.
It hasn't been the most innovative twelve months this time around, but, with the right planning and execution, WWE can make 2018 a year to remember.
Here are five things that need to happen to ensure that success.
#5 Explosion of the United Kingdom Division
As a proud Brit, like so many others, I was ecstatic to learn that the WWE was planning to air a new, original tournament based in the UK with the aim being to crown the very first WWE United Kingdom Champion.
My expectation was that, whilst monumental in itself, this would undoubtedly lead to UK talent flourishing on the WWE roster. Sadly, that has not entirely happened. Pete Dunne has had tremendous success and freedom in defending the championship away from WWE television, but he and so many others are yet to take a serious stab at the big time.
With tons of ready and able talent from UK shores available, WWE would be missing a huge opportunity in not making the UK division a force to be reckoned with.
#4 Women's Royal Rumble/Elimination Chamber
There's no doubt women's wrestling is experiencing a boom at the moment in WWE. These past few years have offered so many compelling female matches and so much exceptional female talent coming through, it could be argued the ladies, in some ways, have out-shined top male WWE stars.
Which is why, in the name of fairness and progress, a women's Royal Rumble and possibly even a women's Elimination Chamber should be on the way in 2018. Gone are the days of 'Bra and Panties match' silliness. The legitimacy of the women's division is here to stay.
#3 'The Monster Among Men' & 'The Demon' Finally Arrive
Two of WWE's top talent
There was a collective elation back at Summerslam last year when Finn Balor became the inaugural Universal Champion, and an even louder collective sigh when he was forced to relinquish the belt less than twenty-four hours later.
Still, even after all this time after his return, he is yet to find his former glory thanks to low-key booking and lacklustre rivalries. Maybe a move to SmackDown Live can rejuvenate things for the Demon King. The same could be said for Braun Strowman who, for a man of considerable size and popularity, is yet to capture a world title in WWE. They're both agonisingly restricted from where they should be on the card. Here's hoping 2018 delivers the goods for both of them.
#2 The NJPW Wrestlemania Main Event
AJ Styles and Shinsuke Nakamura have consistently been regarded as two of the most popular and well-liked superstars on the entire WWE roster since making their respective debuts. However, despite having met in New Japan, they are yet to lock horns in WWE.
Specifically, for the WWE championship. Even more specifically, at Wrestlemania. Rumour has it that Vince McMahon is planning a hugely anticipated showdown between 'The Phenomenal One' and 'The King of Strong-Style' at the show of shows, making it a monumental step towards recognising the influence Japan holds over the wrestling industry today.
Also, neither of them are what you might refer to as 'Typical WWE guys' in relation to their size, which could make this one of the smallest, one of the best & one of the most progressively important Wrestlemania main events in history.
1) The Return of the King (of the 'Yes' movement...)
Daniel Bryan has been stuck in competitive limbo for some time now. Despite receiving the all-clear from numerous doctors to compete again, WWE doctors are still sticking to their guns in their belief letting Bryan wrestle would be detrimental to his health.
It would be one of the biggest moments in the history of the company should Bryan step back between the ropes in 2018, having been widely considered the most popular WWE superstar of the past decade (or even of all time).
Time will tell whether or not Bryan will be medically fit to compete again. But, with his patience thinning, there's a good chance he might end up going elsewhere. Here's hoping, if Bryan is to be believed about the positive state of his health, WWE doctors take his advice.
Returning from a neck injury demands a safe matchup and none better than the Phenomenal One himself, AJ Styles. While Styles vs. Bryan would make a classic match, the leader of the yes movement has to have a programme with The Miz.
Despite the heat between the two withering away with both on different brands, the fact that the A-Lister still uses Bryan's moves hint at the match eventually taking place.
