With 2016 now in the books, the WWE Universe looks forward to another exciting year in 2017. John Cena vs. AJ Styles and Sasha Banks vs. Charlotte Flair were among the year's most memorable rivalries, but what can we expect as 2017 gets underway?
Of course, with the brand split back in effect, the number of fresh feuds that we could see transpire in the new year have practically doubled. Both shows produced their fair share of compelling programs in 2016, and thus 2017 should see more Superstars rise to prominence.
With today's roster having the potential to evolve into something amazing, I present to you five must-see feuds that we hope to see come to fruition in 2017.
#5 Triple H vs. Seth Rollins
It is virtually guaranteed that we will see Seth Rollins taking on Triple H at some point in 2017, preferably sooner rather than later. Needless to say, it's a bout best saved for WrestleMania 33 given the storied history they have had.
For weeks, Rollins has been calling out Triple H after The Game cost him the WWE Universal Championship back in late August. HHH has yet to resurface but their rivalry should heat up as WrestleMania 33 draws closer.
Although Rollins hasn't so far fulfilled his full potential as a babyface, he and Triple H should have a fantastic feud. A match between them has been in the works for some time, and it will be among the most anticipated matchups on the 'Mania card.
#4 John Cena vs. Dean Ambrose
Dean Ambrose was largely utilised as an upper-mid card competitor upon breaking out on his own in mid-2014, though getting drafted to SmackDown Live finally allowed him to cement his status as a main event player.
Since then, Ambrose has been the premier babyface on the blue brand, especially in the absence of John Cena. Speaking of whom, Cena has only just recently resurfaced and aims to reclaim his spot as “the guy” on Tuesday nights by challenging AJ Styles for the WWE Championship at Royal Rumble.
Regardless of the result of that match, those two would have an excellent feud down the line with Ambrose acting as the heel. They went to war during their pursuit of the WWE title late last year, and if what we saw from them at that time was any indication, a Cena vs. Ambrose feud would be nothing short of spectacular.
#3 Sasha Banks vs. Bayley
The historic rivalry between Charlotte Flair and Sasha Banks dominated the better part of 2016, but throughout the feud, it had been firmly established that Banks could not win when it mattered most. It was also evident that Banks simply wasn't as comfortable as a babyface as she previously was as a heel.
Recently, Bayley has broken out as a contender to the Raw Women's Championship and will challenge for the gold at the Royal Rumble.
In case you’ve forgotten, the two contested a classic series of matches down in developmental and I believe they will be at odds on the main roster soon enough. Once Banks finally flips the switch, expect Bayley to be the first person she targets – and then watch as the magic ensues.
Although Banks and Bayley are now the best of friends, they are even better enemies, as seen in NXT.
#2 Kevin Owens vs. Chris Jericho
Over the summer, Kevin Owens and Chris Jericho formed an unlikely alliance and quickly captured the hearts of fans with their amazing chemistry. They have since ruled Raw with an iron first and Owens in possession of the WWE Universal Championship but they have teased tension on quite a few occasions.
You have to know that they will go their separate ways eventually, and although it will be a sad day when Jeri-KO is no more, their inevitable feud will be a blast. It's only a matter of time before they break up, and with Owens currently slated to defend against Roman Reigns at the Royal Rumble, WrestleMania 33 would be a fitting stage for the two best friends to go one-on-one.
Jericho should be the babyface in their program considering his recent surge in popularity, but at the same time, he should maintain everything that has gotten him over as of late. The promos alone would be exceptional, and a 'Mania match between the two allies would be an awesome addition to the card.
#1 AJ Styles vs. Finn Balor
From John Cena to Roman Reigns to Dean Ambrose, AJ Styles has already feuded with a handful of WWE's top-tier talent. However, the one notable name that has alluded him thus far in his WWE tenure, and actually during their respective stints in New Japan Pro Wrestling as well, has been Finn Balor.
When AJ Styles was selected second by SmackDown Live in the 2016 WWE Draft, Finn Balor was the next star to be recruited by Raw. In fact, Styles won his Championship a month after Balor did but while the Phenomenal One has reigned as the WWE champion since September, the Demon King was forced to give up the gold due to injury after SummerSlam.
Balor should be cleared to compete at any point in the next few months, and once he is, a feud with The Phenomenal One shouldn't be too far off. Granted, the Brand Extension is currently the only thing keeping them apart, but once they do cross paths later on in 2017, we will get to see this highly anticipated dream match come to fruition at long last.
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