'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
W" />
2017 has left us and what a year of wrestling it was. All around the world, Wrestling or Sports Entertainment got bigger and bigger. Indy wrestling has never been bigger and the UK Wrestling scene is thriving and earning plaudits worldwide, while WWE had another strong year. Let's take a look at some WWE specific end of year awards.
WWE Match of the Year - Pete Dunne vs Tyler Bate
There have been many great matches this year from NXT Takeovers to PPV's. Honourable mentions for the Cena vs Styles match at the Royal Rumble, the return of the WarGames and the SummerSlam fatal-4-way main event.
However, pick in this category for this year goes to the fantastic match between Pete Dunne and Tyler Bate for the United Kingdom Championship at NXT Takeover: Chicago. Both guys are ridiculously good in the ring, have fantastic chemistry, own great wrestling psychology and are both under 25! Predicting big things from these two in the future.
WWE wrestler of the year (Male) - AJ Styles
AJ Styles is thought as one of the top three wrestlers in the world, along with Kenny Omega and Kazuchika Okada. He has managed to have stellar matches in Impact, on the Indies, in NJPW and now in WWE. 2017 has seen AJ become one of the top guys in WWE along with Brock Lesnar, John Cena and Roman Reigns, seemingly overtaking Seth Rollins in that spot.
An amazing match at the Royal Rumble with Cena, a superb outing with Shane at WrestleMania whilst also being in the Money in the Bank and Elimination Chamber match made 2017 a year to remember for AJ. Becoming WWE Champion for the second time and getting better and better on the mic has to make AJ the male wrestler of the year in WWE.
WWE wrestler of the year (Female) - Alexa Bliss
Asuka would be an obvious pick here as her undefeated streak in WWE continues and it is inevitable she becomes RAW Women's Champion very soon. However, Alexa Bliss is the first winner of both Women's World Titles for WWE and has massively stepped up since her days in NXT when she wasn't even considered in the same sentence as Charlotte, Becky and Sasha.
Her promos' are getting better and better, and little nuances with her facial expressions and one-liners make her stand out from those around her. Her matches are great too and big things are to come for her in WWE, particularly to see what's next with her and Nia Jax.
WWE moment of the year - Hardy Boyz return at WrestleMania 33
This moment was an easy selection. The roar of the crowd when The Hardy Boyz music hit was unforgettable and gave goosebumps to many in attendance. Both brothers performed on Friday night at an independent event and it didn't feel like there was any chance of them both returning to WWE, especially given Matt's success as 'Broken Matt' in Impact.
However, a fourth team was needed for the ladder match and when the New Day moved aside and had looks of glee on their face, it was time to welcome home the Hardy Boyz finally!
WWE Tag Team of the year - The Uso's
The Uso's have always been a good tag team, but this year they became a brilliant tag team. Their heel turn has showcased their ability on the mic, and their matches this year have been stellar.
Their rivalry with the New Day has been epic, with the pre-show match at SummerSlam gaining plaudits the world over. Having turned their attention to Gable and Benjamin can see the start of 2018 starting the way that 2017 ended. On top!
WWE breakout Star of the year - Braun Strowman
The "Monster Among Men" has had a terrific year in WWE. Strowman was in the Andre the Giant Battle Royal at WrestleMania so to be headlining RAW and PPV's throughout the year since really shows how far this guy has come. Only having wrestled for a few years, Braun is athletic but huge and showcases his power every week.
The crowd love him, and his matches with Roman Reigns and Brock Lesner have pushed the view further that Braun could become the next big Monster now that Undertaker, Kane and Big Show are either retired or nearing. 2018 will surely bring a WWE World Championship for Strowman.
WWE character of the year - The Miz
Everything is great about The Miz. Not only can he hold his own in the ring but his heel work during matches is incredible. Couple that with his ability on the mic and he becomes one of WWE's greatest assets.
Only John Cena can match Miz on the mic and this was shown during their feud into WrestleMania that became personal and entertaining from the get-go. He is able to get whomever he is paired with over from Damian Sandow through to the Miztourage and the audience love to hate him and does it spectacularly. Working best with a title, Miz will surely hold gold again in 2018?
