8 things in 2019 which WWE fans wouldn't have imagined a year ago

#4 The rise of Kofimania

#2019in5wordsKofi Kingston winning at WrestleMania pic.twitter.com/WmPo23vgeK

— Johnny Souza (@JonIsTheSparkz) December 21, 2019

No one has ever questioned the wrestling abilities of Kofi Kingston, but hardly anyone wanted to see him become the WWE Champion so badly until we saw his performance in the Gauntlet match before Elimination Chamber. That was the rise of KofiMania, becoming one of the biggest stories heading into WrestleMania 35.

Against all odds, the New Day member went on to have his WrestleMania moment by dethroning Daniel Bryan at the Show of Shows to become the first-ever African-born WWE Champion in history.

He then held the title for nearly six months before dropping it to Brock Lesnar. If I would have told you last year that Kofi would walk out of 'Mania as the WWE Champion, would you have believed me? I wouldn't have believed myself, to be honest.

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#3 Finn Balor returning to NXT

This package on Finn Balor's return to NXT was short, but very well done. I'm excited to see where they go with this. #WWENXT pic.twitter.com/e12vTooHAE

— Ryan Satin (@ryansatin) October 17, 2019

The year 2019 saw NXT finally become the proper third brand of the company, as a lot of mainstream attention was given to it. More on that in the next point!

One of the biggest moments for the so-called developmental brand saw the former NXT Champion Finn Balor make his return and embrace his darker side, turning heel. This took place after Balor lost to The Fiend at SummerSlam and took a break for his wedding.

With Balor back on NXT full time, the brand would be keen to properly utilize his star-power. Will we see another NXT title reign from the Prince?