5 Superstars who excelled on the mic in 2017

Barking isn't exactly a bad thing when it comes to the WWE and proving it's your yard. To be able to walk the walk, Superstars usually have to be able to talk the talk, unless of course, you're a 285-pound beast, and you have a world-class advocate in your corner.

Members of the WWE universe have witnessed some of the most passionate, charismatic and momentous promos throughout the years, ones which have captivated audiences and inspired fans worldwide. I'm sure I'm not the only one who used to act out promos, whilst looking into the bathroom mirror, pretending I was a jet flyin' and limousine ridin' superstar, with my sister's hairbrush in hand.

But the real Superstars that have executed such promos are the likes of Ric Flair, 'Rowdy' Roddy Piper, Shawn Michaels, 'Stone Cold' Steve Austin, Chris Jericho and The Rock, just to name a few. Yes, the Attitude Era saw a wave of talent put the microphone to their mouths and go to town on their opponents, giving the fans a chance to witness pure television gold.

Now, that's not to say, WWE doesn't have some world-class superstars on the mic still, but things just aren't the same as the old days are they? However, I've compiled a list of superstars who might just have something to say about that. And I'm fixing to start running through all of them, all five of them, that is. Here are the top five stand out superstars for mic performances in 2017.

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#5 Elias

Who here at Sportskeeda wants to walk with Elias?

Anyone wants to walk with Elias? Anyone? Well, I'm going to jump straight to the front of the queue, next to Booker T, and walk right beside this guy. Dolph Ziggler might think that all you need to do is put a guitar in a Superstar's hand and have him sing to get the fans onboard. Well, maybe a bit of presence, star-quality, charisma might help too, and a powerful right fist. Elias has all of those things.

The guitar playing, mononymous resident of the WWE didn't have an impressive start in NXT though, failing to make an impact for most of his three-year tenure. NXT was, however, where he first showcased his new character, portraying a drifting musician. The Drifter finally got drafted to RAW in April 2017.

Elias thus was given a bigger stage to shine, performing his monotonous tunes and enraging people everywhere he walked, audiences and Superstars alike. But due to his charismatic promos and quality in-ring performances, it wasn't long before it wasn't just Elias who was walking, the fans walked alongside him too.

#4 Enzo Amore

Well, what we got here? A cuppa readers?

If you got a got a dime every time Enzo Amore put his mouth back to the mic, well, you'd have, one dime. That's because 'The Realest Guy in the Room' never takes his mouth off the mic.

Unfortunately, some might say his in-ring ability is a little 'SAWFT' and that he couldn't even punch his way out of a paper bag. But does the current Cruiserweight champion need to? Not when he can probably just talk his way out.

I mean, let's be honest, if Enzo didn't possess such a raw, natural gift when it comes to simply talking, would he be one of the main features of Monday night RAW and 205 live? Of course not. But luckily in the WWE, it's as much about entertainment as it is about wrestling, if not more. And the New Jerseyan has bucket loads to offer when it comes to that.

After gaining incredible popularity in NXT with his tag-team partner Big Cass, the unlikely duo got their break on the main shows in April 2016. Virtually a year later, the two split, after it was discovered Big Cass had been perpetrating attacks on Amore through the weeks prior.

Since going their separate ways, and after Big Cass suffered a knee injury, Amore has begun his pursuit in the Cruiserweight division, breathing new life into a struggling 205 live. I'd say, it is his mic performances that have earned him his first championship since being in NXT and WWE, now riding high not only the Zo train, but also at the very forefront of the division.

#3 Alexa Bliss

Five foot of pure, Bliss.

The furious five-footer certainly makes up for her size, with her exceptional ability to verbally dismantle her opponents. Sometimes, when Alexa is competing in a battle of words, I almost feel sympathetic for the divas on the other end of her attack. Her poisonous tongue is definitely one of the reasons why 'Little Miss Bliss' is the first ever diva to have held both, Smackdown and RAW Women's championships.

Now, apart from her promo back in May, that we are all trying to forget still to this day, Alexa has been pure gold on the mic, including her brilliant appearances on 'Talking Smack' earlier in the year. She has been the stand-out star in the Divas division for 2017 and her multiple victories only support this.

However, there's a surge of new potential opponents for Bliss in the Women's division on Raw, with the likes of Paige returning, alongside her two very dangerous disciples. And of course the undefeated Asuka, waiting to strike.

So, will her promo gold be enough to see her into 2018 with her championship reign still intact, or will she need to back it up with her fists of fury?

#2 Kevin Owens

The spotlight loves to be on the Prize Fighter

Kevin Owens is a rare breed in the world of professional wrestling. In my opinion, he's got it all. Unfortunately, to have it all in Vince McMahon's world, all you need to have is all the muscles and abs.

Then again, 'The Prizefighter' has proved that theory wrong, as the success he's produced in his first two and a half years in the WWE, is more than many superstars have had in their entire careers. Owens is already a two-time Intercontinental champion, a three-time US champion and a former WWE Universal champion.

The promo Kevin Owens delivered on 20th February 2017, endorsed by Jim Ross himself, was possibly his best work so far. Owens' cold character struck a chord with the fans, reminding them, the ones that are old enough to remember that is, of the attitude era. Owens has an almost Austin-esque sort of presence. I think maybe, working alongside one of the greatest of all time in Chris Jericho, only strengthened his ability to deliver a world-class promo.

The fans might chant 'Fight Owens Fight', but the Canadian can also 'Talk Owens Talk' himself into the Main Event of any WWE event. Whether he remains on Smackdown, or is drafted back to RAW, I hope Kevin is one of the focal points of the show.

#1 The Miz

The Miz is number one on the list, because he is the Miz, and he's Awesome

Mike... Can I talk now? Oh sorry, I thought the Miz had his hand raised.

The 'Hollywood A-Lister' is number one on my list for a reason. I mean how can anyone like a guy like the Miz? But not only do fans cheer for him, they actually believe he's 'Awesome'. And it's because he's so gifted on the mic, he could make the world believe even Bo Dallas and Curtis Axel are talented. Funnily enough, I'm actually one of those believers.

The Miz first came to the WWE in 2004, finishing runner-up in the fourth edition of Tough Enough and earning himself a developmental contract with the company. Since then, the Miz has gone on to win a catalogue of championships in the WWE, including the Intercontinental Title seven times and the WWE championship. Not bad for a reality TV star, hey?

Even though the Miz is a reality TV star, TV show host and a movie star, he's become one of the best WWE performers of the past decade. Though, his greatest achievement, in my opinion, is getting Maryse to marry him. I think next year, it's time that the Miz was granted another shot at a World title, because he's been a stand-out star of 2017, managing to elevate the Intercontinental championship into the main event picture.

This is much needed given that the irregularity in the WWE Universal championship defences. And of course, for the fact that he's, well, awesome.