The importance of a strong rivalry is immeasurable in the WWE. Sure, the matches and the characters and the pageantry are all each uniquely entertaining. But, the one thing that ties them all together is the story. What is a hero without a villain? What is drama without conflict? If the stakes are personal, doesn’t it just mean more? With that sentiment in mind, we’re taking a look at the some of the best rivalries in the WWE this year.
It felt like people on the internet were largely critical (read: mad online) of Kevin Owens’ run as WWE Universal Champion, which began late in 2016 and concluded in February of 2017. But, I look it like this: he had quality matches against Seth Rollins, quality matches in Roman Reigns, and teaming up with Chris Jericho made for some of the most entertaining segments in the WWE. He held the title for several months before losing to Goldberg, but what tied it all together with a nice, neat bow on top was a simple little Festival of Friendship on Monday Night Raw.
I thought his reign was a nice throwback to the classic heel champions who slimed their way out of the ring with a win, no matter the cost. Part of that was due to the dynamic a reinvigorated heel Jericho added. The two seemed to feed off of each other, one saying something more ridiculous than the other at every turn. But, Jericho got involved in several of Owens’ title matches, much to the chagrin of the fans. Owens helped Jericho win his first United States Championship, and so Jericho had captured every major championship in WWE history….or something like that. I’m too busy to research it, folks. #Journalism. Anyway…
These two became a walking embodiment of ‘ride or die.’
Which made it all the more impactful when Owens eventually turned on Jericho during the Festival of Friendship, throwing his head through the TV in the climax of this storyline. It was a nice homage to Shawn Michaels throwing Marty Jannetty’s head through the Barber Shop window, intended or not.
Jericho showed back up and got his revenge at Fastlane, when his presence distracted Owens long enough to eat a spear and take a pin fall from Goldberg. Owens threw his best friend’s head through a television, and Jericho got his redemption by costing Owens what meant the most to him. Only in pro wrestling, folks. It was high drama, and with the program finally set into motion, the two were destined to do battle in a huge United States Championship match at Wrestlemania 33.
The match was decent enough, but the second championship match between the two was much better. The build for this program was excellent, and developed over the course of over half a year. That’s good storytelling. But, the action was a little short-lived, as Jericho went on hiatus shortly after Wrestlemania. Still, can’t knock what was one of the most entertaining programs in recent WWE history.
Stoney Keeley is the Editor in Chief of The SoBros Network. He is a strong supporter of Team GSD and #BeBetter. “Big Natural” covers the Tennessee Titans, Alabama Crimson Tide football, the WWE, and a whole wealth of nonsense. Follow on Twitter @StoneyKeeley
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