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.
To be honest, I’m kind of over Shane McMahon. He’s spat some pretty bad promos, and I don’t really like this trend of him wrestling on the big shows. I mean, is he really that big of a draw? I don’t know. But, Owens is the perfect dance partner regardless. He plays the smarmy, whiny, conspiratorial heel to a t. It’s made me forget about the fact that I don’t really care to see McMahon in a ring.
So, if you would’ve told me that ‘Shane McMahon vs. Kevin Owens’ would’ve found its way onto this list in January, I would’ve called you insane. But, this rivalry has been building since the late Summer, and it continues to wind and turn. Hell, it’s pretty much been the featured program on Smackdown television for the last four months.
What has made it work? Well, the story is actually pretty interesting – it’s been like a soap opera. Plus, it led to one of the best matches of the year when the two met in the main event of Hell in a Cell.
But, aside from the characters involved and the Hell in a Cell match that will end up on most ‘top 10 matches’ lists, this has just been flat out high drama. This feud gave us one of the most shocking moments of the year when Sami Zayn turned heel and aligned with his long time nemesis, Owens. Now, McMahon’s integrity has come into question, as Daniel Bryan seems to think he’s unjustly out to get Owens and Zayn. I don’t think I’m being overdramatic in saying that this is a fucking soap opera. The whole thing feels like a throwback to the Attitude Era, when ridiculous wrestling storylines were the norm.
This whole thing has resulted in a massive push for Zayn, and could end up in McMahon vs. Daniel Bryan. Isn’t that weird?
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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