5 positives to take from the Clash of Champions
Clash of Champions this year was truly worthy of being the last Pay-Per-View of 2017. The WWE Universe was buzzing with anticipation, with many important matches on the card, including all championships on the blue brand being on the line. The fans were rewarded with many stand-out moments such as, a glorious performance in the US Championship triple-threat match, a Rusev Day encore, a chaotic but fantastic lumberjill match, and the main event contest which saw AJ Styles cement his spot at the top of the 'House that AJ Styles Built'.
Many positives can be taken from this year's Clash of Champions. And because of this, and partly due to the fact that just like Chris Jericho, I have an obsession with making lists, I have compiled a list of the top five positives that the WWE Universe can take from the last Pay-Per-View of 2017, as we swiftly take a turn towards the Road to Wrestlemania.
#5 Mojo bulldozes through the Clash of Champions Kick-off show
Tag teams in the WWE seem to resemble Jerry Lawler's relationships; they don't last long and they usually don't end amicably. After being on a poor run of form, Mojo Rawley and Zack Ryder's Hype Bros experience came to a shattering end on 28 November, after Mojo attacked Ryder and drowned any hype that was left for the two. Fans could see this happening, as the bond between the duo was gradually eroding away with each loss.
Although Zack Ryder (who had the biggest moment of his career at Wrestlemania 32, winning the Intercontinental Championship in a ladder match) is clearly a talented superstar, it was definitely time for Mojo to make a bigger name for himself. Mojo won the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at Wrestlemania 33, but ever since just hasn't gained enough momentum to capitalise on such an accolade. In fact, it was his rival at the time and runner-up in the same battle royal, Jinder Mahal who got the big push, with Mojo slipping back into low card tag team action.
But finally, Mojo bulldozed his way past Zack Ryder at Clash of Champions, pretty much demolishing his former partner in the process. Mojo finishes 2017 on a giant high, and I can see bigger things for the former NFL defensive linesman in 2018. Perhaps, Mojo will be challenging for the US Championship as Wrestlemania 34 approaches.