Rivalries & Legendary Matches in 2017
The second half of 2017 was filled with explosive rivalries, major title changes, and unforgettable moments. From SummerSlam clashes to shocking Survivor Series battles, WWE delivered some of the most talked-about matches and storylines of the year. Let’s dive into the key matches and rivalries that shaped the latter half of 2017—without spoiling the results.
📅 July – Battleground & Road to SummerSlam 🏆
🔥 Key Matches:
- Jinder Mahal vs. Randy Orton (WWE Championship – Punjabi Prison Match)
- AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens (United States Championship)
- John Cena vs. Rusev (Flag Match)
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
The rare return of the Punjabi Prison Match added a dangerous twist to the WWE Title picture.
The intense series between AJ Styles and Kevin Owens continued, each man desperate to prove themselves as the face of America.
Meanwhile, patriotic pride and personal animosity fueled the heated showdown between John Cena and Rusev.
📅 August – SummerSlam: The Biggest Party of the Summer 🎉
🔥 Key Matches:
- Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman vs. Samoa Joe (Universal Championship – Fatal 4-Way)
- Jinder Mahal vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (WWE Championship)
- AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens (United States Championship – Special Referee: Shane McMahon)
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
The Universal Title scene erupted as four of WWE’s top stars clashed in a wild, unpredictable Fatal 4-Way.
Jinder Mahal faced a rising challenger with global momentum, bringing intensity to the SmackDown title scene.
Shane McMahon’s presence as guest referee added fuel to an already volatile rivalry between Styles and Owens.
📅 September – Hell in a Cell: Rivalries Intensify 🔥
🔥 Key Matches:
- Shane McMahon vs. Kevin Owens (Hell in a Cell – Falls Count Anywhere)
- The Usos vs. The New Day (SmackDown Tag Team Championship – Hell in a Cell)
- Jinder Mahal vs. Shinsuke Nakamura (WWE Championship)
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
A dangerous rivalry between Kevin Owens and Shane McMahon escalated to a brutal Hell in a Cell clash—with a shocking twist involving an unexpected ally.
The Usos and The New Day redefined tag team excellence in a brutal and brilliant Cell match.
The battle for the WWE Title remained heated and controversial, with the reigning champion using every tool to stay on top.
📅 October – TLC & The Shield Reunites ⚔️
🔥 Key Matches:
- The Shield vs. Braun Strowman, The Miz, Kane, Cesaro & Sheamus (TLC Match)
- Finn Bálor vs. AJ Styles
- Asuka’s Main Roster Debut
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
The Shield’s long-awaited reunion turned into one of the wildest TLC matches in history.
An unplanned but dream-worthy showdown between Bálor and Styles gave fans a high-caliber classic.
Asuka’s debut on the main roster sent a message to the entire women’s division—her reign of dominance was far from over.
📅 November – Survivor Series: Champion vs. Champion Battles ⚔️
🔥 Key Matches:
- Brock Lesnar vs. AJ Styles (Champion vs. Champion)
- The Shield vs. The New Day
- Men’s Survivor Series Elimination Match – RAW vs. SmackDown
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Two world champions from different brands collided in a match that highlighted speed vs. power.
Factions collided in a high-stakes tag match as The Shield took on The New Day.
Brand loyalty was tested in a chaotic elimination match where egos clashed, alliances crumbled, and new storylines were born.
📅 December – Clash of Champions: Year-End Showdowns 🎇
🔥 Key Matches:
- AJ Styles vs. Jinder Mahal (WWE Championship)
- Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn vs. Randy Orton & Shinsuke Nakamura
- The Usos vs. Chad Gable & Shelton Benjamin vs. The New Day vs. Rusev & Aiden English (SmackDown Tag Team Championship – Fatal 4-Way)
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
A new WWE Champion solidified his reign by surviving a rematch with a fierce challenger.
Owens and Zayn’s alliance continued to shake up SmackDown, especially with authority figures taking sides.
The tag team division delivered chaos and innovation in a thrilling four-way showdown to close the year.
🔥 2017 Summary – The Second Half in Review
The latter half of 2017 was filled with major title shifts, surprise betrayals, and breakout performances.
- Universal and WWE Championship scenes delivering brutal and emotional clashes 🏆
- The Shield’s return setting the tone for faction warfare ⚔️
- New female stars rising as Asuka debuts and rivalries intensify 👑
- Tensions between superstars and authority figures heating up ahead of WrestleMania season 🎭
As WWE rolled into 2018, the WWE Universe was left asking: who will step up on the road to WrestleMania, and what rivalries will define the new year?
