Rivalries & Legendary Matches in 2017
The first half of 2017 was packed with shocking betrayals, iconic returns, and unforgettable title changes. From epic WrestleMania clashes to the rise of new champions, WWE delivered some of the most defining moments of the year. Let’s take a look at the key matches and rivalries that shaped the first half of 2017—without revealing the final outcomes.
📅 January – Royal Rumble Kicks Off the Year 🏆
🔥 Key Matches:
- Men’s Royal Rumble Match – Randy Orton, Roman Reigns, Bray Wyatt, The Undertaker, Goldberg, Brock Lesnar
- WWE Championship Match – AJ Styles vs. John Cena
- Universal Championship Match – Kevin Owens vs. Roman Reigns
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Veteran legends clashed with rising stars in a Royal Rumble full of surprises and statement moments.
The WWE Championship scene was redefined after a match that paid tribute to two elite performers.
Meanwhile, friendship and betrayal were intertwined as the Universal Title match was shaped by unexpected outside involvement.
📅 February – Elimination Chamber: New Champions Emerge ⛓️
🔥 Key Matches:
- Elimination Chamber Match – WWE Championship
- SmackDown Women’s Championship Match – Alexa Bliss vs. Naomi
- Tag Team Turmoil Match – American Alpha vs. multiple challengers
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Inside the unforgiving structure of the Elimination Chamber, a new face of fear claimed championship gold in a hard-fought battle.
In the women’s division, a passionate underdog finally broke through to capture her first major WWE title.
SmackDown’s tag team division saw high-stakes action, with teamwork and survival tested to the limit.
📅 March – The Road to WrestleMania 🛣️
🔥 Key Matches & Segments:
- Universal Championship Shocker
- Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman
- Festival of Friendship Turns Violent
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
The Universal Title changed hands in shocking fashion, altering the course of WrestleMania.
A dominant force suffered his first major setback at the hands of the Big Dog.
What began as a celebration of friendship turned into betrayal, heartbreak, and a heated grudge match in the making.
📅 April – WrestleMania 33: The Ultimate Thrill Ride 🎇
🔥 Key Matches:
- WWE Championship Match – Bray Wyatt vs. Randy Orton
- Universal Championship Match – Goldberg vs. Brock Lesnar
- The Undertaker vs. Roman Reigns
- United States Championship Match – Chris Jericho vs. Kevin Owens
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
Long-time allies collided in a WWE Title showdown steeped in betrayal and mind games.
Two of WWE’s most unstoppable forces met once again for championship gold in a short but explosive encounter.
One match brought about an emotional passing of the torch moment in front of a global audience.
Elsewhere, personal vengeance drove a United States Title match rooted in one of the year’s most emotional betrayals.
📅 May – Backlash & New Contenders 💥
🔥 Key Matches:
- WWE Championship Match – Randy Orton vs. a surging challenger
- United States Championship Match – AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens
- Shinsuke Nakamura’s Main Roster Debut
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
The WWE Universe was stunned by a new face rising to the top of SmackDown Live.
The United States Championship continued to gain prestige through a clash between two of WWE’s top technicians.
An international sensation arrived in electrifying fashion, bringing with him a wave of momentum and fanfare.
📅 June – Money in the Bank: Future Champions Rise 📈
🔥 Key Matches:
- Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match
- Women’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match
- WWE Championship Match
🎭 Highlights & Rivalries:
The briefcase battles reached new heights—literally—as superstars took risks for a chance at future gold.
The women’s division made history with its first-ever Money in the Bank ladder match, though the ending sparked controversy.
The reigning champion faced a familiar foe once again, attempting to silence critics and prove their reign was no fluke.
🔥 2017 Summary – The First Half in Review
The first half of 2017 was filled with unexpected twists, intense rivalries, and the rise of unlikely champions.
- A shocking betrayal leads to a grudge match for the ages 🎭
- Legends clashing with the future on WWE’s biggest stage 🔥
- A new era begins with Money in the Bank history made by the women 📈
- Championship gold changes hands in stunning fashion across all divisions 🏆
As WWE entered the summer of 2017, fans were left wondering: who would seize momentum, and which rivalries would explode on the road to SummerSlam?
