WWE SmackDown Live: Examining The Best and The Worst of the Brand for 2017

Best Debuting Superstar: Shinsuke Nakamura

For the first few weeks, it seemed like Shinsuke Nakamura was going to be a lost cause on the main roster. In fact, even factoring in everything that has happened since Nakamura debuted on the SmackDown after WrestleMania, it hasn’t been the best year for the King of Strong Style. But there weren’t a whole lot of true debuts this year, and Nakamura kind of edges out the competition by default.

That may make it sound like Nakamura hasn’t done anything worthwhile, but that’s not the case. He weathered a poorly booked first feud against Dolph Ziggler, winning over the fans in the process. Nakamura got the rare clean victory over John Cena, and entered the WWE Championship scene.

Although Shinsuke failed to win the title, he has been right in the thick of the main event. He’s teamed with Randy Orton on several occasions, and was a big part of Team Blue’s Survivor Series squad.

Honorable Mention: Bobby Roode

Bobby Roode made his SmackDown Live debut following SummerSlam. Despite working as the top heel in NXT, he’s been a babyface on the main roster – but it works for him. His first feud was also against Dolph Ziggler, who’s sort of been the gatekeeper in 2017.

Like Nakamura, the Ziggler feud was booked somewhat strangely, but Roode pressed on and became a contender for the United States Championship. He failed to capture the title at Clash of Champions, but he’s beginning 2018 by advancing to the second round of a tournament for the presumably vacated championship.