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Dec. 25 (UPI) -- This past year was another memorable one for the WWE as new champions were crowned, alliances were reformed and legends returned home to the biggest name in sports entertainment. Here are the Top 5 moments that shocked audiences, helped push the company to new creative heights and laid the groundwork for WWE's future.
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5. John Cena proposes to Nikki Bella at WrestleMania 33
Audience members wept as the most romantic moment in WWE history since Macho Man was reunited with Miss Elizabeth at WrestleMania VII in 1991, took place at WrestleMania 33 when John Cena got down on one knee and proposed to his longtime girlfriend, Nikki Bella.
Cena popped the question in front of millions watching at home after Bella discussed wanting to marry the man of her dreams for years on Total Divas and after their married rivals The Miz and his wife Maryse taunted them for not being engaged in the lead up to WrestleMania 33.
Cena got down on one knee to propose to Bella after the couple defeated The Miz and Maryse in a Mixed Tag Team Match. It was the perfect moment for one of the most followed couples in the entertainment world.
4. Kurt Angle returns to the WWE
Olympic gold medalist and former Heavyweight Champion Kurt Angle, finally returned home to the WWE in January following a 10 year hiatus from the company.
Angle, one of the most gifted and technical wrestlers of all time, was welcomed back to the company when he was selected as the first inductee to join WWE's Hall of Fame Class of 2017.
Angle continued to have a big presence on WWE programming following the Hall of Fame ceremony when he was named the general manager of Raw.
Angle even began wrestling again as he headlined matches at TLC and Survivor Series where he led Team Raw against Team Smackdown.
3. Jinder Mahal becomes WWE Champion
One of the most surprising moments from 2017, Jinder Mahal ascended to the top of the WWE ladder when he defeated Randy Orton at Backlash in May to become the WWE Champion.
Mahal, who has gone through a number of ups and downs in his career, morphed into one of the biggest competitors on the roster.
The Modern Day Maharaja, who always has his henchmen The Singh Brothers close behind, dominated Smackdown Live as champion, and held onto the title until November. An impressive feat for a Superstar who used to play air guitar as a member of 3MB.
2. Kevin Owens attacks Vince McMahon
WWE chairman and CEO Vince McMahon is not seen often anymore on WWE programming -- and audiences know that when the boss shows up, big things are about to happen.
Nobody could have predicted, however, that Vince's appearance on a September episode of Smackdown Live was going to involve a bloody and violent confrontation with Kevin Owens.
Owens, who had an impending lawsuit against the WWE at the time due to being attacked by Shane McMahon, suddenly headbutted Vince after the head honcho placed him in a Hell in a Cell match against Shane.
Owens left Vince bloody and barely able to stand following more crushing blows. The shocking moment has led to the Prize Fighter reuniting with his best friend Sami Zayn and a feud with Shane that still shows no signs of slowing down as 2017 comes to an end.
1. Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose reunite as The Shield
The Shield, one of the most powerful and successful groups in WWE history, returned during an October episode of Raw as Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Dean Ambrose needed to take care of The Miz and his villainous stable of Superstars including Curtis Axel and the tag team of Cesaro and Sheamus.
The Hounds of Justice returned sporting their signature, black SWAT uniforms to much fanfare and once again started ruling Monday nights.
Reigns, Rollins and Ambrose have used their renewed partnership to win the Raw Tag Team Championships and the Intercontinental Championship which still sits around the waist of The Big Dog.
The Shield have remained together since October, but due to their popularity many fans have wondered how long the formidable trio will remain a team until they will want to branch out on their own once again.
