The Miz and the Most Improved WWE Superstars in 2016

2016 has been quite the year for WWE, and many of its Superstars have experienced major growth over the past 12 months.

This year has seen WWE reintroduce the cruiserweight division and title, put the brand split back into play, call up numerous NXT stars while adding more names to the developmental system and create plans for a United Kingdom Championship and tournament.

The level of talent has never been higher than it is right now, and it's thanks to a combination of incredible veterans and newer faces who have the potential to become legends.

Even with the influx of new blood into the roster, some Superstars who have been in WWE for years managed to have the best year of their career in 2016.

This slideshow will rank the top 10 most improved Superstars of 2016. Let's take a look and see where your favorites ranked among everyone else.

10. Neville

Neville only saw a major shift in his character within the past week, but he deserves to be on this list because of how dramatic the change was.

Neville was great in NXT, but he has been little more than another bland babyface on the main roster. He needed something to shake things up, and a heel turn did the trick.

Attacking Rich Swann and TJ Perkins at Roadblock: End of the Line turned him into a vicious bully in the span of a few seconds.

The promo he delivered the following night on Raw was not only the best one he has ever given in WWE, but it also solidified him as one of the division's top cruiserweights right away.

Neville's size makes him a powerhouse compared to most of the Superstars on 205 Live, so it will be interesting to see how he adjusts his offense to his new character.

9. Cesaro

Cesaro has had as many peaks and valleys in his WWE career as anyone, but the latter half of 2016 saw The Swiss Superman find an unlikely tag team partner who would turn things around.

Sheamus and Cesaro have been having great matches for years, but seeing the two on the same team is something we had rarely experienced before Raw general manager Mick Foley made them join forces.

Their interactions have entertained fans every week, but nothing compares to the bar fight they were in on the Nov. 28 episode of Raw.

They might not be the best of friends, but being forced to work together to defeat a group of drunks gave them enough common ground to work as a unit against The New Day.

Now that they are the tag team champions, WWE has to find a way to keep evolving their partnership. They can't bicker forever, so they either have to start getting along or have an explosion that leads to one final singles match between them.

8. Alexa Bliss

When Charlotte Flair, Sasha Banks, Becky Lynch and Bayley were called up to the main roster, they already had the reputations of being the company's best female performers.

When Alexa Bliss was brought up during the draft, she had a lot more to prove to the WWE Universe. Not only has she exceeded any expectations put on her, but she also managed to win the SmackDown Women's Championship within a few months of her debut on the blue brand.

Bliss has developed into one of the best heels in the women's division. Her skills in the ring have come a long way in a short time, but she has been even stronger on the mic.

Occasionally channeling characters like Harley Quinn and Freddy Krueger is a fun addition to her character, so let's hope she keeps this trend going in 2017.

7. Dolph Ziggler

Dolph Ziggler has been one of WWE's best wrestlers for a long time, but there has always been something missing that has kept him from reaching that next level.

This year, he found it. The Showoff can't get much better than he already is in the ring, but he found other ways to grow as a character.

His mic work during his feud with The Miz made their storyline the most interesting on Raw or SmackDown, and it elevated both men to new heights.

Ziggler deserves a solid WWE Championship run, and if he continues to perform at the same high level he has been at in recent months, he might just get it in 2017.

6. Braun Strowman

Braun Strowman debuted as the newest member of The Wyatt Family in August 2015, but the draft forced him to prove he was more than just another monster.

Strowman had a slow start on Raw as a singles star, but as time progressed, he kept showing off more of what he is capable of.

His speed is unrivaled for a man of his size, and his overall look makes him one of the scarier people to ever step into the ring.

His feud with Sami Zayn has done wonders for him, and even if he ends up losing their next encounter, he will still be positioned as one of the toughest men on the roster.

At the rate things are going, it wouldn't be surprising to see him hold a title by the time WrestleMania 33 rolls around.

5. Big Cass

When Enzo Amore and Big Cass debuted on the main roster, many saw the big man as little more than the muscle of the team who finished every promo with a single sentence.

When Amore was out of action with a concussion, the 7-footer proved he has more to offer than height and strength.

He showed real potential as a singles star, and it has resulted in him becoming a more vocal member of the team.

Of the two, Cass has proved himself to be the more competent wrestler, and if he continues to improve on the mic like he has been, he will be able to branch out on his own in no time.

4. Baron Corbin

Baron Corbin had a lull in his career recently, but he has come roaring back to become one of the more intimidating heels on the SmackDown roster.

His size and look separate him from most of the other Superstars, and his athleticism allows him to keep up with the quicker wrestlers like Kalisto and Ziggler.

Winning the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal was a great start to his main-roster run, and it looks like 2017 is going to be even better for The Lone Wolf.

He is about to have the biggest match of his career when he and Ziggler challenge AJ Styles for the WWE Championship on Tuesday on SmackDown. This is to test the waters with him as a main event player, so hopefully he makes the most of the opportunity.

3. Zack Ryder

Zack Ryder's career has seen its fair share of ups and downs, but 2016 was one of his best years since he first rose to prominence in 2011.

Not only did he win a ladder match to become the intercontinental champion at WrestleMania 32, but he also found new purpose as Mojo Rawley's tag team partner.

At this point in his career, Ryder is in a great position to impart some veteran wisdom on some of the less experienced wrestlers on the roster.

Unfortunately, a knee injury sidelined Ryder before The Hype Bros could cash in on a title shot earned during a Battle Royal on SmackDown, but with any luck, they will be given another opportunity down the line.

2. Chris Jericho

It might seem odd to see Chris Jericho on a list of the most improved Superstars because he has been awesome for so long, but he has been doing some of the best work of his career over the past year.

His wrestling ability allows him to have a great match with just about anyone, and his mic skills are still among the best in the industry.

Somehow, Y2J was able to make scarves, The List of Jericho and phrases like "stupid idiot" and "You're going to get...it!" popular with fans, proving he can get anything over with the WWE Universe.

His friendship with Kevin Owens has produced countless memorable moments, and it has given both Superstars chances to show off their humorous side more often.

We thought we were going to get a showdown between the two recently, but it turned out to be another misdirection. If we ever do get the Jericho vs. Owens match many fans want, it's going to be epic.

1. The Miz

The Miz has been capable of great things for most of his career, but 2016 saw The Hollywood A-Lister take his game to a whole new level.

He has made the Intercontinental Championship a top title again, and his feud with Ziggler brought out the best in both men.

Adding Maryse has given him a new way to cheat in his matches, making The Miz even more dangerous than he already was.

He has kept his feud with Daniel Bryan going through backstage interactions and stealing some of the SmackDown general manager's maneuvers.

At this point, it's a wonder WWE hasn't thrust him back into the main event scene, but he can always chase the WWE Championship in 2017.

Who do you think was the most improved Superstar in 2016?