It Begins for WWE: 2012 Is a Year to Expect the Unexpected

2011 was an incredible year for the WWE brand.

We saw CM Punk become one of the hottest superstars in the business, talking up a storm, sparking up controversy and walking away from the company with its ultimate prize, the WWE Championship, at Money in the Bank.

Zack Ryder went from being an underutilized talent to United States Champion. Daniel Bryan took his time in cashing in the Money in the Bank contract to become the World Heavyweight Champion.  Dolph Ziggler has continued to prove time and time again that he's one of the best pure wrestlers in the business.

Rings collapsed, superstars walked out on the company and conspiracy were brought to light on a number of occasions. 

What a year it was.

Not only did we get great storylines, we were granted the opportunity to witness some incredible wrestling. 

It's undeniable that 2011 was one of the best years that the WWE has had to offer in quite some time.

Which brings to question, what can we expect in 2012?

In short, we are in for a treat.

After building so much momentum with in 2011, 2012 can only be just as good, if not better, as a whole.

For instance, we're already being treated to an amazingly hyped match-up between The Rock and John Cena, a match that was announced a year in advance. In hindsight, announcing a match one year before it were to occur might not have been the most intelligent idea, but who isn't looking forward to this match at WrestleMania anyway?

Some new superstars are destined to begin their climb to permanent main event status. 

Dolph Ziggler has already began to make his way their, while stars such as Cody Rhodes and Wade Barrett have started to make their way by entering into feuds with proven main event mainstay, Randy Orton.

2012 also promises to bring in some veteran stars, looking for their last run in the company.

Chris Jericho has been rumored to be behind the promos about returning on tonight's episode of Raw. Jericho himself, however, has vigorously denied the fact that he's behind it, even going so far as to say he's done with the company completely. 

The Undertaker is bound to return at some point in time for make his run for WrestleMania.  The Deadman and his streak have been greatly discussed as of late, given the fact that he hasn't been seen since last year's Mania where he was stretchered out after picking up the victory over Triple H in a great No Holds Barred match.

Now, even Brock Lesnar is being thought about in regards to a potential return after his less than remarkable UFC 141 match this past Friday, after which he retired publicly.  Even though, just days before his bout, Lesnar blasted the WWE by calling it fake and wanting to be known as an Ultimate Fighter, there still remains a possibility that he, too, could be the one behind the 1/2/12 promos.

And, how can we talk about potential for a great year without mentioning Punk and his incredible run he had this past year.  2012 promises to be the time in which we find out if Punk can truly carry the company and continue to make it some of the most entertaining times in the WWE.

Ratings have been down as of late for Raw, many citing the fact that it's Punk, not Cena, who's carrying the load, being the face of Monday nights.  It's going to take some time to figure out what, or who, the problem is behind the ratings flops.  Something has to give when it comes to viewers and we'll just have to wait and see where the program is going.

2012 has the potential to top 2011, no matter how unlikely it seems. 

New Superstars have the possibility to become great, old Superstars can, and will, come back to spark up some interest in the product and the never ending possibilities of storylines are rather intriguing. 

Buckle up and strap on your helmets, 2012 promises to be incredible for WWE all across the world.