WWE: Daniel Bryan's Greatest Matches

He might have been labelled a B+ player on television, but in reality Daniel Bryan was a once in a generation superstar whose hard work and determination endeared him to fans like only a handful had done before. Joining the WWE in 2010, Bryan’s popularity soared almost instantly as the former indy sensation delivered a string of memorable moments and unforgettable matches. A torrid eighteen month spell on the sidelines has sadly forced Bryan prematurely retire, but he’ll always be remembered for his brief but brilliant stint as the industry's hottest star. To celebrate his career this post looks back at Daniel Bryan’s greatest matches with the WWE.

vs. Bray Wyatt

Royal Rumble, 2014

Unfortunately but understandably overshadowed by the incredible fan backlash that closed the show Daniel Bryan and Bray Wyatt continued their bitter rivalry with a match that wouldn’t have looked out of place at the top of a WrestleMania card. A vicious back and forth encounter saw the two warring superstars batter each other with everything they could muster from the opening bell, with Wyatt only picking up the victory after countering a Bryan suicide dive into a Sister Abigail against the ring barricade. The leader of the ‘Yes! Movement’ may have been defeated, but his superb performance in this match of the year contender helped cement Wyatt’s status as a top tier superstar.

vs. Sheamus
2 out of 3 Falls match for the World Heavyweight Championship - Extreme Rules, 2012

Fans collectively smashed their television sets when Sheamus defeated Bryan in just 18 seconds to win the world title at WrestleMania XXVIII, but thankfully their rematch at the following month’s Extreme Rules went on a little longer, and was far better as a result. Driven over the edge in the wake of his embarrassing loss, Bryan played the role of heel to perfection as he tried every underhanded trick in the book to regain the title; even getting himself disqualified after refusing to relinquish the recently ‘Yes!’ Lock and sacrificing a fall, just to ensure extra punishment for his rival. Ultimately however Bryan’s desperate plan didn’t quite work out as a ‘Brogue Kick’ from the Irishman condemned him to another defeat.

vs. CM Punk
No Disqualification match for the WWE Championship - Money in the Bank, 2012

Similarly skilled, super popular with fans and entering the WWE to significant fanfare following years on the independent circuit, CM Punk and Daniel Bryan was a dream match that finally came to fruition on the big stage in 2012. Their initial encounter at Over the Limit (I know Mix, a decent match at Over the Limit!) certainly didn’t disappoint, but the rematch at the following month’s Money in the Bank took things to a whole new level. Contested under No Disqualification rules, Punk and Bryan did what many expected and stole the show with a blistering thirty minute masterpiece in technique and showmanship. Bryan may have wound up losing again, but his shining moments weren’t too far away...

vs. John Cena
for the WWE Championship - SummerSlam, 2013

When opportunity knocks most people open the door. Not Daniel Bryan. He’ll smash the door down with a running knee. Personally selected by John Cena as his latest WWE championship contender, Bryan took full advantage of his shot and completed his rise to the top in spectacular fashion when the two met in an epic main event battle at that year’s SummerSlam. Considered on and off-screen by some to be too small to truly succeed as a legitimate superstar, Bryan proved his doubters wrong as he hung with the promotion’s top performer for well over thirty minutes before claiming the title with a thunderous running high knee. Obviously the moment was too good for the WWE to leave alone, but it set the stage for Bryan’s greatest triumph.

vs. The Authority
WrestleMania XXX, 2014

The Yes! Movement. People power. Common sense. All three played a pivotal role in Daniel Bryan’s brilliant and life-affirming WWE World Heavyweight Championship triumph at WrestleMania XXX. Originally scheduled to play a much smaller role in the event, relentless pressure from the fans eventually prevailed and, in probably one of the WWE’s best decisions...ever, Bryan was instead pushed as the main player of the whole damn show.

Opening the show with a highly anticipated battle with Triple H, Bryan finally found himself with the time to demonstrate his considerable talent on the grand stage of WrestleMania. Dispatching his rival with a running knee following a sublime technical battle, Bryan progressed to the show’s main event: A WWE championship triple threat also featuring champion Randy Orton and Batista.

Already battered following his war with the WWE’s ‘COO’, Bryan faced tough odds in the main event, but despite suffering a brutal ‘Batista Bomb/RKO’ combination through the announcer's table the fan’s favourite underdog superstar found a way to ensnare Batista in the 'Yes!' Lock, prompting the tap and sending fans into wild celebration. He’d done it. Despite all the obstacles and doubt, Daniel Bryan near-two decade journey was complete; he was the WWE World Heavyweight champion. He was the man.

#ThankYouDanielBryan

What is your favourite Daniel Bryan match or moment? Let me know in the comments section below!