WWE's 10 Biggest Money Performers In 2018
9. The Miz
...and full credit to the other half of the equation keeping the dream alive during the period Daniel Bryan had no choice but to fight for his.
His screen-melting shutdowns of then-General Manager Bryan on Talking Smack were at the time a key reminder of the character's vitality alongside a selection of matches that were amongst the best in his career.
'The A Lister' - unaware if Bryan would ever return - never let the fire between them burn out. From feigning emotion around the time the former WWE Champion's initial farewell, to stealing his colour-scheme and kicks, The Miz never let go of the loose thread and should now reap the benefits of his commitment to the cause.
The aforementioned house show clashes were well-received, which bodes well for a main roster programme in front of the cameras when the company choose to finally deploy it. Through some remarkable graft considering the potential lack of an opponent all these years, Miz has been key to ensuring anticipation levels are where they are now. A 'Big Four' pay-per-view spot for the two in the next 12 months would rest mostly upon his shoulders.