10 Parallels In Daniel Bryan And Chris Benoit's Careers

New Japan, Wrestlemania Ladder Matches and more!

By Marcus K. Dowling /

For once, let's not talk about Chris Benoit's last week of his life, and let's talk about his exemplary two-plus decade in-ring career. As well, let's also discuss another wrestler - current WWE superstar Daniel Bryan - who for better or for worse is mimicking large parts of Benoit's epic in-ring legacy. Of course, one would be remiss in writing this story if they didn't also focus on the Dynamite Kid. Tom Billington's tale is the true godfather of both Benoit and Bryan's time in wrestling, and in considering that, the idea that both Benoit and Bryan have eclipsed and extended the expectation of the Dynamite Kid's excellence is impressive. However, in the global success-to-WWE glass ceiling rise and plateau of all three careers is where this tale becomes somewhat bittersweet. But let's seriously consider Bryan and Benoit's career excellence, especially those moments in which they share similarities. Is it just a happy coincidence that their careers are so shockingly similar, or is there something deeper at play? In answering that question, maybe we gain a deeper understanding of their greatness, or possibly even understand deeper notions about the wrestling industry at-large that could actually be considered flaws. Overall, this is a subject that bears deeper consideration.