10 Worst Endings To Awesome Wrestling Title Reigns

10. Sheamus Squashes Daniel Bryan

Daniel Bryan was 105 days into a run as a snivelling heel World Heavyweight Champion by the time WrestleMania XXVIII came around. He spent most of his reign fending off challenges from Big Show, whom he beat for the belt in the first place, often retaining via disqualification or no contest.

Though not an epic title reign by any stretch of the imagination, it was perfect for Bryan's character at the time. He eventually became the most universally beloved babyface in the company, but he was an excellent heel too, and profiting through sheer luck played to his personality.

He faced Sheamus, the 2012 Royal Rumble winner, at 'Mania, and the match was over in 18 seconds. One Brogue Kick was all it took to bring Bryan's reign to an end, and the negativity was instantaneous. Hardcore fans were incensed that their favourite wrestler had been treated in such a way, and rightly so: it was an embarrassment.

That being said, the squash wound up benefiting Bryan in the long run. The outrage served as a perfect catalyst for The "Yes!" Movement, and Daniel's eventual WrestleMania XXX triumph, and while Bryan would've probably eventually reached that level regardless, it all started with Sheamus' boot hitting his face.