When Daniel Bryan was shoe-horned into the WrestleMania 30 title picture, the WWE Universe collectively rejoiced as worldwide fan opinion was given a rare moment of recognition by WWE brass. The fans wanted Bryan as champ and after some very vocal criticism of the planned heir-apparent, Dave Batista they had gotten him as champ. Sadly, it was not to be, as cruel fate and injury would collide in the form of a severe neck issue, causing the YES Man to surrender the gold just a few short months later. The remainder of 2014 would come and go with little news on the Bryan front and a return to the ring at all was deeply in question...until he did just that the following January. Conveniently being declared match fit by doctors just in time for the Royal Rumble 2015, the stage was set for one of the most fitting, deserved and emotional WrestleMania moments in history. It was the dream scenario; the peoples choice triumphantly returning from career-ending injury to regain the title hed never lost by slaying an all-conquering beast. It was as poetic as wrestling could get. Sadly for DB, it turns out that wrestling and poetry mix like beer and Baileys and his fairytale return was not to be. Instead, fans were treated to a Roman Reigns victory at the Rumble and an atmosphere that was flatter than a Flair face bump. Fans would once again voice their disapproval, leading to Bryan once again being thrust into the main event picture; this time at the following months Fast Lane event. However, lightning was not going to strike twice and Daniel Bryan would fall to the Samoan Superman, leaving him out of World Title contention. Bryan would get a Mania Moment of sorts with his Intercontinental Title victory; however, despite the fact that WWE supposedly had big plans for the belt, the fans and Bryan alike knew they could have had so much more had Bryan been given his triumphant return to the top of the card. While the WrestleMania 31 main event would go on to exceed all expectations and close the show off in spectacular fashion, Bryans return from the brink of retirement to win the title he never lost still remains a What if? moment and could have altered the course of history that followed. The former American Dragon would go on to reign as IC champ for just over a month before having to relinquish the title due to injury once again, in a cruel repetition of the previous year; adding insult to injury on top of last years insult to injury.
Occasional wrestler, full-time gym rat and lifelong lover of the grapple game. Would probably buy you a shot of Jack at the bar in exchange for witty banter...and preferably more Jack.
@MartynGrant88 for more wrestling-related musings and weight room wisecracks!
