10 Biggest WWE Changes Since Daniel Bryan Last Wrestled
5. Upping Their Game
In April 2015, women on the main roster still fought over a 'Divas' title, whilst Sasha Banks, Bayley, Charlotte and Becky Lynch were only having match-of-the-year candidates in front of hundreds at Full Sail University instead of a literal hundred thousand at 2016's WrestleMania 32. The company's concious effort to establish a more equitable product has largely succeeded.
But why does all this relate to Daniel Bryan's own return?
It's about grading the old 'B+ player' on a curve. The women have arguably over-achieved in the over spotlight finally shone their way. Even when subjected all too regularly to bad booking, the matches invariably supply the goods the storylines fail to. The inaugural Women's Money In The Bank, Elimination Chamber and Royal Rumble matches were all critical success stories for the divisions on Raw and SmackDown Live!, and added huge pressure to any coasting male stars that previously wouldn't have had their spot threatened.
Not so, anymore. As should have always been the case, only top talents get top spots. Bryan will hopefully thrive under this much-changed landscape.