10 Genuinely Disturbing WWE Heel Beatdowns
3. Daniel Bryan Enslaved By Authority
A last-gasp literal interpretation of the real and kayfabe story that had gone on for months between Daniel Bryan and The Authority, Triple H annihilated a handcuffed Daniel Bryan with the help of some corrupt law enforcement and his vindictive and equally powerful wife.
It was completely in keeping with the company's suppression of Bryan's inevitable and inexorable rise at WrestleMania 30, and masterfully performed by all the key characters. Triple H was at his cynical and sneering worst, a man pretending not to be pushed to the brink whilst actually overdosing completely on misplaced power and sadistic indulgence.
Bryan, sympathetic even in victory, was yet again inch-perfect as a gutsy, bludgeoned everyman. The sense of injustice didn't linger as long as it did during the tragically misunderstood summer of 2013, but only because there was at long last a realistic sense of hope for his happy ending. Bryan's beating was an important final hurdle for the leader of the 'Yes! Movement' to overcome.