10 Most Controversial Wrestling People Of 2018

Somewhat belying her complete lack of relevance to that point, Liv Morgan made her most significant contribution whilst unconscious in September, having been knocked loopy by a string of errant boots to the bonce by a clumsy Brie Bella.

As Morgan lay dazed, she was dragged around the ring by her oblivious opponents, even becoming an unwilling participant in a triple suplex. Eventually - much too late - she was withdrawn from the contest so she could receive proper medical treatment.

Though Bella had unquestionably been careless, the subsequent outrage aimed at her was entirely disproportionate to the perceived affront. Accidents are part and parcel of the industry; at some point, somebody is going to be clocked unconscious. Brie's real crime - amplified by a botched topé several weeks earlier that had folded her neck like a harmonica - was being the apparent beneficiary of nepotism. The suggestion was that Brie's limited competence was only tolerated because of her high profile husband, and that any other performer wouldn't have been let back in the door.

An enraged Daniel Bryan spoke out in passionate defence of his wife, noting his own botches throughout the years. It hindered Brie's case as much as it helped it. Whilst Brie was being hauled over the coals, few stopped to point out that the referee was just as culpable for taking so long to intervene.