10 Most Emotional Title Wins In WWE History
2. Daniel Bryan Wins The WWE Title (WrestleMania 30)
In terms of recent title victories, it’s hard to top Daniel Bryan’s at WrestleMania 30 for emotional impact. As with so many on this list, this was a long-overlooked and universally beloved superstar finally conquering the last hurdle to climb the mountain, and the impact will resonate for decades.
WWE had always received widespread criticism for their treatment of Bryan. It started when he was shockingly dismissed for choking ring announcer Justin Roberts’ during The Nexus’ debut angle, and continued into 2013. Bryan had become one of WWE’s standout wrestlers, but he was rarely given the opportunity to become the company’s biggest star.
From being branded a “B+ player” to losing to Sheamus in just 18 seconds, Bryan was routinely embarrassed by WWE. This only amplified the fans’ support, and when Bryan was overlooked in the 2014 Royal Rumble, it put things over the edge. The backlash was immense, and DB was reinstated to the title hunt ahead of ‘Mania 30.
Bryan defeated Triple H in the night’s opening match to win himself a spot in Randy Orton’s WWE Championship defence against Batista. The fans were on his side, but utterly fearful of yet another screwjob loss, so the outpouring was huge when Bryan eventually forced Batista to tap-out. His “Miracle on Bourbon Street” had come to pass, and it was the biggest win of his career.
The New Orleans Superdome filled with “YES!” chants, and Bryan held the belts aloft, lost in the moment. His injury-induced downfall would soon follow, but this only amplifies the emotional impact of DB’s biggest night.