10 Things That Made Us Proud To Be Wrestling Fans In 2018
2. Daniel Bryan's Return
As uplifting as The Golden Lovers' reunion was, the rush of Daniel Bryan's return gave 2018 its most emotional wrestling moment.
Robbed of his career for severe concussion-related issues in 2015, it looked like Bryan would need to leave WWE if he was ever going to wrestle again. This amplified speculation that he'd flee to the indies upon his contract's August 2018 expiration. His was a hopeless case. The dream was dead.
Then 30 March happened.
In what will surely go down as the year's most potent wrestling segment, Bryan announced that WWE doctors had finally cleared him to return. The year's most unlikely wrestling comeback was then completed at WrestleMania 34, when Daniel teamed with Shane McMahon to overcome Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens, and now, in December 2018, the former SmackDown General Manager is back among the world's elite.
Though his creative direction has varied, 'The New Daniel Bryan' is a revelation. He's killing it inside the ring and out, and as WWE Champion, he has been installed as SmackDown's figurehead. Recent matches with AJ Styles and Brock Lesnar have yielded excellence. His promos are universally brilliant, and his condescending new character? The most effective heel persona in the business.
'Never give up on your dreams' is a sentiment Bryan has uttered countless times since coming back. His example proves it valid.