10 Things WWE Regrets About Backlash

5. Ruining Daniel Bryan's Babyface Comeback

John Cena Backlash
WWE.com

WWE tried to elicit a "That's cute" response from fans in the early days of Daniel Bryan's 2018 comeback, when fans really wanted more of a "Holy sh*t the awesome GOAT-tier wrestler and good dude is back after it was thought impossible, this is magic" vibe.

They had no reason to feel that, because Big Cass, while a serviceable hot tag power guy, was just the sh*ttiest of WWE heels* removed from his entertaining undercard act with Big Cass. He did the lumbering, aloof, slow schtick that is meant to annoy you, and not outright beg for a sh*t-kicking. Bryan worked Cass because both were medically cleared on the same day. This was plausible enough motivation for a match on SmackDown, but not a two-PPV deal that surgically removed what it was people loved about Daniel Bryan in the first place - you know, the dynamic, scintillating pro wrestling matches.

Just because a story can be told, doesn't mean it should. If Nia Jax and Tamina shared the same birthday, and WWE only remembered to offer well wishes to one of them on Twitter, you wouldn't put them in a programme.

You'd ideally want somebody halfway competent to make the other one look not terrible.

*Not quite the sh*ttiest, actually, that award goes to...

Contributor
Contributor

Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!