10 Times WWE Totally Trolled You

6. Sheamus Defeating Daniel Bryan In 18 Seconds

Batista wrestlemania 30 sign
WWE.com

Daniel Bryan has a chequered history with world titles in WWE, but WrestleMania 28 is the single most infamous moment of his career. Bryan used his Money In The Bank briefcase to pin Big Show and become World Heavyweight Champion for the very first time in December 2011. He held the belt all the way through winter, and while he always had a huge hardcore following, his heel character was really taking off.

Bryan was a whiny, arrogant heel champion who had absolutely no regard for the fans. Still, he retained a loyal base from his time on the independents and his mistreatment during the Nexus angle. He was putting on great match after great match, and it was impossible for fans of a certain disposition not to root for the guy. Bryan put the gold one the line against Sheamus at ‘Mania, and the outcome was shocking.

18 seconds and a single Brogue Kick were all it took to put Bryan away. DB had been squashed in the most spectacular way, and replaced by Sheamus, a man nobody wanted to see on-top at the time. It was a monumental slap in the face for one of the hardest working wrestlers in the business, and his burgeoning fanbase. The one positive is that it acted as the catalyst for the Yes! Movement, and Bryan’s eventual push up the card, but the embarrassment wouldn’t have been necessary had WWE made better use of him in the first place.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.