10 Times WWE Wrestlers Stole Spotlight In Defeat
9. Daniel Bryan (Vs. Sheamus, WrestleMania XXVIII)
Truth be told, this one wasn’t Daniel Bryan’s fault. The American Dragon has a reputation for being one of the most selfless performers out there, a professional in every way that wouldn’t dare steal the spotlight from a victorious opponent, especially not on the Grandest Stage of Them All.
But when Bryan lost to Sheamus in 18 seconds at WrestleMania XXVIII, there was a persistent feeling that the whole thing had nothing to do with the Celtic Warrior. Nobody was impressed by the Irishman’s achievement, by his efficient victory, much less the fact that he had won the World Heavyweight Championship in record time. The story was Bryan, AJ Lee, embarrassment and humiliation.
Winning the World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania should be something for a wrestler to hang their career on. Not everyone should get confetti and champagne celebrations, of course not, but at least a brief moment in the spotlight should be assumed. Not so for Sheamus; the humiliation of Daniel Bryan was more important.