10 Unlikely WWE Champions With Hugely Memorable Title Runs
3. Daniel Bryan
Daniel Bryan's reign as World Heavyweight Champion on SmackDown was amid a lull for the brand and came to an unceremonious end in just 18 seconds at WrestleMania XXVIII. Not a great way to establish Bryan as a credible champion.
Nevertheless, by the time he had his shot at the WWE Championship 18 months later at SummerSlam 2013, the WWE Universe was ready to see 'The Yes Man' win gold. Sadly, WWE itself was not and Bryan's forgettable WWE Championship win lasted mere minutes.
Bryan had long been seen by management as being too small to be a true main eventer, a fact that was clear by his absence from the 2014 Royal Rumble. The crowd's vocal objection proved otherwise and, with the WWE Universe on his side, WrestleMania plans were altered.
The fans got their wish at WrestleMania XXX, as Bryan took his rightful place atop the WWE mountain. Against all odds, Bryan won the WWE Championship in the main event and solidified his legacy in the annals of wrestling folklore forever.
While his championship reign was cut short due to injury, the ascent to the top made Bryan one of the most beloved WWE Champions in history and his win at WrestleMania left an indelible mark on the WWE Universe for years to come.