10 Ups & 7 Downs For Daniel Bryan’s WWE Career

3. Midcard Starmaker

Daniel Bryan The Miz
WWE.com

One of few WWE Superstars to actually do something worthwhile with the not-particularly-prestigious United States Championship, Bryan following that excellent, uplifting title win went on an eye-catching midcard tear, in which he brought his new breed of in-ring storytelling to a unique Submissions Count Anywhere attraction (Hell In A Cell), anointed Dolph Ziggler as one to watch in a white-hot show-stealer (Bragging Rights), and even dragged Ted DiBiase, Jr. to his career-best match (Survivor Series). In that last match, Bryan sold for standard cookie cutter developmental office as if it were genuinely perilous, and lit up his comebacks as if DiBiase, Jr.—talented, if not special—was a player.

Turning himself inside out for the cause, Bryan, doing everything to find a way out with a series of clever reversals, made Ted’s repertoire look as rich as his storyline act.

If anything, Bryan was too effective in the role; WWE quickly drew up bigger plans for him in the World Heavyweight Title picture—but not “big plans”, per se…

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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!