10 Ups And Downs For WWE In 2014

1. Daniel Bryan€™s WM 30 Chase

In some ways, 2014 really was a tale of two WWEs. There was a WWE full of hope and optimism in the early stages that left fans feeling like it really was the dawning of a new era. And there was a WWE that was wounded and limped to the finish line with lackluster performances, injured superstars and nonsensical storylines. But back in the first few months of the year, fans were treated to a storyline you really don€™t get to see all too often: a true underdog tale that was almost entirely driven organically by the fans. Daniel Bryan had been the feel good story of 2013 with his SummerSlam world title victory and ongoing battles against the Authority and Randy Orton. When Batista returned in January 2014, all the world title focus shifted to him, while Bryan got tangled up with the Wyatt Family. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsX1ATcyQxU However, the crowds refused to let WWE€™s preferred storyline play out, revolting with enough energy to make it obvious that a WrestleMania main event featuring Orton and Batista without Bryan would not suffice €“ to say the least. Bryan began an epic battle to claw his way into the main event title match, first defeating Triple H in the opening bout of Mania, then winning the WWE World Heavyweight Championship to close out the PPV. It was the kind of moment you don€™t get to see too often: a true fan favorite underdog achieving his dream and winning the title at the biggest event of the year in epic fashion. It was an emotional moment to be sure, and one that gave fans hope that 2014 was going to be a memorable year. While it didn€™t turn out that way, it does serve as a reminder that things could look up in 2015 as we begin the road to WrestleMania again.