10 Ways WWE Has Changed Since Raw 1000

2. Daniel Bryan Was Forced To Retire

Daniel Bryan's antics on Raw 1000 came before he captured the hearts of millions with his 'Yes Movement' and teamed up with Kane to form an unlikely tag-team smash hit as 'Team Hell No'. On the show, Bryan was stood up at the altar by AJ Lee, who revealed she would become Raw GM, and then hit with a Rock Bottom by The Rock.

Bryan was booked as a fall guy for everyone on the broadcast. As a heel, that was his role, but it was obvious even then that he had something fans enjoyed. Still, few (if any) experts could have predicted he'd beat Triple H at WrestleMania XXX and win the WWE Title on the same night. Going further, nobody could foresee that retirement would loom for Bryan within the next 3/4 years.

In 2018, Bryan is the GM of SmackDown and couldn't look less enthusiastic about the gig. He's made no secret of his plans to wrestle this year, and that must give WWE a headache. They're hesitant about clearing Daniel due to fears he'd get hurt again.

Back in 2012, that fear didn't exist. Hell, Bryan wasn't even a beloved babyface yet.