10 Wrestlers Who Can HONESTLY Be Labelled A Genius
7. Daniel Bryan
Daniel Bryan is a vastly different performer to Mick Foley - but in addition to a certain recklessness, they are bonded by an ability to elevate the aura of their opponents within the context of a professional wrestling match.
Bryan elevated Kofi Kingston in a seminal, emotional masterclass at WrestleMania 35, which hindsight tells us was his career achievement. Kingston is a very good performer in a midcard role. Time and evidence has removed the sentiment of his Moment, but on that night in April, Bryan's genius told the story. He isn't merely an exceptional technical wrestler - the Wrestling Observer Newsletter recognised this by naming its Best Technical Wrestler award after him - he is masterful at presenting himself as such. In New Jersey, Bryan controlled Kingston with such skill and presence that it underscored his plight so much more starkly than any five-on-one gauntlet match. To escape his submission prowess was an achievement; to win was a triumph.
Bryan is a master of any environment. His intricate, physical work was everything to the Ring Of Honor crowd; his ability to fire up in more broader WWE matches an ingenious adaptation that got him over as the company's last great babyface.
WWE really should sign Bryan to a lifetime deal. His ability to elevate anybody is unmatched, and might seem him become the best and most inluential Producer since Pat Patterson.