10 Wrestlers Who Got Over By Losing

3. Daniel Bryan

Dustin Rhodes
WWE.com

Though you'd probably not want to revisit the TV - a lot of it stunk, and was insulting, but was made perversely fascinating by how much they tried and failed to resist - Daniel Bryan's 2013/4 arc felt like the last time WWE fans had the heart and agency to make a difference.

It was a special time that doesn't hold up to repeated viewing, and really, that about describes it. Bryan was the star of a bad and counterproductive television programme. That's why all of it happened. The fans were right then, and they are cor-rect today.

It didn't all start with Bryan's loss to Sheamus in 18 seconds at WrestleMania XXVIII. That finish was rejected so emphatically because Bryan's connection with the fanbase had already been formed. But that moment brought into focus just how much it wasn't going to happen unless the fanbase willed it into existence, and so they did, by making it very clear who they liked by chanting his catchphrase at WWE rather a lot.

They resented you for this.

This intensified the support.

18 seconds was the flashpoint.

Incidentally, Sheamus is ignored in the discourse - but how did they expect this to get him over? WWE had spent the last however many years telling you Edge was an a*sehole for being an opportunist.

What a thick company abound with dunces.

Contributor
Contributor

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!