10 WWE Matches That Changed EVERYTHING

WrestleMania XXVIII was a solid supercard, with most of the praise going to veterans Triple H and The Undertaker for their epic Hell In A Cell match. While scores were being settled, though, something more important was occurring in the opener - and in an incredibly economical 18 seconds.

What were the bookers thinking when they had Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan lose to Sheamus in the blink of an eye? Was this part of a grand plan, to set up the indie darling and hardcore fan favourite as the ultimate underdog, long term booking of the highest order with an eye on the main event two years down the line?

Or, more likely, did Vince just think it would be funny to have this gifted but undersized grappler beaten in a heartbeat?

Either way, this was the start of something for Bryan. After a classic with CM Punk he teamed with Kane, showing his versatility as a comedian. Next, the Yes! Movement, and the rest is history.

Whatever WWE’s intention with this ridiculous squash, this set Daniel Bryan on a course to become one of the most organically beloved stars of the modern era.