Okay, so this one may be cheating given the fact that Bryan recently finished the greatest stretch of his professional wrestling career, coming off WrestleMania 30 in which he won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship and was solidified as one of the top babyfaces in the company. It was because of his unrivaled skill and unquestionable determination that he was able to over two WWE releases to succeed at the level he finds himself at today. Without the two heartbreaking moments in his career, who knows if wrestling fans at large would even know who the bearded Superstar is. Many do not realize that Bryan had been signed to WWE's developmental territory Memphis Championship Wrestling way back in 2000. A graduate of Shawn Michaels' wrestling academy, he was already on the company's radar. When MCW cut ties with WWE, however, Bryan was released of his contract. That release allowed him the opportunity to work all over the globe, including Ring of Honor, where he gained his greatest notoriety. He helped build that company into the independent powerhouse it is today. Over time, he was recognized as the best wrestler in the world thanks to his striking and technical wrestling ability. In 2009, Bryan re-signed with WWE, After a brief stint in developmental, he appeared on NXT season one. Paired with The Miz as his mentor, Bryan became one of the stars of the show, which was largely garbage and only really focused on humiliating tasks and stupid tests of strength. He voluntarily eliminated himself from the show and popped up again later in the Nexus invasion angle that stunned viewers in June of 2010. It was during that angle that Bryan would partake in an act that would get him fired from WWE for a second time. As the Superstars were assaulting John Cena, referees, ring announcers and commentators, Bryan grabbed hold of Justin Roberts and began choking him out with his own necktie. The act rubbed management, the USA Network and Mattel toy company the wrong way and days later, Bryan was released from his contract. The combined effort of Pat Patterson and John Cena, coupled with continued excellence on the independent circuit, led to Bryan's rehiring. The rest is history.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
