4. Extreme Rules Match For World Heavyweight Championship: Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus - Extreme Rules 2015
For two straight WrestleManias, Daniel Bryan and Sheamus had been screwed out of time for their match on the grandest stage in the sport. By the time Extreme Rules in 2012 arrived, they were hellbent on proving to WWE management what they missed out on by denying them the opportunity to prove themselves at the Showcase of the Immortals. In a Best 2-Out-of-3 Falls match for the World Heavyweight Championship, Bryan and Sheamus unleashed on an unsuspecting audience a match that not only stole the show out from underneath Brock Lesnar and John Cena, but demonstrated the wicked chemistry that would lead to countless other phenomenal matches between them, It was a beautifully wrestled match, not to mention incredibly smart. Bryan, the heel, got himself intentionally disqualified but in the process, did considerable damage to Sheamus and his injured shoulder. Sure, he found himself down 0-1 but he rectified that problem immediately, applying the YES! Lock and forcing the world champion to pass out, evening the score at 1-1. Bryan would be felled with the Brogue Kick, losing the match and his shot at regaining the title he lost a month earlier but in the process, earned him the respect of fans who had not been quite as quick to support him. There was something about the intensity he demonstrated as he picked Sheamus apart that won them over. Bryan may not have won that match but it was integral in proving his worth as a top contender to the title and a credible main event star.
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.
