12. United States Championship Match: Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz - Night Of Champions 2010
The September 2010 encounter between United States champion The Miz and No. 1 contender Daniel Bryan was the culmination of months of build dating back to their time on NXT. Miz was the arrogant "pro" to Bryan's "rookie," ironic given the edge experience in professional wrestling that the latter had. Still, it created a unique dynamic that captivated fans on a show that was, to put it lightly, awful. Miz openly berated Bryan, downplaying his accomplishments elsewhere and reminding fans that he had done nothing in the big leagues. This led to a determined and disrespected Bryan looking to not only shut his "mentor" up but, at the same time, wrest the United States Championship away from him. At Night of Champions, he did just that, working a brilliant match that made Miz look like a far more competent wrestler than he was at that point in his career. Bryan trapped his opponent in the move then-known as the LaBelle Lock and scored his first championship. Not-so-coincidentally, Miz achieved his first truly great match. Coincidence? Not at all.
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.
