12 Ups & 13 Downs For WWE In 2019 (So Far)

2. Daniel Bryan Is A Genius

Stomping Grounds Daniel Bryan
WWE.com

Daniel Bryan's in-ring brilliance is such that even when he's working with the likes of Heavy Machinery, he still comes off like the best wrestler in the world. It doesn't matter that WWE relegated him to SmackDown's tag division immediately after losing to Kofi Kingston at WrestleMania 35 because the guy's still an absolute joy to watch, and while it'd be great to see him return to singles prominence before long, watching this wrestling genius laying his matches out is a wrestling nerd's dream.

Royal Rumble 2019's clash with AJ Styles fell flat, but Bryan's résumé has no other botches on it. He was outstanding in the men's Elimination Chamber match and versus Kevin Owens and Mustafa Ali at Fastlane, before taking part in an all-time great WWE Championship match with Kingston at the 'Show of Shows.' It was Kofi's night, sure, but much of what made that bout and moment so great was down to Bryan, who gets his opponents over like nobody else in the business.

Currently found trying everything in his power to get Heavy Machinery over as a credible tag act, Bryan is a gem. We're lucky to have him.

Advertisement
Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.