6. Daniel Bryan's Triumph - WrestleMania XXX, April 6
For months, fans stood behind Daniel Bryan, despite attempts by WWE management to keep him from the WWE Championship. "Batista vs. Randy Orton will be the biggest main event of all-time," CM Punk recalled Vince McMahon telling him during part two of his interview with Colt Cabana on the Art of Wrestling podcast. That one line indicates just how in denial those in power were about the popularity of Bryan. By the time WrestleMania rolled around, Vince McMahon and company had recognized the error of their ways and pushed Bryan to the forefront of its title picture. Before he could capture the top prize in the industry, he would have to get past Triple H. He did, beating The Game in a technical wrestling masterpiece. Overcoming a shoulder injury, Bryan exploded across the ring with the running knee and pinned his greatest oppressor. From there, he advanced to the night's main event, where he overcame opponents Batista and Orton, interference from Triple H, Stephanie McMahon and crooked referee Scott Armstrong, a vicious RKO-Powerbomb combo through a table and was able to force a tapout from The Animal to score the win and the WWE title. As confetti fell from the rafters and pyro exploded from the stage, fans watched as their champion, the man they so passionately supported for so very long, celebrated the greatest night of his professional career.
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.
