This article started with an all-time worst promo, but will end with one of the very best in paying tribute to Daniel Bryan's emotive, evocative and hugely effective speech in which he encouraged audiences to fight through him just as they'd done for him during his time away.
Speaking with his typical frankness about the battle he'd fought against his body since retiring in 2016, his powerful words of struggle, success and support landed harder than he used to on his own head. The purpose and payoff was one he'd already revealed on Twitter earlier that day - the "Yes Man" was returning to the ring much to the elated and effusive joy of the entire fanbase.
That he managed to find tears and cheers from a crowd despite the earlier reveal spoke to the iron-forged connection with the crowd. A post-promo beatdown from Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn only added to the scene, not least with a WrestleMania match instantly crafted from the attack.
Michael is a writer, editor, podcaster and presenter for WhatCulture Wrestling, and has been with the organisation over 7 years. He primarily produces written, audio and video content on WWE and AEW, but also provides knowledge and insights on all aspects of the wrestling industry thanks to a passion for it dating back over 30 years. As one third of "The Dadley Boyz", Michael has contributed to the huge rise in popularity of the WhatCulture Wrestling Podcast, earning it top spot in the UK's wrestling podcast charts with well over 50,000,000 total downloads. He has been featured as a wrestling analyst for the Tampa Bay Times and Sports Guys Talking Wrestling, and has covered milestone events in New York, Dallas, Las Vegas, London and Cardiff. Michael's background in media stretches beyond wrestling coverage, with a degree in Journalism from the University Of Sunderland (2:1) and a series of published articles in sports, music and culture magazines The Crack, A Love Supreme and Pilot. When not offering his voice up for daily wrestling podcasts, he can be found losing it singing far too loud watching his favourite bands play live. Follow him on X/Twitter - @MichaelHamflett
