20 Incredible John Cena Matches To Binge-Watch Before He Retires
2. John Cena vs Daniel Bryan - SummerSlam 2013
In 2013, Daniel Bryan found himself in a quite bizarre predicament in WWE. It was entirely apparent to anyone watching that Bryan had replaced CM Punk as the most popular person on the roster, but behind the scenes and on our screens, it was equally obvious that the higher-ups at Titan Towers had their reservations about the leader of the Yes! Movement.
This was the story going into SummerSlam, as WWE Champion John Cena was allowed to pick his opponent. Being a man of honour, Cena obviously chose the most deserving candidate in Daniel Bryan. In the months running up to SummerSlam, Vince McMahon would constantly suggest Cena had picked the perennial underdog because he knew Daniel Bryan was not on his level.
This build was the perfect tonic for the match itself, as the SummerSlam crowd favoured the challenger, but a seed of doubt surrounded Bryan's championship credibility. Cena yet again did a masterful job of ensuring Bryan looked as strong as his talents deserved. Daniel Bryan would win the match with his running knee, followed by Cena shaking his hand and handing over the title to rubber-stamp this victory. Of course, this all occurred before guest referee Triple H turned heel, leading to Randy Orton cashing in the Money In The Bank briefcase to steal D-Bry's limelight in a superb, shocking PPV ending.