40 Greatest Stories Wrestling Ever Told
13. Daniel Bryan: “B+ Player” To Yes Movement (WWE, 2013-2014)
It's pretty scary to think that WWE didn't plan to finish Daniel Bryan's story properly with a blockbuster title win at WrestleMania XXX until CM Punk walked out on the promotion. That prompted Vince McMahon and Triple H to bang their heads together and agree to give into fan demands surrounding the leader of the 'Yes Movement'.
Luckily, all of the biggest pieces had already fallen into place for Bryan before 'Mania. He'd beaten John Cena at SummerSlam 2013 to become champ, then Hunter turned on him to facilitate a Randy Orton Money In The Bank cash in. Daniel was dubbed "a B+ player" immediately afterwards, but his WWE Title quest rolled on and included more pain as he was stripped by The Authority.
Whilst many fans certainly enjoyed the subsequent Wyatt Family spin off creative had in store for Bryan, it represented a step back in the eyes of the audience. They wanted Daniel, not Batista, to work for the biggest belt on the grandest stage, and tireless campaigning forced WWE's hand in the end.
Punk was yesterday's man. WWE needed a new rebellious babyface and Bryan was the perfect fit. No amount of Royal Rumble wins for Batista or 'but it's Evolution vs. Evolution' politicking for 'The Animal' vs. Orton could alter Dan's destiny. He was headed for a confetti-laden title celebration in New Orleans, and that was that.
One of the most pleasing aspects of this was how organic Bryan's rise up the ranks had been. The people chose him, not WWE. If management truly believed in "best for business", then they had to honour fan demands.