5 Indie Wrestling Feuds That Carried Over Into WWE
2. CM Punk Vs. Daniel Bryan (ROH)
As aforementioned, CM Punk was an independent favourite before signing with WWE in 2005.
In similar fashion, Bryan Danielson became one of the most celebrated independent wrestlers in the world during the middle part of that same decade. Despite their different personalities (Punk's brashness contrasts with Bryan's more humble nature), they were the perfect opponents.
In 2004, Danielson and Punk clashed in a singles effort at ROH's Reborn: Stage One event in April. That wouldn't prove to be their last match away from WWE either, the pair also worked for companies like IWA Mid-South.
Eventually, they'd take their amazing chemistry to the larger stage only WWE can provide.
At Over The Limit 2012, the renamed Daniel Bryan faced CM Punk in a stunning match for the WWE Title. Realising the need to air a rematch, management then promoted a bout between the pair months later at Money In The Bank. Even the addition of AJ Lee as guest referee didn't sully what proved to be another tremendous effort.
Fans should count themselves lucky WWE decided to put on these matches, because it offered a rare chance to see genuine independent stars produce more magic.