50 Things You Learn Binge-Watching Every WWE WrestleMania
18. Fan Power Remains Impressive A Decade On
A decade plus on, it's true that one name still rings around rooms whenever fans get together and ponder 'Mania XXX: Daniel Bryan. Or, Bryan Danielson if you're that way inclined. WWE's renaming job was one of the least bothersome of the era anyway. Daniel Bryan was sure better than Joe Hennig becoming Michael McGillicutty, let's get that straight right away! Being fair, Bry could've been called Dippy Daniel and still captured the hearts of wrestling fans.
He was never supposed to enjoy moments like this. Vince McMahon didn’t see Dan as a bankable top star capable of beating Triple H, Batista and Randy Orton all on the same night, but fans pushed hard for it and point blank refused to take no for an answer. Clearly, WWE’s approach softened enough for them to book it, because Vince could’ve stubbornly refused regardless of peer pressure, but it’s still impressive that people pushed for a deserving pro wrestler even when the machine fancied someone else (Batista). That still makes it almost surreal to see Bryan hoisting the belts above his head right at the end of the show.
His victory was a victory for pure technical expertise. This was wrestling winning on a show bearing its name.
Fans affecting change the way they did shows something else: WWE like to do things their way (every promotion does), but people power counts for a hell of a lot if it's overwhelming and genuine. Affection for Bryan was. Preventing him from fulfilling his potential and living the dream just to spite themselves would've been a crime from higher ups.
Wrestling wins! Wrestling wins! Wrestling wins!