The first half of 2014 was one of the greatest and most rewarding periods of Brie Bellas life. At WrestleMania XXX, she competed in the Vickie Guerrero Invitational for the Divas Championship. That same night, she watched her fiancee, Daniel Bryan, capture the WWE World Heavyweight title. Days later, they were married. Then Bryan was injured and Brie stepped to the forefront of the rivalry with The Authority. She became embroiled in a personal feud with Stephanie McMahon. During their program, both women were arrested and charged with assault before Brie goaded the Billionaire Baroness into accepting a match at SummerSlam. In one of the nights most anticipated and heavily hyped bouts, Brie nearly defeated her rival with her husbands Yes Lock finisher. Then, in a shocking betrayal, Brie was assaulted by sister Nikki. She would lose the match to Stephanie, then watched as her relationship with her sister deteriorated. By the time Hell in a Cell rolled around, the Divas would battle in a match in which the loser would have to serve the winner as their personal assistant for 30 days. Brie lost and since then, has been somewhat subservient to her sister. Even after turning heel and helping Nikki capture the Divas Championship from AJ Lee, she has played second fiddle to her meaner, nastier and more self-absorbed sibling. Still, it is impossible to ignore the increase in television exposure and the number of important and career-defining moments and television segments Brie was part of in 2014. Even if her year ended significantly less eventful than it was at its height of importance.
Erik Beaston is a freelance pro wrestling writer who likes long walks in the park, dandelions and has not quite figured out that this introduction is not for Match.com. He resides in Parts Unknown, where he hosts weekly cookouts with Kane, The Ultimate Warrior, Papa Shango and The Boogeyman. Be jealous.
