WWE: 3 Key Reasons Daniel Bryan's Boyhood Dream Came True
3. Hes the Everyman
In literature, the everyman is the character in the story that every man is able to relate to. He should be a blank canvas, yet at the same time embody the characteristics of the typical Joe that is following the story. If crafted properly, the viewers will begin to subconsciously project themselves onto the everyman, and the story they are watching will actually become their own. Thats not to say that you should start pegging your wife with a running knee or scream Yes! every time you throw a kick in your dogs direction, but a little piece of us will begin to believe that we have a role in the events of the everyman.
Daniel Bryans persona in the WWE fits the everyman to a T, perhaps more than any other wrestler on the roster at this point in time. This especially holds true with the more lively and colorful PG era of the company. Bryan is not purposely vengeful towards opponents, nor does he carry any grudges or harbor ill will. Hes a character who loves what he does and aspires to be the best he can be at his job so that he may move forward in both life and career. Its his work ethic, energy, and passion that shines through to the audience and captivates them.
As RAW went off the air, Jim Ross tweeted, the closing moments of #wweraw@WWEDanielBryan was white hot going off the air. Austin-esque. Big connection w/ fans. The key here is Ross noting that Daniel Bryan is Austin-esque. The reaction Bryan received was reminiscent of the height of the Attitude Era with Austin.
Its a fitting comparison as Stone Cold was the everyman of late-90s WWE. Bryans and Austins characters are both on different ends of the spectrum, but they both personify the qualities of the viewership of their respective eras. Austin was the working class man that was sick and tired of the way his wealthy boss was treating him, so each week he did something about it. He became a champion of the middle-class through beer-drinking promos and screw you, I wont do what you tell me bravado. Austin was an escape for the nine-to-fiver to be able to project some rebellion in their life and not feel bogged down by the responsibilities of everyday living.
As the anti-hero, Austin led the charge for those that werent all that interested anymore in drinking their milk or taking their vitamins. Daniel Bryan is an alternative hero as well, but of a different sort. This brings us to number two