WWE WrestleMania 36: Every Match Star Ratings (Night 1)

5. WWE Intercontinental Championship: Sami Zayn (c) vs. Daniel Bryan

It's a testament to the sheer scope of the quality WWE has at its disposal that this hastily cobbled together Intercontinental Championship match was on everyone's potential Match of the Night lists despite almost zero build. The fact it contained two of pro-wrestling's all-time best in-ring performers (with another 3 at ringside just for good measure) didn't hurt either.

In short, Daniel Bryan absolutely beat the piss out of Sami Zayn here, and it was a glorious sight to behold. The opening exchanges were stilted by constant interference from Cesaro and Nakamura, building up to Bryan finally getting his hands on Zayn but, when he did, my god the brutality. This is a rivalry that has come absolutely out of nowhere, shattered the teeth of those watching, and will hopefully continue whenever the company can get back to a sense of normality.

In the end, Gulak took out Sami's buddies, Bryan came off the top rope to be met by a modified Helluvakick. These men never disappoint, but with the constraints of time and having to invent a story between them almost on the fly it didn't reach the heights it was capable of. An outstanding, inventive encounter nonetheless, but one that leaves you wondering what they're really capable of together.

Result: Sami Zayn defeated Daniel Bryan via pinfall (9:20)

Star Rating: ⭐⭐⭐1/2