10 WWE Championship Reigns That Definitely Should Have Been Longer
Every kid grows up dreaming of being WWE Champion for an hour...
8. Daniel Bryan (2013 & 2014)
One of the most unlikely WWE Champions ever, Daniel Bryan was propelled to the spot thanks to the adamant reactions of WWE fans, who refused to be silenced until their pick was elevated into the main event.
He had already shown that he could hold a main title during his 2011-12 World Heavyweight Title run, but his popularity exploded in 2013, the bearded wonder having forged a strong connection with the audience in large part thanks to his exploits in the Team Hell No tag team with Kane.
He was handpicked by John Cena as his opponent at SummerSlam 2013, and beat the Face That Runs the Place clean in the middle. Then special referee Triple H helped facilitate a Randy Orton cash-in, with Bryan's reign lasting a matter of mere minutes.
His series with Orton would see him hold the title again - but only for a day, due to the controversial finish to their meeting at Night of Champions.
From there, Bryan was eased out of the title picture in favour of Cena, Orton and Big Show, but the fans wouldn't let it lie and the Yes Movement ensured that Bryan not only made it to the main event of WrestleMania XXX, but that he won the title on the Grandest Stage, too.
Sadly, what could have been an epic reign was cut short due to Bryan's neck injury, ending it at 65 days.
Thankfully, he'd get a chance to have another, more substantial run four years later.
Written by Lewis Howse
Features journalist for Cultaholic.com and script writer for the Cultaholic YouTube Channel.
