For One Dumb Reason, WWE Thought Bryan Would Be Booed After WrestleMania Win

Daniel Bryan is one of the great “could have beens” in WWE. He had awesome matches, one of the greatest WrestleMania moments of all time, and a devoted fanbase as an in-ring performer.

Of course, not long after his big win at WrestleMania 30 in New Orleans–the “miracle on Bourbon Street”–Bryan’s injuries forced him to relinquish the title.

But even if that hadn’t happened, it seems that WWE officials still weren’t convinced that Bryan had lasting appeal. Instead, according to today’s Wrestling Observer Radio (subscription required), it seems WWE felt that fans would soon turn against Bryan.

Why? Because having won the title he was no longer an underdog and–get this–because he has a hot wife.

Yes, friends. WWE expected us to boo Bryan because he won the title and because Brie Bella is a pretty lady.

Bryan had one big championship match before being forced to relinquish the title. That was against Kane, and while the feud wasn’t great, their Extreme Rules match–where Bryan did the diving headbutt off the forklift–was good, dumb fun.