• AEW Star Reveals Why He Didn’t Question Vince McMahon Booking Him To Get Squashed At WrestleMania
Bryan Danielson aka Daniel Bryan talked about his shocking 18-second loss to Sheamus at WrestleMania 28 in 2012, revealing that he never questioned Vince McMahon’s booking decision.
During an interview with Chris Van Vliet, Danielson explained that his compliance was based on a simple philosophy: always do the best job possible with the direction the boss gives you, even if it seems bad.
When asked why WWE booked him to lose the World Heavyweight Championship in a single move and 18 seconds, Danielson said the company told him the creative idea was simple: “it’s one move.” He explained that at that point in his career, he wouldn’t argue against a booking decision, unlike some other wrestlers who complain about being booked to lose. Danielson believes that wrestling isn’t real, so arguing over wins and losses is pointless. He joked that if a wrestler really wants to win every time, they should try fighting in the sport of MMA.
Danielson used former AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland as an example of his philosophy. He pointed out that Strickland came into All Elite Wrestling and lost many matches but always had the attitude of, “Yeah Tony (Khan), whatever you need. I’ll go out there and do it.”
Danielson said that Strickland’s willingness to follow directions and do his best, even when losing, led directly to him becoming a main event star and a world champion in the company.
Bryan said that if the boss gives you a direction, your best chance to succeed is to do the best you can with that plan and try to get popular from there.
• CM Punk Explains Why He Ignored WWE Order Not To Honor Randy Savage
CM Punk recalled a direct confrontation with a high-ranking WWE executive over his choice of ring attire, detailing a backstage incident where he was explicitly ordered not to wear gear paying tribute to “Macho Man” Randy Savage.
During an appearance on WWE’s Break It Down series, Punk explained that the pink attire was intended as a double tribute: a nod to one of his favorite looks on Savage, specifically the gear worn at WrestleMania III against Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat, and a realization that the color pink complements him well.
After commissioning the gear, Punk stated that an unnamed, very senior figure within the WWE office walked past, saw the outfit, and issued a clear command: “Do not wear that gear on television.”
True to his rebellious persona, Punk’s reaction was simply to agree and then proceed to wear the tribute gear anyway, explaining, “That’s what I do. I’m gonna pay homage to Randy Savage whether you like it or not.”
He justified his defiance by explaining his deep connection to Savage. Punk identified as a “hardcore wrestling fan” who historically gravitated toward talented wrestlers they felt were unfairly overshadowed – in his view, Savage was the one who should have had the spotlight reserved for figures like Hulk Hogan.
Punk noted that this same rebellious passion, both his own for Savage and the passion fans in turn show for him, is what has fueled his entire wrestling career.
