Daniel Bryan retained the WWE Championship over AJ Styles via small package as his reinvented persona, dubbed "The New Daniel Bryan," continues to stockpile momentum toward the close of 2018. Unfortunately, Bryan has been one of many personifications of current WWE flaws in 2018, flaws which have contributed to an unprecedented downturn in viewership. Bryan, like countless natural babyfaces in 2018, was forced to turn heel in order to reinvigorate his career. WWE has struggled mightily in booking babyfaces, but Superstars like Becky Lynch have caught fire following sudden heel turns. After defeating AJ Styles on the final pay-per-view of 2018, Bryan is in good shape to compete at WrestleMania as WWE champion for the first time in his career.

Source: Forbes December 17, 2018 02:37 UTC