25 WWE Dream Matches that never happened

16. Chris Benoit Vs. Daniel Bryan

Both some of the greatest grapplers of their era, these brilliant technicians would likely have a match for the ages for wrestling purists. The duo were both impressionable stars at a similar time with Bryan Danielson becoming a huge Indy star as Ring of Honor champion in 2005, a year after ‘The Crippler’ triumphed to win the World Heavyweight title.

Ever since WWE had to erase the memory of Chris Benoit after his real-life atrocities, WWE have tried to create a new Benoit, putting Bryan in the mould to make new historic moments. One of the less subtle similarities is that the former American Dragon used the Diving Headbutt and Crossface, both signature manoeuvres of the Canadian bruiser. Additionally, the WrestleMania 30 main event is a near-carbon copy of Benoit’s ‘Mania 20 win. Both in the main event. both tapping out the dominant threat, both using the Crossface submission to do so.

Ultimately, we can only imagine what would happen if these two were to clash in WWE or on the Indy scene – perhaps in a submission match. Both influenced by Dynamite Kid, this technical mat-classic would have been truly a sight to behold.