#9 Daniel Bryan
The reason why Daniel Bryan first connected so well with the WWE Universe was that he was seen as an everyman who had paid his dues on the independent scene prior to making it to WWE.
He was constantly overlooked because of his size and look and didn't get much of a chance as a main-eventer until the beginning of the 'Yes Movement'.
Since he was overlooked and underestimated, it made for the perfect underdog moment when he beat all three members of Evolution at WrestleMania 30 en route to winning the WWE Championship.
And if that wasn't a good enough story, another whole heartbreaking part of his life was when he had to relinquish two titles due to injury and eventually retire due to ongoing issues with concussions.
But his story has had a happy conclusion so far as he has returned to the ring and become the WWE Champion once again. Hollywood itself couldn't have written that better.