#1 Daniel Bryan
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Probably the most well-known Superstar on the list, Daniel Bryan was signed to a developmental contract by the company in 2000. After training under William Regal, Bryan was released from his contract in July 2001.
Bryan then moved to Japan where he was a part of New Japan Pro-Wrestling and became famous as the American Dragon. During his time away from a full contract, Bryan kept returning to the company for a few matches in 2002 and 2003.
He was made part of WWE in 2009, and was in a storyline with his mentor The Miz, as well as a member of The Nexus in NXT. He was once again released from his contract in 2010, but returned to the company soon after.
Bryan went on to win the Money in the Bank Ladder Match in 2011, and cashed in his contract at TLC to pin Big Show and win his first major World Heavyweight Championship. From then on, Bryan became a huge part of WWE and a figure to look up to for many young Superstars.
Bryan defied all odds and became the leader of the YES Movement which is still one of the most famous gimmicks in WWE. 'The American Dragon' has won numerous Championships in WWE in his current run, and even though an injury forced him to retire in February 2016, he is back in the ring and better than ever.
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