Except Bryan didn't need to take Punk's gimmick to make it and Punk's road has been MUCH easier since day one. He came in on fire when he debuted in front of Hammerstein by what was left of the ECW purists and got a true superstar welcome. Same thing would of happened if Danielson debuted there considering he was called the best in the world even back then over Joe/Punk/Nigel/etc.
It's just very impressive to see Bryan as the Superstar of the Year considering he debuted as under the Miz and jobbing left and right. Punk had an undefeated streak, won the ECW title the following year, and was given the World title by 2008. Hell, Bryan even GOT FIRED when Nexus got RED HOT

Nygga came back and STILL became the ABSOLUTE BEST in the business

All of that without stealing any of Punk's shyt either
And Bryan is getting the loudest reactions of the night every week. The LIVE reports don't lie.