'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
This week on Smackdown we saw an unexpected decision by WWE where Rusev picked up a clean win over Daniel Bryan to qualify for the MITB match at the Money In The Bank PPV.
This came as a surprise to many as Rusev had gone into the match as the underdog. Here are 4 possible reasons as to why WWE took this decision:
#4 Rematch with Big Cass at MITB
Although Big Cass wasn't a part of Smackdown this week, it is quite possible that the Big Cass vs Daniel Bryan match at Backlash was not a one-off thing.
Big Cass returned to action on Smackdown as part of the Superstar Shakeup after being out due to a knee injury since July last year and went after Daniel Bryan almost immediately after returning.
The weeks leading to Backlash saw Cass mount verbal and physical attacks on Bryan, but failed to get the win at Backlash against the former WWE Champion. He then proceeded to viciously attack Daniel Bryan after the match.
It was surprising to see that the angle was not forwarded this week on Smackdown, but with The American Dragon failing to qualify for the MITB match, it is likely that a rematch is imminent between the two Superstars-- most likely at Money In The Bank.
#3 Rusev to get a massive push
If the term "over" has applied to in the past few months, it has to be the Bulgarian Brute- Rusev. Ever since he debuted the Rusev Day gimmick along with Aiden English, the WWE Universe has been completely bowled over by the charisma of Rusev; chanting his name not just during his own matches but almost throughout any WWE show.
WWE have stalled Rusev's push for a long time giving rise to speculations that Rusev might be on the verge of leaving WWE. But as of late, it was reported that WWE is actually high on Rusev and plan to slot him for a major push after bringing Lana back as his manager.
If that is true then it makes perfect sense for Rusev to go over Daniel Bryan clean on Smackdown, so as to establish credibility as a top performer on Smackdown, gaining momentum before his MITB match.
#2 Daniel Bryan's Injury Issues
As a wrestling fan, one of the most emotional moments of the past few years was when Daniel Bryan was forced to retire in 2016, due to a severe neck injury and multiple concussion-related issues.
After two years of consistent efforts, Bryan was finally given clearance for an in-ring return by WWE. However, even after getting cleared, the cloud of another injury looms on Bryan as well as WWE.
It was also reported that WWE has advised Bryan to adopt a safer style of wrestling and he would have to get a medical checkup after every match to check for concussions. In such a case, it would not make any sense for Bryan to partake in a ladder match which is full of high spots and dangerous moves.
#1 Avoiding a confrontation with The Miz
One of the most anticipated feuds as of now is The Miz against Daniel Bryan. Ever since Bryan made his debut for WWE on NXT in 2010 with Miz as his mentor on the show, the two have failed to get along.
Their rivalry reached a boiling point during a segment on Talking Smack where the Miz and Bryan got into an extremely heated argument with each other. Ever since the former Team Hell No member got back in the ring, people have been waiting for the long-term feud between the two to get a proper pay-off. And with The Miz now on Smackdown, it seems very likely that the two will cross paths soon.
It looks like WWE has made a conscious choice to keep the two away from each other as of now. Possibly, to build anticipation and have a lengthy program with a pay-off match at Summerslam or Wrestlemania.
Any confrontation between the two before their feud officially starts might take away from the program when it does take place eventually.
