5 Challengers for Braun Strowman following his win over Bray Wyatt at WWE Money in the Bank

At tonight's WWE Money in the Bank pay-per-view, Braun Strowman retained the WWE Universal Championship in a match that was filled with proper drama and storytelling, as 'The Monster Among Men' got the better of his former Wyatt Family member, Bray Wyatt, both in the ring and in terms of mind games.

Having won the Universal Championship off Goldberg at last month's WrestleMania 36, this was Braun Strowman's first successful title defense, and the top Champion of SmackDown is now bound to enjoy a title reign which is guaranteed to last a little longer. The reigning Champion overcame one of his toughest challengers in the form of Wyatt.

However, Braun Strowman certainly shouldn't be taking things lightly, given the fact that the SmackDown roster is filled with some absolute top names and quite a lot of whom are on the hunt for a shot at the Universal Title.

There is no doubt about the fact that 'The Monster Among Men' currently has a big target on his back as one of the two World Champions in WWE today and in the aftermath of his first successful defense of the Universal Championship, it now remains to be seen which Superstar steps up as Braun Strowman's next title challenger.

With that being said, here are five Superstars who could step up to the plate and challenge Braun Strowman for the WWE Universal Championship, while new MITB briefcase holder Otis quietly observes and waits for the right opportunity.

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#5 Daniel Bryan

Strowman vs Bryan would be fun to watch

At Money in the Bank, Daniel Bryan put on a tremendous performance, much like every other competitor who was involved. But the former WWE Champion was unable to get his hands on the briefcase and earn himself a guaranteed shot at a World Title.

This would seem like the perfect opportunity for WWE to bring a conclusion to Bryan's on-going feud against the likes of King Corbin, Shinsuke Nakamura, Cesaro, and Sami Zayn on SmackDown and have him shift his focus on the Universal Championship from the Intercontinental Championship.

A feud between Bryan and Braun Strowman could actually produce some exciting matches, despite the in-ring difference between the two competitors. With Drew Gulak by his side, it will definitely be interesting to watch Daniel Bryan trying to submit 'The Monster Among Men'.

#4 Sheamus

Sheamus has done solid work as a heel so far

In early 2020, Sheamus finally made his return to WWE TV and appeared on the Blue brand of SmackDown. Upon his return, 'The Celtic Warrior' saved Shorty G from an attack from The Revival but eventually cemented his heel turn by attacking the former Chad Gable with a Brogue Kick.

Sheamus has achieved veteran status in WWE so far and has four World Titles to his name. The Irish Superstar is also a former United States, RAW, and SmackDown Tag Team Champion. However, he is yet to add the WWE Universal Championship to his list of accomplishments in WWE.

There is no surprise to the fact that Sheamus is probably past his prime in WWE and has been dealing with injury issues, as well. Therefore, this would seem like the perfect timing for WWE to put Sheamus in another World Title feud before the man calls it a day.

The former WWE Champion is known for his brilliant in-ring brutality and has quite a lot of strength to deal with a bigger opponent such as Braun Strowman.

A feud between the two men would certainly be fun to watch and could also help Braun Strowman strengthen his run as Universal Champion.

#3 Jeff Hardy

Jeff Hardy

After being sidelined with an injury for the past several months, Jeff Hardy finally made his return to WWE on the March 13, 2020 episode of SmackDown and upon his return, 'The Charismatic Enigma' has engaged himself in a feud against Sheamus.

Considering the fact that the on-going feud between Sheamus and Hardy doesn't seem like a long-term rivalry, having Hardy eventually focus on the bigger prize, that being the Universal Title, would be a fair call.

The WWE Universe has been hoping to see one last World Title reign for Hardy, especially a very first run as the WWE Universal Champion. And the man himself recently went on record to claim that he also hopes for one last run as a WWE World or Universal Champion.

Hardy also added to the fact that he has "cool ideas" for a potential program against 'The Fiend' Bray Wyatt and a victory over Braun Strowman could possibly lead to a match between the former and The Fiend, at some point down the road.

#2 Roman Reigns

Reigns and Strowman have also been involved in the Universal Title picture in the past

Roman Reigns and Braun Strowman have quite the history with each other in WWE. The two men were the talk of the town back in 2017 and 'The Monster Among Men' was at the peak of his career when he was busy brawling with 'The Big Dog' almost every week on Monday Night RAW.

At WrestleMania 36, Reigns was in prime position to win back the WWE Universal Championship, as he was set for a clash against Goldberg at 'The Grandest Stage of Them All'. However, that wasn't the case to be, as Reigns decided to pull out of the event amid the COVID-19 scare and was replaced in the match by Braun Strowman of all people.

Braun Strowman eventually went on to end Goldberg's second reign as Universal Champion and marked the beginning of his first World Title reign in WWE. With that being said and done, 'The Big Dog' certainly remains in line for another shot at the title.

Upon his return to WWE (whenever that is), we could surely expect Reigns to capitalize and enter the Universal Title picture, rekindling his iconic rivalry against Braun Strowman. After all, 'The Big Dog' never really got his World Title shot at 'Mania this year.

#1 'The Fiend'

'The Fiend' has had his fair share of issues with Braun Strowman

The Universal Title clash between Braun Strowman and Bray Wyatt at WWE Money in the Bank was intense and had brilliant storytelling to it, with the latter trying his best to manipulate Braun Strowman by spinning stories of their past and capitalize on capturing the WWE Universal Championship.

At one point in the bout, it did seem like Wyatt's antics had worked. However, that wasn't the case, as Braun Strowman had other plans in his mind and got the better of Wyatt on this occasion.

However, it was to be noted that on this occasion, it was the fun-loving Bray Wyatt who showed up for the fight against 'The Monster Among Men'. A loss, which almost felt like a betrayal of sorts for the former could only lead to one thing - the introduction of The Fiend into this rivalry.

With Wyatt failing to win the WWE Universal Championship on his own terms, it is pretty much a given that he is now about to unleash the wrath of The Fiend on his former Wyatt Family stablemate and things might not look to pleasant for Braun Strowman after all.