WWE would be better off if Daniel Bryan were in the ring, instead of serving as SmackDown Live’s general manager.
While the company’s former world champion, has been instrumental in helping to make the blue brand more cohesive, there is a belief among some – myself included – that the man formally known as the American Dragon will once again wrestle at some point. Possibly even a soon as 2017.
It is a risk having Bryan back in the ring. Injuries and concussions forced him into an early retirement. His somewhat reckless style of wrestling could hamper him even more, possibly permanently injuring him and ending his career once again.
When Bryan announced his retirement, it was due to post-concussion seizures. Not something a wrestler, who is as dynamic as he is, can deal with and wrestle at the same time. Still, fans and the business may hold on to the hope that everyone’s favourite underdog will lead the “Yes!” movement once again, in trunks rather than plaid shirts and blue jeans.
If this does happen, the right formula has to be utilised. WWE would not sign off on this if he has not been cleared to perform and there was a situation that would not only allow Bryan to leave on his own terms but give the fans one hell of a match.
Here are five storylines that would work if WWE brought Bryan back as a competitor.
#5 The Miz
This is the obvious choice, but it also makes the most sense. The confrontation between Bryan and The Miz on Talking Smack is still talked about as one of the best promos of 2016. While many of us believed, this was a work; there is some truth to the fact the two superstars have not seen eye to eye.
Now that The Miz is not part of the Intercontinental Heavyweight Title ( with Dolph Ziggler facing Sami Zayn), how does he remain relevant? What I do like is The Miz has emulated Bryan in the ring, taunting him at times. It’s the invitation Bryan needs to challenge his foe. It would be cool if both Maryse and Brie Bella were part of this angle.
#4 Kurt Angle
This is one of those matches that would sell in any era. Angle, who still thinks he has an opportunity to return to WWE, wants to wrestle Bryan and has made no secret of it.
How will the former Olympic champion get to that point and how can WWE write a storyline that makes the connection?
First, Angle must get back to WWE. He could return as the mentor to American Alpha. Angle would protect Bryan in the ring, which could mean the match is more grounded. Angle will take advantage of his amateur background to keep Bryan from getting hurt.
Both have had life-threatening injuries. This might be a one-off match for both men, as it could call for a retirement match, where the loser retires afterwards, and the other soon follows.
#3 Battle of the general managers
This is one of those matches that directly relates to the blue and red brands and more importantly – an increase in ratings. Foley is retired, but that does not mean he won’t consider another match, possibly his last one, and there may be stipulations to help either brand with this kind of match.
I thought this might be part of this year’s Survivor Series matches. With Shane McMahon part of the traditional Survivor Series match in the main event, could Foley’s return to the ring, be sooner rather than later?
Somehow, Bryan and Foley must generate heat with some scenario that creates a disagreement. This disagreement could be caused by Stephanie McMahon’s treatment of Bryan when he was the WWE World Champion.
#2 John Cena
There is a solid foundation for this match. Cena is dating Nikki Bella. Bryan is married to Brie, and the two are expecting a child together. Cena and Bryan have battled before, which means there is still a chapter to be written.
Cena has had mega feuds over the years with Randy Orton, Edge and CM Punk. The dynamic with Bryan was never pushed that deep. Maybe it has been left on the table because of the relationship the two have with the Bellas. But now that there has been a storyline involving all four on Total Bellas, could this be the onus for a match soon?
I would love to see it happen at the Royal Rumble.
#1 AJ Styles and the WWE World Title
Styles has had one of the best years of any first-year WWE superstar. He has beaten John Cena three times and claimed the WWE World Title. Styles has been rumoured to be on course for a babyface turn in 2017.
Whether that turn will come with Styles as company champion, has not been determined, but it might be a way to make The Miz a major part of the main event. Nonetheless, Styles could draw the ire of the general manager with his arrogance, which would lead to a confrontation in the ring. It may also involve The Club if there are more cross-brand storylines.
Would Bryan do the honours for Styles and put him over even farther as one of the company’s best performers and even bigger draws?
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