Road to Wrestlemania 31: Daniel Bryan

The best moment and worst moment of Daniel Bryan’s career came in the span of a few months. After missing most of 2014 with a serious neck injury, Bryan returned as popular as ever.The fans wanted to see him the main event of Wrestlemania to conquer the beast, Brock Lesnar. However fan’s didn’t get their wish and Bryan looks to instead fight for the IC title which could bring back prestige to that championship.Let’s take a look now at Daniel Bryan’s road to Wrestlemania.

#1 How was 2014 for Bryan

2014 was both the best year and worst year of Daniel Bryan’s life. The first half saw the Yes Movement in full effect which propelled Bryan into a well-deserved main event opportunity.

At Wrestlemania it was Daniel Bryan’s night to shine when he defeated Triple H and then went on to defeat both Randy Orton & Batista to become the new WWE World heavyweight champion. His dream had finally come through. But the celebration was short-lived.

Shortly thereafter, Bryan was diagnosed with a severe neck injury that required multiple surgeries and was put him out of action for many months. Bryan was thus forced to relinquish the title and missed the majority of 2014.

It was the December 29th edition of Raw that Bryan teased a possible retirement before announcing he was cleared to compete and declared his intention to win the Royal Rumble match.

d decided to put them both in the IC ladder match.

#2 Momentum heading into Wrestlemania 31

Daniel Bryan has a strong wave of momentum having just returned with the Yes Movement right behind him. Unfortunately, WWE decided to have Bryan eliminate extremely early from the rumble match and understandingly the fans didn’t take it well.

Bryan was given a chance (by defeating Rollins) to face Reigns at Fastlane. The winner would go on to face Lesnar at Wrestlemania 31 for the championship. Reigns won in a great match and Bryan wished Reigns the best of luck in conquering the beast.

Bryan was still as popular as ever but found himself without a definitive feud for mania. Ziggler was vying for a singles match but WWE now seems to have instead decided to put them both in the IC ladder match.

#3 What to expect from Bryan at Wrestlemania

It seems almost certain that Bryan will be competing in the IC ladder match at Wrestlemania 31. Nothing has been made official for Bryan yet so there’s the chance for a curve ball with the looming return of Sheamus.

WWE could have a match between Bryan and Stardust for a spot in the ladder match in which a heel Sheamus could cost Bryan the match. Alternatively though Goldust could cost Cody the match to set up a singles bout between them.

A Bryan v Sheamus match would be a bad choice, especially since they’ve already appeared to turn down the idea of a much more interesting Ziggler v Bryan feud.

Daniel Bryan will look to have a stellar performance on the grandest stage of them all and could quite possibly walk out with the IC title.

#4 Immediate aftermath following Wrestlemania

Whether Bryan wins the IC title or not, the singles feud between Bryan and Ziggler could instead happen post Wrestlemania. Both are extremely popular and incredible performers.

WWE could also choose to instead go with a (heel) Sheamus v Bryan feud. No quite as intriguing but it could be used to push Sheamus as monster heel again, possibly even siding him with The Authority (provided they are still in power following mania).

Bryan will also be looking to push himself pack into the main event scene and could find himself fighting the likes of Rollins or Reigns for the WWE championship.

#5 Future stock/card position leading to Wrestlemania 32

Bryan has an immense amount of popularity and this will continue despite whether he is always pushed in the main event scene.

Bryan looks to take a step down at this year’s Wrestlemania so look for him to have a higher more important place on the card next year. A main event spot is possible but by no means guaranteed.

Personally I would love to see Bryan win the WWE championship around TLC/Royal Rumble. Meanwhile have Dolph Ziggler win the Royal Rumble match itself. That way we get the epic encounter of Ziggler v Bryan for the championship in the main event.