'%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)
2) Daniel Bryan (c) v/s Finn Balor – WWE Championship
Shinsuke Nakamura’s heel turn at WrestleMania 34 was perceived by many as the greatest booking decision WWE made for Shinsuke Nakamura. A complete character change led to Nakamura becoming a cocky heel who delivered short promos. The modified theme song only added to his new character, but ‘The King of Strong Style’ has been completely devalued in recent months due to poor booking.
However, there was another unexpected heel turn on SmackDown Live which completely shook the landscape of the blue brand. In a shocking turn of events, AJ Styles’ 371 day title reign ended as the Phenomenal One was defeated by Daniel Bryan, who used the low blow to win the title.
Post return, Daniel had many on-paper intriguing feuds which failed to deliver. However, Daniel has been on fire since turning heel. His promos may seem to be naïve given that he is insulting people due to the environmental issues, but the way Bryan presents them does prove that he has fitted in the character.
His character is now of a man who betrayed everyone and insults them, only to back his words with his in-ring skills. In brief, turning Daniel Bryan heel and giving him the WWE Championship has been one of the best booking decisions taken by WWE in 2018.
Somewhere else on RAW, Finn Balor, who was being consistently sidelined, is now enjoying a renewed push on the Red brand. He pinned Drew McIntyre at the TLC PPV, being the second person to pin the Scottish Psychopath since his re-debut on the main roster.
As it was Finn Balor ‘The Man’ who pinned McIntyre and not Finn Balor ‘The Demon’, one can believe that Finn Balor is destined for bigger and better things in 2019.
So, if the leader of Balor Club is destined for a push, why not make him the main event star he was supposed to become prior to his injury in 2016?
Here, one may argue that Finn Balor should fight Brock Lesnar for the title he never lost, but given that Drew McIntyre, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins are rumored to be the next set of Universal Champions, Balor will have a difficult time capturing the Universal Title. With rumors circulating about the return of Batista and The Rock for WrestleMania, Balor’s chances for the shot at the World Title seem to be very low.
On the other hand, fans have been waiting eagerly for Balor to move over to SmackDown Live. With the blue brand known to serve feuds which appeal the hardcore fans (AJ Styles v/s Shinsuke Nakamura, AJ Styles v/s Samoa Joe), having Daniel Bryan and Finn Balor fight for the coveted WWE Championship can do wonders for the participants, the title as well as the PPV.
Kicking the rivalry off will be an easy way from here. Having Balor win the Royal Rumble or the Elimination Chamber in a shocking way to challenge the ‘new Daniel Bryan’ will surely draw in more ratings. The following weeks can show Daniel Bryan trying to play mind games with Balor. Even Styles and the Good Brothers can step up to have the back of their friend.
The match itself is sure to be a classic, with Balor’s quick offense and Bryan’s submission skills bound to tear the house down. Having ‘The Demon King’ defeat 'The new Daniel Bryan' after a grueling match will surely establish Finn Balor as the main-eventer he was always bound to be.
Winner and NEW WWE Champion: Finn Balor
Follow Sportskeeda for the latest WWE news, rumors and all other wrestling news.
