5 Potential SummerSlam matches for Daniel Bryan

Daniel Bryan is no longer a WWE Superstar. It was revealed that his contract legitimately expired after his match against Roman Reigns on SmackDown a couple of weeks ago.

With Bryan out of a WWE contract, he will inevitably be getting big-money offers if he hasn't gotten one already. SummerSlam would be an ideal place for the former WWE Champion to return and perhaps kickstart a part-time run.

Here are five potential opponents for Daniel Bryan at SummerSlam 2021:

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#5. Edge - A perfect storyline opponent for Daniel Bryan

Edge and Daniel Bryan in the build to WrestleMania 37

Daniel Bryan was never supposed to be in the WrestleMania 37 main event. In what seemed to be a complete reverse of the situation in 2014, it was WWE that decided to put Bryan in the main event, with him later admitting that he didn't feel the need to be added.

Daniel Bryan further added that he didn't feel the same spark as before, indicating that a hiatus or a transition into part-time status might be his next step. Despite this, he was a great addition to the main event. WWE fans praised the WrestleMania 37 Night Two main event, with many calling it the best headliner in years.

Bryan and Edge crossing paths was interesting. While they didn't officially have a singles match, the nature of the storyline has a lot of promise. There's no word about Edge's WWE status post-WrestleMania 37, and SummerSlam 2021 might be the next event he wrestles at, especially considering that it will likely have a full crowd.

It's a blockbuster match and could even headline SummerSlam if there isn't a bigger attraction on the card already. A simple grudge match without a stipulation could be enough for the two legends to have an instant classic.

#4. Adam Cole - The perfect superstar for Daniel Bryan to put over

Will 2021 be the year where Adam Cole makes his official main roster debut?

What's been established about Daniel Bryan is his complete unselfishness in elevating other superstars. His run from November 2018 to April 2019 was arguably the greatest of his WWE career, and it helped establish Kofi Kingston as the World Champion.

Even in 2021, Bryan helped put over the likes of Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura, with the former particularly benefiting from those victories. Adam Cole is a name who many fans want to see transition to the WWE main roster, but it's taken longer than expected.

The longest-reigning NXT Champion's debut on the main roster is inevitable, and though WWE seems in no rush for it to happen, 2021 is the perfect time. There isn't much left for Cole to do on NXT, and when he debuts on the main roster, an instant impact will be made.

A program against Daniel Bryan would be ideal since it would be the perfect match to help establish Adam Cole on the main roster. It's a big dream match as well.

#3. Mustafa Ali - A SummerSlam classic for Daniel Bryan if done right

Mustafa Ali and Daniel Bryan

The idea of Mustafa Ali in a marquee SummerSlam match against Daniel Bryan seems out of reach right now. After his heel turn and a failed run with RETRIBUTION, Ali has been featured more in Main Event while his former faction members T-Bar (Dominik Dijakovic) and Mace (Dio Maddin) are getting regular screen time on RAW.

Daniel Bryan and Mustafa Ali have a history together from 2019 and it was rumored that the latter was originally going to have the "Kofi Kingston spot" in the gauntlet match.

While Kingston's rise was a better storyline at the time, Ali's resurrection could start with a good push and a match against Bryan at SummerSlam. It would be a good way to finish their previously unfinished storyline.

It would take a steady push for Mustafa Ali and perhaps a redemption arc. If WWE chooses to go with Ali as a heel, it would create an interesting dynamic with Bryan. Even a face vs. face match between Ali and Daniel Bryan would likely be a SummerSlam classic.

#2. Braun Strowman - An unlikely dream match for Daniel Bryan

Braun Strowman on RAW

Braun Strowman and Daniel Bryan have either been on different brands or have been kept apart when they were both on SmackDown. Over the last few years, Strowman's biggest feuds have been against big men of slightly smaller stature.

It's not often that WWE books The Monster Among Men against a superstar of Bryan's size, but it would make a great SummerSlam match. The great part about events like SummerSlam is that it's not always about match quality. A spectacle is what fans like to see, and presenting Daniel Bryan as an underdog against a bigger opponent might result in a great crowd reaction.

Braun Strowman doesn't look like he's going to find WWE Championship success anytime soon on RAW despite his presence in the title picture. With at least two or three other stars ahead of him in the pecking order, a non-title feud against Bryan would be perfect for SummerSlam.

A good stipulation that gives Daniel Bryan a chance might result in an unlikely classic.

#1. Drew McIntyre - The best opponent WWE can give Daniel Bryan at SummerSlam

Drew McIntyre in the build to WrestleMania 37

Drew McIntyre vs. Daniel Bryan is the SummerSlam match that people didn't know they wanted. It seems unlikely, especially given how far apart both superstars have been.

While Bryan has been a SmackDown mainstay, McIntyre established himself on RAW, winning two WWE Championships in 2020 and essentially leading the company in the most difficult year.

If Brock Lesnar is to return to WWE, a SummerSlam dream match against Bobby Lashley would be the big-money main event to book. If that's the case, Drew McIntyre shouldn't be in the WWE Title picture. For over a year now, McIntyre has been in the World Title picture, and it might be time to halt that for the time being.

A face vs. face feud against Daniel Bryan would be great. It can have a build with a lot of heat, and it would likely steal the show at SummerSlam. There hasn't been any better pay-per-view performer in WWE since 2020 than Drew McIntyre.