Taking In The Resurgence Of Daniel Bryan As A WWE In-Ring Performer

Not to say Bryan wasn’t entertaining in 2013 when he was finally put on the Raw main event scene. It’s just that most fans were frustrated at his on-screen treatment and pissed off to be entertained. There’s also something about the fluffy hair and unkempt beard that made him appear almost hobo-like. His clean cut look was good. It matched his persona at the time. But given that WWE sees too much value in him as a complete babyface underdog, it’s a long shot that we are ever treated to that side of Daniel Bryan ever again. Especially after all the underdog and triumph angles he’s been a part of.

As a face, it means Bryan’s WWE Championship opponent could be ANYONE. Heel vs heel doesn’t typically work. Face vs heel and face vs face are more viable. Not to mention, as a face Bryan could jump into the title picture and wouldn’t necessarily need to jump any hurdles. He just chooses to jump them to prove himself, which is not just a trait of his character but I believe a trait of his real-life personality.

Thinking logically yet critically, Bryan could be thrust into the WWE Championship picture at SummerSlam. Lesnar will defend the Universal Championship in a match that may end up disappointing for all the wrong reasons (ie- WrestleMania 34), so WWE should come up with a WWE Championship match that will please the fans prior to being let down at the end of the night.

As good as Nakamura has proven to be in his new role against Styles, I just don’t see Nakamura winning the WWE Championship at Money in the Bank or anytime this year. I also don’t see Joe vs Styles for the title taking place at SummerSlam. We were treated to a Styles vs Bryan match on SmackDown that ended due to outside interference, leaving us waiting for their next go round. AJ Styles vs Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship at SummerSlam wouldn’t disappoint from an in-ring perspective. Styles is the best in-ring performer on the planet today, Bryan is in his league. Styles wouldn’t lose a thing by dropping the title to Bryan. He’s enjoyed a very lengthy and eventful reign.

However, I must always point out the potential storm on the horizon.

I’m not a big fan of the Money in the Bank concept, and that’ll be a discussion for another day. Just imagine Bryan hoists the title up and the crowd is basking in the moment with him. Then it comes to an end moments later by a Samoa Joe or a Miz, who takes the title away, effectively spoiling the moment. It’s what heels do, of course, but to what end? We’ve seen this same angle take place in 2013 when Orton ruing the moment for Bryan by manner of MITB as well.

If it’s for the good of the business, Bryan will have absolutely no problem reliving the same storyline again. But I honestly think he deserves better, and the WWE fans would agree. At the end of the day, however, Bryan’s return to the ring is reward enough. Let us be happy that he’s happy.

Related: Daniel Bryan Reveals Titus O’Neil Punched Him Hard After GRR Fall