Why Daniel Bryan Should Not Win The Royal Rumble

The return of Daniel Bryan to active competition a few weeks ago was one of the greatest ways to start 2015 off positively. Following an extensive battle with a chronic neck injury, the popular superstar announced his intention to enter the Royal Rumble match. This has reportedly thrown a spanner in the works for the choice of the eventual winner of the prestigious battle royal, as Bryan’s popularity among the fans means he must be considered an ideal candidate to win. However, would they be willing to curtail their push of Roman Reigns, who for the last year has been heavily presented as the next main event star?

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Bryan would likely be the most desired choice across the WWE Universe. His every man looks, infectious catchphrase and stance against the nefarious Authority make him the hero of the fans. Reigns has been a more artificial babyface, handpicked from the creative team to become one of the stars of the future. The crowd have taken to him, and he has a number of excellent attributes, but he cannot yet hope to match the organic connection Bryan has with wrestling fans.

Nevertheless, this articles presents the immediately unpopular opinion that Daniel Bryan should not return with a victory in the Royal Rumble. This seems like an odd statement, because the Rumble has often been the perfect environment for a returning star to make the biggest splash on their re-emergence. Names like Triple H, John Cena, Edge and most recently Batista have been beneficiaries of that treatment. So, with Bryan’s massive fan base and the imminent nature of his return to action creating extra intrigue, surely he is the perfect selection?

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Personally, I’m not so sure. Don’t get me wrong, I am a huge Bryan fan. His work ethic, impeccable technique and likable personality are difficult to avoid being charmed by. He is a passionate fan as well as a competitor, with wrestling in his veins and passport stamps from performing all over the globe in his run to make it in WWE. Bryan should continue to be a prominent part of the main event scene from now until his eventual retirement, which is fortunately further in the future than many feared a couple of months ago.

But, that does not mean that Bryan should win the Rumble match. Last year, fans came close to rioting when he was not afforded a spot in the pivotal contest, let alone not winning it. When Batista’s hand was raised in victory, the crowd did not stand in applause, but rained down boos that their choice had not even been given the opportunity to compete. And they were right to feel this way; 2014 was built to be Daniel Bryan’s year. He was worthy of main-eventing WrestleMania 30, and for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. The moment he captured the title was arguably the greatest wrestling moment of the last twelve months, and although injuries took away from his run with the belt, that scene of victory was worth everything.

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As such, a victory in this year’s Rumble would mean that they’d have to recapture the magic of this moment once again, which is easier said then done. Of course, a feud between Daniel Bryan and Brock Lesnar for the WWE Championship would be a very compelling story of sheer power vs. heart and determination. But, after the year Lesnar had in 2014 where he conquered Big Show, The Undertaker and John Cena with ease, the man that bests him for the belt should get a huge rub from the victory. Bryan is undoubtedly worthy, but he doesn’t need that rub. He’s as over as it gets already.

Not only this, but there should be a number of storylines heading into WrestleMania outside of the WWE Championship match in the main event. In reality, Bryan is best placed re-invigorating his feud with the Authority, joining some other superstars sick of their tyranny heading into the Grandest Stage of Them All. Leading an assembly of competitors like Dolph Ziggler, Ryback, Erick Rowan and possibly even Randy Orton would be a great story heading into the PPV. It would also keep alive faint dream that they use this chance to turn John Cena heel by have him side with the Authority.

Personally, I’d prefer it if the WWE Championship stayed a distance away from the Authority leading into WrestleMania, the pair only coming together once Seth Rollins cashes in his briefcase. As such, there are left but a couple of options that could remain a far enough distance from the Authority that the focus will solely be them against Lesnar, with Bryan the focus of Triple H and Stephanie McMahon. Those two superstars are Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose.

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Reigns has for a long time been touted as this year’s winner, being pushed a huge part of the WWE’s future. His record-breaking 12 eliminations in the last Rumble was indicative of a year where he battled main event mainstays on an equal footing. He has also been conspicuously left out of the Authority’s vengeful return. Ambrose is a slightly different prospect, as he has often been found at the throat of Authority golden child Seth Rollins. But, after feuding with Bray Wyatt, he might be distanced enough to devote his entire focus on Lesnar. And, in spite of a number of high-profile losses in significant matches, the Lunatic Fringe enjoyed a lot of main event exposure in late 2014.

Both of these competitors would be ideal challengers for Lesnar’s WWE Championship. Reigns stands toe-to-toe as the biggest threat to The Beast as a mix of physical strength and explosive power. His Spear and Superman Punch can connect out of nowhere, and Reigns has improved a great deal in the ring. Ambrose’s advantage is his crazed cunning and inventiveness, and a reckless abandon in seeking victory. He would take all the punishment Lesnar could dish out and keep on swinging, finding the victory out of nowhere with Dirty Deeds or another spectacular spot.

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Bryan had his moment in 2014, and whilst he should come close to the victory, this WrestleMania should be gifted to one of the rising stars, rather than one that has already risen to the summit. Bryan will undoubtedly be given a high spot on the card, one that will allow him to continue his tension with the Authority. He’ll be the hope of the fans against their selfishness, battling the likes of Seth Rollins in an epic match. The WWE Championship should be kept separate from these activities (for now), and Bryan unfortunately would not be able to distance himself from his arch-nemeses.

So, the time is right for Roman Reigns or Dean Ambrose to step up and secure their Main Event spot against the conquering WWE Champion.