Why Daniel Bryan Can’t Beat Roman Reigns at WWE Fast Lane
By Jimmie Allen
![](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/f0fc7249f1b461e5c4bef4c60b69c12e68091a347f71ce510881190a716ae044.jpg)
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After the 2014 Royal Rumble, WWE fans were outraged that Daniel Bryan, not only did not win the Royal Rumble, but that he wasn’t even involved in the 30 man battle royal. Bryan was the hottest Superstar on the roster, and his patented “Yes” chant was, and still is the most popular chant among WWE fans.
Towards the end of the Royal Rumble match, chants for Roman Reigns rang through the building because fans did not want what seemed to be WWE’s choice for a champion in a returning Batista to go to WrestleMania.
Fans backlashed, which ultimately led to Daniel Bryan facing Triple H. The winner would move onto the triple-threat match against WWE Champion at the time, Randy Orton, and a recently heel turned Batista at WrestleMania 30. As we all know, Bryan went on to beat Triple H and won the triple-threat to become WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Daniel Bryan was given his shot, one that he had earned. He was the most popular Superstar among the fans, and arguably the best performer in the ring for the year of 2013.
Bryan’s title reign lasted just over a month. He successfully defended his title against Kane at the Extreme Rules Pay-Per-View. Shortly after his title defense, Bryan was stripped of the Championship because he suffered a serious neck injury that left his return as questionable.
Bryan would not end up wrestling again until weeks before the 2015 Royal Rumble; just under 10 months of being out of the ring.
Daniel Bryan was given his chance, fairly or unfairly. He was unable to get a run, but the opportunity was still given to him.
While he was away, the WWE was able to focus on younger talent, bring them along and start building to the future; a future that Daniel Bryan will be a part of. For the new talent of WWE to be successful, Daniel Bryan (and the fans) need to step aside and let Roman Reigns, the 2015 Royal Rumble winner, have his time.
The WWE has spent a little over a year building Roman Reigns as a singles star after the break up of his faction, The Shield. At the February 22 PPV, Reigns will put his spot at headlining WrestleMania 31 on the line against Daniel Bryan. This is likely due to the #cancelWWENetwork that appeared on social media after Reigns’ victory at the Rumble, which was the number one trend in the world for over 24 hours. Fans once again backlashed at the WWE for Bryan not winning the Rumble.
For WWE Management to give in two years in a row, after giving Bryan his shot at WrestleMania 30, would be ludicrous. In the long run, the fans control everything that happens in the WWE, but if the company brass continues to give in every time fans are upset, it will kill story lines. More importantly, it may ruin the future of stars. WWE is firmly behind Reigns, and have him as a key player in the WWE’s future. Putting a stop to his run, before it even really gets started could forever damage a talented guy.
If Daniel Bryan puts Reigns over by losing to him at Fast Lane and Reigns beats current WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania, it would only improve the interest of a rematch between the two Superstars for the Championship.
If you like Roman Reigns or hate him, he is what is best for business long-term.
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