Exploring Daniel Bryan’s Run as WWE SmackDown’s GM

 Whether it is feeling ‘borderline offended’ by John Cena or walking off during an interview with The Miz. Daniel Bryan may not necessarily a ‘face’ General Manager or a ‘heel’ General Manager. So which way will he go?

After the brand split announcement was made, fans were told that Raw and Smackdown Live would each a Commissioner and a General Manager. As WWE fans are aware, the decision was made to make Mick Foley the General Manager of Raw and Daniel Bryan the General Manager of Smackdown Live. There was no question the fan base was enjoying the decision to bring back Bryan. While they knew that he wouldn’t be actively competing as part of the brand, he wouldn’t be considered like the typical authority figures the company has been in recent years.

He proved to be different almost right away. Whether it was the decision to have a six-pack challenge to determine a new number one contender for the WWE World Heavyweight championship, to announcing a battle royal to determine the last contestant in the six pack challenge, Bryan appeared to be prepared to make big changes.  What fans probably hadn’t anticipated was how candid he was going to be with some of his comments.

In a recent interview as part of the Talking Smack after-show, Bryan shared his thoughts on an in-ring promo between AJ Styles and John Cena. The altercation between Styles and Cena showed passion from both men, and certainly got across what they wanted. Bryan, though, stated that he felt ‘borderline offended’ by Cena’s comments. It was an interesting take; he was critical of Cena’s comments in that they were disrespectful to him as he can empathize with AJ Styles.

It was odd that a General Manager that is a face could actually empathize with the heel. However, when we consider that Bryan travelled a similar road to that of Styles it is understandable. So what does this potentially mean about Bryan moving forward? Maybe he is laying the foundation to become a heel General Manager. Then again, it could result in nothing, and may simply be Bryan sharing a common belief or feeling with AJ Styles.

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If it was the only instance where Bryan could be teasing of a heel turn, then why didn’t he stand by Randy Orton? Consider for a moment when he and Shane McMahon shared how pleased they were with Orton going to Raw and RKOing Brock Lesnar. Both Shane and Daniel knew that Brock would want to exact revenge and would come to Smackdown, so when Brock did come out and put a beat down on Orton, there was security, and Shane McMahon was quick to have Brock escorted from the building. While this was happening, where was Bryan? He said that he supported Orton, but he allowed one of his top stars get beaten down without even interjecting in the slightest. In comparison, when Orton ‘invaded’ Raw both Mick Foley and Stephanie McMahon came down to the ring and demanded that the Viper leave their show.

Once again, this may be something, or it may mean nothing, but could be an instance where Bryan isn’t necessarily a General Manager that is a face or a heel, but a tweener. It isn’t common booking to have a General Manager or authority figure that supports either specific faces or specific heels. What is actually all the more peculiar about Bryan was, the last time he and Randy Orton did cross paths, it was during their feud for the WWE World Heavyweight championship. Could there have been some animosity left? It would be interesting if Bryan didn’t support his talent.

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Another train of thought is that Bryan could be demonstrating support for a blend of independent talent and young promising talent rather than the established stars. When we consider that both Randy Orton and John Cena are the long standing stars, perhaps Bryan’s character will ultimately pick who he believes makes for the best show. If it is Dean Ambrose, Dolph Ziggler, Apollo Crews and AJ Styles who he supports, and in the process ostracizes long-time stars, then so be it. It could lead to a division between Shane and Daniel. Then again, it could be nothing.