5 Opponents Who Would Be a Perfect Match For Daniel Bryan
By Bryan Heaton
The WWE Universe has already seen some great matches from Daniel Bryan. But now that he’s heading back to the ring, who could be a perfect opponent for him?
The big WWE news this week was basically a doctor’s note, when you really break it down. Daniel Bryan was medically cleared to return to in-ring action after multiple injuries forced him into retirement. It’s been nearly three years since the last time Bryan competed – a match in which he teamed with John Cena to defeat Tyson Kidd and Cesaro.
But now, the former world champion is headed back to active competition. It’s a strange and even emotional time, and one with a lot of questions about Bryan’s long-term future. We don’t know just how often he will – or should – compete now that he’s back on the active roster.
It also means it’s time for a new batch of wrestlers to step up to the plate to go toe to toe with The Dazzler. Since Bryan’s last match, there’s been lots of changes to the WWE roster. Great competitors have left for a variety of reasons, and other superstars have come through NXT or other promotions to join the WWE main roster.
The eventual co-branding of all WWE pay per views after WrestleMania will also open up many possibilities for Bryan. Even though the brand separation is likely going to remain in place, the SmackDown General Manager could still feasibly face off with a Raw superstar. Truth be told, there’s no one on the roster who’s really off limits. (Yes, even Curt Hawkins could feasibly have a match against Daniel Bryan.)
Based off of this week’s episode of SmackDown, it’s pretty clear that Bryan will be facing Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn as Shane McMahon’s tag team partner come WrestleMania. But beyond that, who could Bryan take on? Here are five possibilities.