Daniel Bryan Vs. The Miz Shows Long-Term Storytelling Brilliance

On the August 14 edition of SmackDown Live, the WWE universe was blessed with an epic series of video packages. Although Samoa Joe vs .AJ Styles will be a money championship match, Miz vs. Daniel Bryan is the real marquee match for the blue brand.

It is not easy to book two of the longest running weekly episodic television shows in history. A fact that gets overlooked by a good portion of the audience. There are so many factors that go into putting together a wrestling show. Creative and booking are criticize at every angle. From Twitter to Facebook to YouTube, the vocal portion of the audience loves to point out the wrong in pro wrestling. It is only fair to give WWE props when they do something right.

Fans typically complain that there are no longer storylines that take the slow build approach. That every big match is rushed and given away on free television. There is some truth to that. The business model has changed to the point where big matches have to be seen on free. The goal is that those free matches will get people to subscribe to the WWE Network. In addition this a society of instant gratification more than ever. People want content all the time at their convenience. The quicker route is also the company adapting to the times.

The build to Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz has been phenomenal. In fact it is a testament to WWE being patient and smart to keep the intensity burning for all these years. SummerSlam is the perfect stage for a rivalry like this to culminate.

The best part is these two performers are the definition of polar opposites. Bryan is the pure hearted, undersized guy that loves wrestling with all his heart. He was always the praised indie sensation that has a deep emotional connection the fans. Miz got his break into WWE after being on the MTV’s The Real World. Miz is arrogant and loud. The A lister is  always seeking the celebrity spotlight of it all. Bryan wrestles because that is all he wants. While Miz seemingly performs because it is what he became good at.

When Bryan first arrived during the old version of NXT, he was paired with Miz in hopes to improve his charisma. Almost immediately an organic friction began between them. Fast forward to when Daniel Bryan was unable to compete, Miz never ceased to mock the former gm. Miz would steal Bryan’s moves, win intercontinental championships all while the yes man had to sit and watch. In storyline and real life the frustration is legit.

This rivalry is almost a decade in the making. These two have had matches in the past. Nevertheless none are as big as the one coming up. Either Miz validates his loud rants against the underdog and wins. As an alternative Daniel Bryan conquers releasing all his built up anguish on the braggart heel. No matter what the fans will be the real winners