WWE SmackDown Grades: RKO Outta Nowhere Sets Stage For The Royal Rumble

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3. AJ Styles And Daniel Bryan Segment

The New Daniel Bryan has changed the game on SmackDown over the past couple of months.  His WWE Championship reign has been stellar from the start with his character work shining even brighter as a preachy narcissist who thinks he knows what’s best for everyone.

Bryan might have a new look, but AJ Styles has found himself over the past few weeks as well.  And thus, The Real AJ Styles was born and he will challenge The New Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble.  Last night was all about these two going face-to-face just five days before the rumble, but with Mr. McMahon operating as the moderator.

Styles had no problems standing in the ring, but Bryan wasn’t so anxious and he stood outside of the ring to voice his opinions.  Bryan said more disparaging things towards Styles and continued preaching to Styles and the WWE universe about his personal beliefs.  Bryan said Styles uses his power for fame and money while Bryan uses his power for change.

Mr. McMahon told Bryan to get in the ring, but Bryan would then say McMahon’s generation just takes and puts profit above the well-being of the world.  Styles had seen enough and he instead decided to go face-to-face outside of the ring, leading to an attack.  He tried to hit Bryan with a phenomenal forearm in the ring, but Bryan hid behind Mr. McMahon, causing Styles to slow up and leading to Bryan hitting Styles with a running knee.

This was a great segment by all parties involved and it helped Bryan’s character look even better than it has looked recently.

Final Grade: A