As we head into the final stretch before WrestleMania, Daniel Bryan does not have a clear cut path to a match or opponent. Here are some potential foes and navigable paths for each.
A fixture at WrestleMania while an active wrestler, Daniel Bryan does not seem to have a clear-cut opponent set for “The Granddaddy of Them All.” However, that doesn’t mean there aren’t plenty of options, with plenty of time to build to a highly-anticipated match.
In considering Bryan’s potential foe (or foes?), it is important to remember a few things. One, there needs to be a viable reason for a match to happen. This relies on coherent storytelling.
Two, this viable reason could be buoyed if there is some historical context to set up a match; Kofi Kingston’s victory at last year’s show was strengthened with the reiteration of his 11-year quest to finally have a one-on-one WWE Championship match (more on this match later). Three, because this is Bryan we are discussing, he can conceivably carry anyone to an average match.
Before moving further, I have to admit that as a resident of the great state of Washington nearly the past 27 years, I (and other wrestling fans here) hold Bryan as a paragon of professional wrestling. This definitely influences my opinion of him (he’s amazing!), but pretty much everyone agrees that Bryan is simply one of the best.
Lastly, I have some honorable mentions before we proceed. Actually, all three come from the same entangled story. If Shinsuke Nakamura is done with Braun Strowman, Nakamura would be a fun opponent for Bryan, particularly if we get to see Sami Zayn enthusiastically jump and dance all the way down what is most likely going to be a long entrance ramp. If his partner, Cesaro, is free, just imagine the match he and Bryan could have (even if only given seven minutes).
Strowman as Intercontinental Champion is last honorable mention. Normally, face vs. face matches are hard to build a story around, but the size difference makes it easy for both men to stay faces while Strowman just uses his natural size and strength to his advantage.
Fans will usually start cheering for the smaller competitor, and the comeback sequence for Bryan would be red hot. There’s also the fact that the Intercontinental Championship was the title Bryan relinquished when he was forced into an injury hiatus, and eventually, his first retirement. What a great call back it would be if Bryan won the title like he did in the ladder match at WrestleMania 31.
I was also going to say a returning John Cena, but he’s rumored for a match with Elias. I guess they really liked last year’s segment?
Now, on to the show!
5. Sheamus
Bryan losing so ignominiously to Sheamus at WrestleMania XXVIII is the perfect backdrop for a match in Tampa. Sheamus only needed one Brogue Kick to win the then World Heavyweight Championship. Of course, this just further reinforced to fans that authority figures viewed Bryan as too small to be a top act. After all, he’s a “B+ player,” right?
Further, Sheamus is currently embroiled in a story where he repeatedly crushes Chad Gable (I refuse to call him by his White Men Can’t Jump name) and more recently, Gable and Apollo Crews, simply for being smaller than him. Well, who better to step up for us short men than Bryan?
Bryan can draw on the 18-second demolishing and remind Sheamus that it’s been eight years since that fateful event. He can then reference Sheamus beating up the aforementioned Gable and Crews, and give an impassioned promo about how he’s tired of watching Sheamus bully people just because of his size. One Busaiku Knee later, boom, you have your match for Tampa.
It might not appeal to fans at first, but a nice, six-week build coupled with the history between the two should drum up enough interest that fans should be receptive in this traditional face vs. heel match.
4. Keith Lee
What, you thought I was going to say The Miz? That’s too obvious.
Also, I can hear you saying, “Wait, what? Keith Lee is in NXT and not on SmackDown.” True. That didn’t stop Charlotte Flair from attacking Rhea Ripley after Ripley retained her championship against Bianca Belair at Takeover: Portland. Well…how do we realistically get there?
First, only have Lee appear on Wednesday’s show through a prerecorded backstage interview (even though he says he wants to defend every night). He simply has to say something like, “I am your North American Champion, and I eagerly await my next challenger, should one appear, for my time in Tampa. They, like those before, will find out just how ‘Limitless’ I am.” (I know, but they’re going to weave in his moniker somehow.)
Second, on SmackDown Friday night, Bryan could give an interview or in-ring promo where he says, “You know, I don’t have a match at WrestleMania. I want a match at WrestleMania. I hear there’s a certain ‘moment-maker’ looking for a challenger. Well guess what: Keith Lee, I am that challenger! I’ll see you next Wednesday!”
Boom. You planted the seed with Lee’s promo and saw it blossom with Bryan’s response. Dueling promos at Full Sail helps build the hype. A couple of exquisitely-produced video packages (because they usually are) highlighting Lee for the larger audiences on USA and FOX and Bryan’s resiliency against bigger opponents (like Lesnar) maintain that buzz as fans anticipate what should be a superb match.
The in-ring story is simple enough, but with these two, executed well. Like with Sheamus, Bryan has a size disadvantage, but this one more pronounced. Lee can also do many things in the ring that belies his size.
Could Bryan wrap the LaBell Lock around the massive shoulder and neck of Lee? Even if he did, would Lee’s strength render the maneuver moot? How would Bryan win if he did? If Lee wins, think of the boost he would receive as both a performer and a champion.
Bryan putting over Lee is also believable considering Bryan’s history of putting people over at his request (see: Kofi Kingston last year).
Plus, who doesn’t want to see how far Lee would Pounce Bryan as a counter to the Busaiku Knee?
3. Roman Reigns
This may seem like an odd choice since they just teamed up to defeat The Miz and John Morrison on the most recent SmackDown. It may also seem odd considering they are both faces. Still, there is one way to have this match without turning either.
When Reigns is finally finished with Corbin in this never-ending fued, have Bryan confront Reigns during a promo. Respectfully, Bryan can cite the above match and discuss how while he respects Reigns for beating him, that victory gnaws at his conscience.
He can then challenge Reigns to a match at WrestleMania while extending his hand. Reigns can accept, shake his hand, and we have the makings of a match built on respect and evening the score.
While there may be backlash if Reigns wins, his character has been rehabilitated enough where a victory over Bryan may not be as negative as his victory at Fastlane. As an added benefit, unlike their previous match, this match probably wouldn’t have Universal Championship ramifications, nor is it for the top title; this should shield Reigns from any further backlash should he win.
However, Bryan should win if this match does happen, which sets up the next few months where they can build to a rubber match at Money in the Bank. The matches should be engaging and emotionally-investing.
There is one other option involving Reigns, but not as a foe..
2. The New Day (Kofi Kingston and Big E)
Bryan and Reigns make a fun tag team. They have contrasting styles that work well together. They are both able to illicit reactions from the crowd. They are two of the top faces in the company. Their star power (and a couple of future tag victories) would place them squarely in the #1 contender’s position (it’s “contender’s” here since there are two people in a team).
If The New Day remain champions through Super ShowDown and Elimination Chamber, this would be a great opening match for the main card.
Yes, this is another face vs. face match. The New Day have proven multiple times in the battles with The Usos that a face vs. face match provides little difficulty in garnering fan reaction and investment (even with that forfeit). Further, as with The Usos, think of the promos we can have with these two teams!
Of course, there is also the history between Bryan and Kingston stemming from last year’s WrestleMania moment for Kingston.
Again, the match against Miz and Morrison showed us that Bryan and Reigns do have chemistry as a tag team as well; I mean, Bryan has chemistry with everyone. It could also keep Bryan and Reigns away from the Universal Title scene as top-act anchors of the SmackDown tag team division, helping maintain and grow positive sentiments for both.
However, there is one option for Bryan for the Universal Championship, but only if a certain sequence of events occur…
1. Goldberg
While this may illicit many a groan from readers, please, hear me out.
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This is contingent upon Goldberg either winning the Universal Championship at Super ShowDown OR Elimination Chamber. The latter may work better as Goldberg could be the last one out, and we know from his 2003 match that he could wreak havoc and create some gif-able moments.
If Goldberg is Champion as we head into WrestleMania, then Bryan is the perfect opponent. As mentioned previously, Bryan can carry anyone to a decent if not good match. Give him a couple of hard-fought singles victories in the next few weeks and Bryan becomes a legitimate contender. Also: who wouldn’t pop for Bryan winning and recreating his iconic WrestleMania 30 moment as new Universal Champion?
The match wouldn’t have to be long either. Goldberg could start out with a spear or two, then as he goes for a third, Bryan evades as Goldberg hits the turnbuckle. He turns around into a Busaiku Knee from Bryan, who hits another and another. He then traps Goldberg in the LaBell Lock, but his strength results in a side slam to Bryan.
Goldberg sets up for another spear, and as he rushes forward, he is hit with a fourth Busaiku Knee. Bryan goes to a corner, does his “YES!” poses, and hits a final Knee for the 1-2-3. New champ, new moment.
Any of these matches should pique the interest of fans. We should also remember to cherish however many years Bryan has left in the ring. He truly is a generational talent, and here’s hoping he has a major role come Tampa.