Daniel Bryan needs to move to NXT after title shot on SmackDown

This Friday on SmackDown there is a major match as Daniel Bryan will compete against Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal title. The big point of this match is that if Bryan does not win, he is banished from the blue brand. That stipulation stands out because it is an opportunity for Bryan to have an even bigger purpose as a part of NXT, where there is a wealth of opportunity waiting.

Daniel Bryan is one of the greatest wrestlers of this generation of professional wrestling. That is recognized by fans all over the world. As he is opened about his time in the ring ending, he has made it a point to help build the stars of the future. He has done so on both Monday Night Raw and SmackDown, now is the time for him to do so in NXT as well.

The pathway is there, with him taking a loss to Roman on Friday. Roman is the dominant champion and he will hold that title for months to come. Expect Bryan to lose, but the focus on what he does next is key.

The idea of Bryan in NXT should get every wrestling fan excited. Think back to when he was in the commentary booth during the Cruiserweight Classic back in 2016. The passion in his voice to return to the ring was one of the best moments of the tournament. Now that he is back in the ring, this is the opportunity for him to present that passion even more than he could returning to the main roster.

Look at some of the matches that immediately jump off the page. Pete Dunne, Kyle O’Reilly, Finn Balor, Kushida, Walter, Karrion Kross, or even a rematch against Adam Cole. Imagine those matches occurring on an NXT TakeOver around the time of SummerSlam, after months of build around the legacy that Bryan has in professional wrestling. Those are the types of storylines that made NXT special, and the possibility is there if Bryan were to end up in NXT. In fact, Balor is returning to NXT next week after some time off since dropping the title to Kross. Bryan would be the perfect individual to cut him off during his return promo.

There is something special about “main roster” talent coming to NXT. Kevin Owens had a big moment when he joined the War Games match to compete against Undisputed Era. Balor’s second run NXT has given new life to his career. Even Breezango finally became tag team champs as a part of NXT. Daniel Bryan has done nearly all that he can within the WWE, except an extended run in NXT. Having him lose on SmackDown and turn his focus to NXT is the right move to make at this point of his career.