Daniel Bryan had a great 2013 – Yes-ing across the country, into our collective hearts, all the way to the main event of Wrestlemania XXX. Unfortunately, 2014 post-WM has brought the passing of his father, multiple surgeries, attempted burglary – and perhaps worst of all – a feud with Kane. After having such a patch of bad luck, Bryan’s return is sure to produce great programs with a variety of potential opponents, and I thought I’d share with you some very realistic, dream-feuds in the near-future. Some of these are not “technically” on the main roster now, but most will be at least under contract when Bryan returns. Let’s roll:
5. Cesaro
We got a barely a whiff of how good these two are last April as part of a Raw Gauntlet match last year, and then once more in a brief Feb SD! match at the beginning of 2014. Though these two are the consensus best full time in-ring talents, fans have yet to see the King of Swing against Dragon in a full, main event-style, clash – one which couldn’t be topped by any other full-time talent at present.
4. Kenta
Don’t know who he is? You should: Kenta is the newest signing by WWE, and a top star in his own right in Japan. He first made waves in America against Bryan in a match considered to be one of the best in ROH history. One of the most innovative and physical competitors wrestlers of the last decade, Kenta was recently asked about his style, to which he replied “I like to kick. So, I want to kick your ass.”* Ah well, ok then – that sounds awesome.
*Actual quote.
3. Kurt Angle
OK OK. Angle isn’t exactly “under contract” with WWE, and is still technically “employed” by TNA, Angle has expressed an interest in rejoining WWE when his contract is up later this year. This is one of the best pure wrestling matches that could be offered if Angle does return, and a prospect Angle and Bryan fans alike have drooled over, in the hopes of seeing it before Angle hangs it up for good.
2. CM Punk
The two golden indie boys have locked it up once before on PPV in 2012, but both were faces at the time. The real money match is with Punk as a heel: something that couldn’t have happened in 2012. With so much prologue, the material for these two is deep, and already storied. A bitter CM Punk ripping into Bryan’s good-guy demeanor would make for great television, and hopefully even better action between the bells.
1. Brock Lesnar
Yep. You know it. I know it. There is only one (the one in 21-1, ironically) that provides the biggest possible challenge figuratively or literally in all of the WWE. The Beast Incarnate has proven time and again to be very capable at producing memorable classics – especially when paired with a great ring general. This is the match for Bryan to have that smile batted off his face, and to show the WWE Universe his true grit. It’s also a 100% fresh match-up as they’ve never faced each other, anywhere.
And there you have it. Too easy, really. If there’s any bones to pick about Angle, sub him out for a Cena rematch and fill in your own write-up. Don’t like Cena? Pick Rollins instead. See where I’m going with this? Also, did you catch that mini-spoiler in Cesaro’s paragraph? +1 to you if you did.
JJ
