Royal Rumble 2012: Sheamus Win Sets Up Epic Battle with Daniel Bryan

The WWE has an epic opportunity to usher in a new era of talent, and they can't squander it. With Sheamus winning the Royal Rumble and Daniel Bryan being the reigning World Heavyweight Champion, they need to be sure that those two square off for the title when WrestleMania comes around.

The SmackDown main event at WrestleMania has to be Sheamus vs. Bryan. The personalities and styles of these two grapplers make for a perfect main event at the company's showcase event. 

Bryan is as technically sound as anyone on the roster. He would clearly have a size disadvantage, but remember that he has successfully defended his title against both the Big Show and Mark Henry. When you consider that, Sheamus doesn't seem too daunting. 

On the other side is Sheamus, the brute Royal Rumble-winning superstar who is riding an incredible amount of momentum. Fans are really excited about his character, and who wouldn't be? He is entertaining on the mic and wrestles like a big man in the ring, but he is capable of putting on more technical matches if need be. 

Just like Bryan's success against the Big Show would show that he's not intimidated by Sheamus, winning the Royal Rumble means beating 29 other men. No matter how great any one opponent is, beating 29 men is a lot better than topping one.

These two give you a great dynamic, and what's really special is that they're both somewhat unique to the main event scene. Sure, Bryan is currently the champion and Sheamus is a two-time WWE title holder, but neither of these two have ever headlined a WrestleMania and don't have the big-name appeal of a John Cena or Randy Orton—at least not yet.

The WWE owes it to some of their slightly lesser-known stars to give them main event exposure at this event. The attention will clearly go to Cena vs. Rock, but Sheamus vs. Bryan for the Heavyweight Title is a match that will steal the show, and it needs to take place. 

That means that Bryan has to retain his championship at the Elimination Chamber and no third parties can enter the equation. 

With Rock vs. Cena being announced already and Triple H vs. The Undertaker and CM Punk vs. Chris Jericho being heavily teased on Monday, WrestleMania has all of the star power that it needs. 

Put Sheamus vs. Bryan into the mix, and you have two guys that are stars but also bring a tremendous work rate. In addition to that, you have the supremely arrogant heel against the confident face. 

It has all of the classic signs to be a great match with fantastic build. The WWE needs to do everything to be sure it is delivered.

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