Breaking Down the Best and Worst of the WWE for Week of January 26

When a snowstorm wasn't getting in the way or when officials weren't again discounting how nuts fans are over Daniel Bryan, WWE delivered tremendous entertainment at the Royal Rumble and beyond.

That pay-per-view's best match and an early Match of the Year candidate saw Seth Rollins rise, John Cena battle hard and Brock Lesnar exude beastliness. The Triple Threat for the WWE title was the clear highlight of a week light on wrestling.

WWE did thrill fans with action outside of the ring, though. The art of the staredown was twice on display. And the company's production team crafted a masterwork.

Is that enough to make up for Bryan getting shafted for the second year in a row? That depends on the fan.

Some of the folks roaring in Philadelphia at the Rumble didn't seem ready to accept anything less than Bryan heading to the main event of WrestleMania again.

Best: WWE World Heavyweight Championship Triple Threat

Putting Seth Rollins into the WWE title bout proved to be a genius move.

His energy and athleticism made the clash more dynamic. He made it clear that he belonged on the same level as John Cena and Brock Lesnar, putting on a performance more than worthy of the main event.

Cena played the gutsy, relentless hero in this drama. Lesnar portrayed a monster who shook off pain. Even with a (kayfabe) broken rib, he managed to knock off Rollins and retain the championship.

The match was filled with the right amounts of drama, big spots and star power. The result is that the race for 2015's best bout starts early. And it's going to be hard to catch Lesnar vs. Cena vs. Rollins.

Worst: Daniel Bryan Eliminated Early

Credit: WWE.com

Daniel Bryan

Going with Roman Reigns over Daniel Bryan as the Royal Rumble winner was destined to be an unpopular move. Many fans believe that Reigns is a year away from top-star status. A throng of people adore Bryan.

Rather than listen to the volume of the Yes! chants, WWE stubbornly plowed ahead with its plan of crowning Reigns.

The result was audible anger in the arena and an online firestorm.

The 30-man match had no life after Bryan's exit. Reigns' win was the epitome of anticlimactic.

WWE could have bettered the situation by leaving Bryan in longer. After he was out, there was no suspense. Nobody believed that Big Show or Jack Swagger was going to win. The company showed its hand early, gutting the match of its potential.

Next year, WWE has to either let Bryan finally win one of these things or make him champion and have him await a challenge from the Rumble winner. There's no way the company can have three straight Rumbles end in chants it has to edit out to remain PG. 

Best: A Pair of Great Staredowns

Wrestlers twice reminded us just how compelling two enemies glaring at each other can be.

On Monday's match-deficient Raw, Roman Reigns and Brock Lesnar squared off for the first time. In an interview segment, champion and challenger grumbled threats at each other, working to build tension for a match that is still two months away.

The tension that moment created, along with Paul Heyman expertly selling the match, pointed to this upcoming main event being everything WWE wants it to be.

The NXT title feud wasn't about to be upstaged. Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens had their own animosity-rich confrontation on Wednesday's NXT.

Zayn and Owens signed a contract for a match that was initially of the non-title variety. Owens demanded it be for the gold.

Along the way, Zayn showed off his acting skills. He exuded anger and hurt that captivated. Owens thrived as the snarling contender, an unfeeling man in the hunt for success.

Both those bouts will be elevated by these staredowns. If fans can stop picturing Daniel Bryan in Reigns' spot, they will have plenty to enjoy as that buildup continues.

Worst: Snowstorm Leads to Light Week of Programming

A snowstorm in the Northeast wrecked WWE's schedule.

Monday's Raw couldn't be held in Hartford, Connecticut, as planned. The company moved the show to its headquarters and filled it with interviews and highlights from the Royal Rumble.

WWE did an admirable job of piecing together a wrestling program with no place to wrestle, but it was still a letdown. Post-PPV editions of Raw are generally some of the best.

The storm also meant that there was no Main Event and no new Superstars. WWE was able to shoot a live SmackDown, but the insatiable fan had far less to chew on. 

The performers have to be thankful, though. The storm allowed for an expected break in taking a pounding in the ring. Everyone will be fresher heading into next week.

Best: WWE 24

WWE Network added another stellar special to its library—WWE 24 WrestleMania 30.

The behind-the-scenes look at last year's WrestleMania is an emotional ride in just 30 minutes. WWE takes you backstage to see Hulk Hogan and Ultimate Warrior reconcile, Daniel Bryan embrace a sick child and Charlotte glow over her chance to participate in the event.

It's gorgeously produced and well-paced. The half-hour will fly by.

And anyone who isn't part robot will get a lump in his throat. Bryan's relationship with Connor Michalek alone will have fans grow tearful. 

It's a great idea for a series too. No word on what event the next one will cover, but the benchmark is set mighty high going forward.