WWE News: SmackDown Elimination Chamber Participants Revealed (Spoiler)

According to Tuesday night's SmackDown tapings—reported by 411Mania.com—Daniel Bryan will defend his world heavyweight championship against Wade Barrett, Cody Rhodes, Randy Orton, Big Show and The Great Khali at Elimination Chamber 2012.

For the most part, the majority of the challengers to Bryan's throne don't come as much of a surprise. Five of the six men all have storyline-related issues going back, in some cases, several months.

The only noteworthy participant is the inclusion of The Great Khali in lieu of Mark Henry. In fact, such a substitute was expected, given Henry's reported rash of recent injuries to his knee and groin.

There's no doubt that "The World's Strongest Man" deserves his share of rest and relaxation since his dominant run atop the SmackDown brand since Night of Champions 2011.

If Henry could recuperate his injuries in time for WrestleMania 28, it's possible he may once again find himself in the world heavyweight title scene.

At this moment, however, the WWE's main focus on the SmackDown side is the Elimination Chamber match on tap for the titular pay-per-view.

And while Henry's exclusion will likely hurt the quality of the match a little bit, it should still be an exciting affair if previous renditions of it have been any indication.

As for who should win the match, Daniel Bryan is probably the best choice to retain, all things considered. There are two reasons: not only would the title not be devalued right before WrestleMania, but it would create the impression that Bryan is crafty enough to escape Miami as the champion.

Assuming the resurgent Sheamus is his WrestleMania opponent, Bryan could use the extra momentum to build his newfound heel character in order to draw out anticipation for the bout.

Another plausible candidate to win the SmackDown chamber match is Randy Orton, who has been on a tear since returning on last Friday's show.

If "The Apex Predator" walks out of Milwaukee as the new world heavyweight champion, it would be interesting to see him go head-to-head with Sheamus at WrestleMania. Alternatively, a triple-threat bout between Orton, Bryan and Sheamus would be similarly intriguing.

Follow me on Twitter @ImaanJK