WrestleMania 28: How Daniel Bryan vs. Sheamus Embodies the WWE Youth Movement

As the winner of the 2012 Royal Rumble match, Sheamus is guaranteed an opportunity to challenge for a title of his choosing at WrestleMania 28. While he has yet to announce what title he will go after, it is widely assumed that he will challenge for the World Heavyweight Championship.

Let’s assume that Daniel Bryan retains the World Heavyweight Championship at the Elimination Chamber pay-per-view. How would a match between Bryan and Sheamus on the “Grandest Stage of Them All” exemplify that the WWE is serious about establishing new stars?

In the last decade or so, the WWE has failed to make stars out of the younger generation of talent. In my opinion, the only WWE Superstars who have been put in a position where they can lead the company for years to come are John Cena and Randy Orton. One could argue that CM Punk has recently become one of the few who could lead the company into the future.

Others, such as Alberto del Rio and The Miz, are being groomed for this role.

Because the WWE has slacked in this area, they’re quickly running out of wrestlers that have the star power to draw sellout crowds. Perhaps this is one reason why we’ve seen returns from past stars like Kevin Nash, Booker T and Mick Foley, just to name a few.

However, things seem to be looking up. In the last year, CM Punk and Daniel Bryan have claimed their rightful places atop the WWE, Cody Rhodes and Dolph Ziggler have both appeared to be on the cusp of being major main-event players and Zack Ryder went from being an afterthought to United States Champion.

Indeed, these past 12 months have been great for the cultivation of new stars in the WWE.

The greatest illustration of how serious the WWE is about making new stars is the potential main-event match between Daniel Bryan and Sheamus at WrestleMania 28.

Just a year ago, Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan for the United States Championship was the dark match at WrestleMania 27. This time around, the “American Dragon” vs. the “Celtic Warrior” for the World Heavyweight could possibly be a main-event match at the “Showcase of the Immortals.”

It’s amazing how, in less than a year, these two have solidified themselves as important main-event players. By making the best of their main-event WrestleMania match, Sheamus and Bryan have the chance to not only contribute to what should be a memorable WrestleMania, but also to secure the opportunity to continue showcasing their talents in high-profile matches for years to come!

Thanks for reading. As always, I appreciate any feedback on my writing. Feel free to spark a conversation with me regarding what was discussed in this column by commenting or reaching out to me on Twitter @MikePW247. Also be sure to tune in toThis Very Ring every Sunday night at 11pm eastern to listen to myself and Stan Grubb discuss all things pro wrestling.