WWE Elimination Chamber 2012: Daniel Bryan's Win Ensures Showdown with Sheamus

It was an evening of painful yet victorious irony for Daniel Bryan at the 2012 WWE Elimination Chamber in Milwaukee. The reigning SmackDown champ held onto his strap despite strong challenges from Big Show, Santino Marella, Wade Barrett, Cody Rhodes and The Great Khali.

Though even the confines of the "Callous Coliseum" couldn't keep Bryan from further pain and agony after emerging with a hard-fought victory.

Of course, Sheamus had to come along and steal the spotlight amidst Bryan's shining moment. Rather than having the opportunity to enjoy his triumph as just the fifth fighter to ever retain his title after a Chamber match, Bryan was left writhing on the mat after a devastating slam from The Great White, who made clear his intention to challenge for Bryan's belt at WrestleMania XXVIII.

Sheamus had previously earned a spot in the main event championship match at the upcoming WrestleMania after eliminating Chris Jericho from the running at Royal Rumble.

So now, Bryan must turn his attention to April Fool's Day in Miami, when and where he'll face Sheamus at Sun Life Stadium in the undercard bout at WrestleMania, just before The Rock and John Cena take to the ring for their long-awaited match.

Fending off five challengers in the Elimination Chamber was certainly no easy task for Bryan, though standing his ground against a fast-rising superstar like Sheamus may yet prove to be the more trying task.

Then again, at least this time, Bryan will see Sheamus coming.

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