Wrestlemania 28 Results: Sheamus and Daniel Bryan Will Benefit from Squash Match

In what was one of the most shocking moments in WrestleMania history, Sheamus defeated Daniel Bryan in 18 seconds to win the World Heavyweight Championship on Sunday. While many were upset that the bout was so short, the outcome will ultimately help both competitors.

Although it didn't receive the advanced billing of the three main-event matches, there was plenty of excitement with regards to the Sheamus vs. Bryan matchup. The two were bumped from the card last year, so many fans were looking forward to them getting their respective WrestleMania moments.

Both men are quite capable of putting on a sensational match as Bryan is viewed as one of the top workers in the company, while Sheamus may be the best big man in terms of in-ring prowess. What we got instead, though, was Bryan receiving a good-luck kiss from A.J. only to be nailed with a Brogue Kick when he turned around.

The popular thing to do is complain about the result since there could have been a good 15- to 20-minute match between them, but from a booking standpoint it makes sense. It obviously works for Sheamus since he has been built up as being nearly unstoppable since winning the Royal Rumble, and the quick win made him look fantastic.

As for Bryan, there seemed to be some concern that the loss would severely damage his credibility, but I don't see that being the case. Since he lost the match due to his preoccupation with A.J., he can and will blame her for the loss. Not only will that enhance his heel persona, but it gives him a valid excuse as to why he lost.

In a lot of ways, the squash was better for both sides than a long match would have been. Had Bryan hung with Sheamus and given him a hard-fought battle before finally succumbing, it would have made Bryan look good, but it also would have lessened Sheamus' accomplishment since a man of his size and strength should be able to take care of Bryan with ease.

It would have been good for Bryan in a way since it would have made him look like a credible competitor, but that isn't the true goal for his character. Also, Bryan's popularity seems to be skyrocketing despite the loss as the Miami crowd exploded into "Yes" chants on numerous occasions during both WrestleMania and RAW.

It's quite clear that Bryan wasn't hurt one bit by the loss, and since that was the main concern, I believe it's already fair to say that the title change was a success. The manner in which the match went down can open up a lot of avenues for Bryan and based on his intense attitude on Monday, I expect a more vicious and calculating American Dragon moving forward.

Alberto Del Rio returned on Monday and will have a match with Sheamus on SmackDown. Should the Mexican aristocrat win, he will earn a future title shot. It seems odd that Bryan wasn't mentioned especially since he is entitled to a rematch, so I fully expect Bryan to cost Del Rio the match on Friday.

This will allow Bryan to continue his feud with Sheamus and it will enhance his reputation as a ruthless heel who is willing to screw over anyone. I'm already very encouraged by the way things have played out following the quick match, and while it may not have been what everyone wanted to see, it will be a good thing in the long run.