WWE News: Adding Daniel Bryan to Extreme Rules Card Will Provide Major Boost

Daniel Bryan was granted his World Heavyweight Championship rematch with Sheamus at Extreme Rules after losing in 18 seconds at WrestleMania. His emergence as a fan favorite means the match will give the secondary pay-per-view a massive boost.

Even though putting Bryan on the card seemed like a simple decision, Marc Middleton of WrestlingInc.com passes along a report that states Alberto Del Rio was originally slated to face the "Great White" at month's end.

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The plan last week was to put Alberto Del Rio vs. Sheamus for the World Heavyweight Title on the card but Daniel Bryan was given the two of three falls match last night on SmackDown.

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Original plans were likely made before the WWE executives saw exactly how much support Bryan continued to get after losing so quickly at the year's biggest event. It appears the creative team was prepared to push him down the card before Bryan's popularity exploded.

Constant chants of “Yes! Yes! Yes!” are heard on both Raw and Smackdown, even when Bryan isn't involved in a match. It's proof the WWE Universe respects all the hard work he has put in to reach his current status. Not to mention that fans obviously weren't happy with how the 'Mania match was booked.

Bryan has made massive improvements in his character since turning heel after winning the title back in December. Most importantly, his promo work has come a long way as he was given more opportunities to work the mic.

Since the WWE will be looking to continue the momentum it built with a tremendous WrestleMania card, it's important they showcase their biggest stars. Based on crowd reaction alone, there's no doubt Bryan belongs in that category.

As for Del Rio, he's just coming back from injury and simply doesn't generate enough heat to receive as much event time as the company has given him over the past year. He has the look of a future star, but it's clear the audience doesn't enjoy his aristocratic character.

After missing so much time, it's a surprise the company was planning to give him an immediate push without a return build. It appears there's a disconnect between what Vince McMahon and Co. see in him and what everybody else sees, which has been a mid-card superstar to this point.

Luckily, Bryan's rise to prominence puts Del Rio on hold for at least another month. By scheduling this rematch at Extreme Rules, it ensures more television time for Sheamus and Bryan, although I wouldn't be surprised to see another quick fall anger the Chicago crowd.

Win or lose, replacing Del Rio with Bryan was the right decision by the WWE. He has earned another chance at the main event level and his presence will keep the fans happy.