WWE News: Update on Next Challenger for World Title After Extreme Rules

After losing his world heavyweight championship to Sheamus in a record time of just 18 seconds at WrestleMania, Daniel Bryan will get a chance to win back his title this Sunday in a two-out-of-three falls match against the man who took his title.

Once the match is finally decided on Sunday night, who will be the next superstar on Smackdown to challenge either Sheamus or Bryan for the world heavyweight championship?

From the Wrestling Observer Newsletter (via WrestlingInc.com):

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Despite WWE changing their stance on the "YES!" chants and Daniel Bryan's popularity continuing, the plan as of this past week was still for the Bryan vs. Sheamus feud to end at Extreme Rules and for Alberto Del Rio to step up and feud with Sheamus. 

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During his feuds with CM Punk and John Cena for the WWE championship, the WWE learned that they pushed Del Rio too quickly into the main event scene. This resulted in two short title runs last fall.

Following Del Rio's return from injury earlier this month, I would have liked to see the former champion have maybe a feud or two on Smackdown before being pushed into the title picture with Sheamus.

I understand that the WWE needs a heel to go against Sheamus for the world heavyweight championship. However, I still think it would have been nice to see Cody Rhodes get a chance to be a part of a title feud after his feud with the Big Show for the Intercontinental title.

Do you like the choice of Del Rio being the next in line for a shot at the world heavyweight championship, or would you have liked to see someone new making a run at the title?

Chris Humphrey is a WWE Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. Become his fan on Facebook or follow him on Twitter @_CBH_.