WWE Over the Limit: What's Next for Daniel Bryan After Losing to CM Punk?

WWE Over the Limit 2012 saw a strong contender for Match of the Year in the form of CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship. After going for just about 24 minutes, Daniel Bryan had Punk locked in the Yes! Lock. Punk managed to roll Bryan over and get the pinfall while still locked in the submission. Just a second after winning, Punk tapped to Bryan.

In my opinion, Daniel Bryan looked stronger in his defeat than he did throughout the entire build to their match. Many of his moves looked downright brutal. There was a handful of convincing near falls where many thought Bryan could capture the WWE Championship.

However, as close as he got, Daniel Bryan ultimately came up short. Where does the American Dragon go from here? After losing to Sheamus at WrestleMania and Extreme Rules and to Punk at Over the Limit, Bryan has lost three consecutive World Championship matches. Does he deserve another shot at the WWE Championship?

I would say yes, pun entirely intended. Bryan has arguably come closer than anyone to dethroning Punk as WWE Champion. Going in, there wasn’t much story behind this match. However, once the bell rang, Punk and Bryan told the story inside the ring.

Their match showed that Bryan and Punk know each other extremely well. For the duration of the match, the two of them went move for move with one another. While the referee’s decision named Punk the victor, the sight of Punk tapping out essentially told the audience that they’re about as even as it gets.

Whether or not it was after the match, Bryan making Punk tap more than earns him another shot at the title. He may not have won, but he proved that he is capable of taking Punk to his limits and making him submit.

Personally, I’m looking forward to another match between Punk and Bryan. Bryan deserves it and, being the champion he is, I’m sure Punk will give it to him.