CM Punk vs. Daniel Bryan: WWE Title Match Should Be Money in the Bank Main Event

The WWE Championship hasn't been defended in the main event of a pay-per-view since last year's TLC show. That's a streak which should be put to an end at Money in the Bank when CM Punk and Daniel Bryan battle for the belt.

Even though CM Punk has held the top title since last November, the WWE has made it crystal clear that John Cena is still the top dog. Since Extreme Rules in February he's been in the main event five consecutive times despite not being a champion.

Not only does that devalue CM Punk's extended title reign that will be nearly 240 days by the time he defends it against Bryan on Sunday, but it makes the WWE Championship look far less important in the grand scheme of things.

While Cena will once again be featured prominently on the card as he takes part in one of the Money in the Bank ladder matches, it's time for CM Punk and Bryan to get their chance to headline the show. They have earned that opportunity.

The longtime buddies are two of the WWE's fastest-rising talents, going from mid-card superstars to fan favorites in an extended feud for the WWE title in the span of one year. Sooner or later they need to get top billing.

Luckily, the inclusion of AJ has elevated the storyline to a level that should mean it becomes the main event. The love triangle has definitely added more intrigue and depth to the feud, making it far more interesting to the mainstream audience.

Of course, diehard wrestling fans wouldn't mind watching CM Punk and Bryan wrestle for an hour, but it's important to remember that's only a portion of the WWE Universe. The company has to appeal to a larger audience, and that's why AJ got involved.

She has actually done a really nice job in her increased role, quickly becoming one of the most important Divas in recent times. Her involvement in the match as a special guest referee also makes the outcome far more difficult to predict.

If that's not enough to push the WWE title match past Cena, nothing will. Unfortunately, the WWE tends to play it safe at big events and that's why Cena continues to be the headliner and it wouldn't be a major surprise to see him in that spot again.

Hopefully not, however. Cena has been in the spotlight long enough and can return to it at any point without missing a beat. CM Punk and Bryan are still trying to prove they deserve it, but that's impossible until they are given the opportunity.

Let them main event Money in the Bank and see what happens. I have a feeling the WWE would be pleased with the results.