Predictions for Daniel Bryan's Continued Feud with the Wyatt Family

Monday's Raw established that Daniel Bryan's feud with The Wyatt Family is destined to continue. But just where is this program going? And will it help Bryan recover after his disastrous main event push in the autumn?

Early indications aren't looking good, to be honest.

An unconscious Bryan was, of course, whisked away by Bray Wyatt, Erick Rowan and Luke Harper on last week's edition of the flagship show.

What happened to the former world heavyweight champion is still up for debate. Chief operating officer Triple H claimed in an interview with Michael Cole on Wednesday that a disoriented Bryan had later been found by WWE wandering around a nearby park.

Nikki Bella indicated something similar in a short video posted late on Monday night.

However, on SmackDown, CM Punk claimed that his tag team partner was still missing. Bray Wyatt also strongly implied in an interview on the same show that the wrestler was still his hostage.

Throw in the recent debacle about whether or not the World titles would be unified at TLC, and one is left with the distinct impression that WWE's creative team doesn't quite know what it's doing these days.

So, where is the company going with this?

Well, presumably, Bryan will resurface sooner rather than later. WWE has a depleted roster and several fresh hours of TV a week to fill. It really can't afford to have one of the best wrestlers on the roster off television for a prolonged period of time selling this kidnapping storyline.

Not to mention that reality show Total Divas—in which Bryan has a major role—would be at a loss for how to handle such a strange angle.

Besides, any storyline in which Bryan is the Wyatt Family's hostage for a long period of time can only logically end with him being brainwashed into joining the group.

While the 32-year-old may not have become the new top babyface WWE had hoped he could be during his run on top, he's still incredibly over with the fans.

For evidence, look no further than Raw's opening segment in which Triple H and Stephanie McMahon attempted to make a pay-per-view match between John Cena and Randy Orton only to be greeted with loud and resounding “Daniel Bryan” chants. Eventually it got so noticeable even Cena had to acknowledge them, albeit briefly.

As one fan noted on Twitter:

So, turning Bryan heel makes no sense whatsoever.

Of course, the Wyatt Family vs. Bryan feud presents a significant problem for WWE. F4Wonline noted on Saturday evening that Bryan and Bray look set to collide in a singles bout at TLC.

If Bryan is to regain some of his main event credibility and have momentum heading into next year's Royal Rumble, doesn't he have to pick up the victory here?

Then again, a win for Wyatt is crucial if the NXT star is to continue climbing the card. A loss in his first high-profile bout could be disastrous for him.

Have WWE writers painted themselves into a corner here? Hey, it would hardly be the first time.

Let's hope, assuming the match does happen on the pay-per-view, the writing team have some idea of just how they're going to get out of this one.