WWE: Is Daniel Bryan vs. Mark Henry for the World Title a Lock WrestleMania 28?

When it comes to Daniel Bryan’s career in WWE, there are many unanswered questions.  Is he really going to cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase at WrestleMania next year?  If so, could he possibly go over for the World Championship?  Does he really have what it takes to be a champion on the that level, in the biggest wrestling company in the world?

And, then there’s the all-time favorite question: Why is he even there in the first place?

The last one, which has been asked a thousand times over the past year or so, has some merit.

Considering Bryan’s roots, the fact that he came up in the independents and has always been considered perhaps too small for WWE, it’s still a little hard to imagine him in that environment.
Then there’s the fact that he’s such a good worker.  Not just good, but scary good.  

That’s a big deal of course, and though it’s not exactly a requirement for WWE talent to be all that good in the ring, at least not on Bryan’s level, the fact that he is that good only helps him, especially with fans.  

He’s respected for his heart and skill, and with a guy that is that talented, much of the problem he faces in Vince McMahon’s company is that at times he has to slow down.  Why?

Because let’s face it, a good number of workers that Bryan steps into a WWE ring with are not nearly as competent, as talented, as he is.  So, often times it seems as though he has to hold back, to dumb down his routine in the ring so the other guy can either keep up, or go over.

Usually, go over.

There’s another problem that many fans have, and yet another question that is bandied about on a daily basis.  

Why is Daniel Bryan constantly being given nothing?

Again, another fair question, one that is not always easily answered.

After all, every time it seems as though he is just on the verge of putting together a nice little win streak, something that will signal his ascension in the ranks of the company, he is stopped dead in his tracks.  For any other Superstar, this would be just another day at the office.  Can’t win ‘em all, right?

But, this is not just any other Superstar.  This is the 2011 WWE Money in the Bank winner.

That’s right, the little guy who can practically out-wrestle anyone in the locker room, and has no business being in the company that will only hold him down, is one three-count away from being World Heavyweight Champion.

There is no reason for him to continue losing the way he does on SmackDown.  No reason.  Not one.
OK, well, maybe one.

It’s a swerve.  The whole thing.  Daniel Bryan,  never being able to hold his head above water, the same wrestler who cannot string together a win streak to save his life, is just playing possum.

Why?

Because next year, when he makes Mark Henry tap out, it will be that much more of a big deal.
That’s right.  I said it.  Take a minute, try to digest that.  I’ll wait.

Here’s the thing.  Everyone loves the underdog.  It’s what made Sylvester Stallone a star, and in WWE terms, it’s the same story that has made Rey Mysterio a guaranteed Hall of Famer.

It’s also the story that will make everyone look at Daniel Bryan for the true star that he is, not an “almost was” who couldn’t catch a break.

Look at him.  Now look at Mark Henry.  Holy crap, right?  How could Daniel Bryan walk away from that match with anything except another loss on his record, and more fans questioning why?

Because this is WWE we’re talking about, that’s why.

Finally, an answer among all the questions.

WWE is all about drama.  The comeback story, the impossible ending, that is what makes them tick.  How many times this year alone, have you watched a WWE pay-per-view, and at some point, looked at someone in the room with you and said, “Dude, I can’t believe this!”

OK, so, maybe WWE is not always on point, but when they set their sights on making a “wow” moment happen, no one does it better.  

Don’t believe me?  How many of you out there one year ago, thought that CM Punk would now be the hottest star in the company, rivaling and arguably bigger than, John Cena?  Seriously.  Don’t mess with me, be honest.

The truth is, anything can happen between now and WrestleMania next year.  Mark Henry may or may not be dethroned for the World Championship before Bryan cashes it in, and for that matter, Bryan could actually lose the briefcase before next year, ending this whole discussion.

But, assuming Henry is still the man next year, and assuming that Bryan will still be Mr. Money in the Bank next year, then do not be surprised when the unthinkable happens.

Picture it. Mark Henry. Tapping out. To Daniel Bryan.  

One more question and I’m done.  How many of you out there, at this year’s WrestleMania, saw Daniel Bryan lose in a dark match to Sheamus, and thought that one year from then he would be World Champion and the hottest star in WWE?

Think about that one before you answer.