Opinion

Can Daniel Bryan Save WWE SmackdownLive?

Published

7 years ago

April 4, 2018

Just two short weeks ago, the WWE Universe was shaken to its core when the announcement was made that Daniel Bryan had been medically cleared to wrestle once again. It was the culmination of a long and arduous journey for Bryan, who had spent 3 years seeking medical advice from all over the world in an attempt to do what he loves more than anything else. But ultimately, it was the start of another journey, one which should see Bryan transition from his role of being General Manager of SDLive to return to the role he suits best. WWE Superstar.

The timing of Bryan’s return couldn’t have come at a better time, with SDLive viewing figures dropping and the overall quality of the product taking a huge nosedive over the last 12 months. The blue brand has struggled for a long time in terms of star power, outside of the obvious AJ Styles, and Bryan’s return as the top babyface would undoubtedly bring viewers flooding back in. Bryan’s road back to in ring competition will begin at WrestleMania 34 in just 5 days time, where he will be teaming up with Shane McMahon to take on Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, seeking revenge against the heels for taking them both out in recent weeks. Hopefully this will be Bryan’s last appearance as GM. WWE’s obsession with authority taking centre stage is overplayed and outdated, and while it may be less of an issue over on RAW, there is no doubt that a large part of SDLive’s issues have come from an over reliance on giving Shane TV time and main event feuds. There is simply no reason to keep Bryan in the role any longer, as in terms of storyline it will make no sense after Mania and he can be utilised much better as the face of the brand.

Daniel Bryan

One of the biggest problems for SDLive has been its lack of star power in comparison to RAW. Outside of AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura and the incredible tag team division, the blue brand has a roster full of average mid card talent and jobbers whereas RAW boast a roster full of the likes of Braun Strowman, Roman Reigns, Seth Rollins and Brock Lesnar. Hell, even the mid card superstars on RAW could feasibly be top guys on Smackdown. If there is anyone who can help to restore some sort of balance between the two main rosters, Daniel Bryan is that guy. The buzz and excitement around his return is absolutely huge, and seeing him return to the SDLive roster as a permanent fixture involved in high quality feuds could do wonders to get people interested once again in a show which only a year ago could have easily claimed to be THE show.

There is clearly a ton of interest in seeing Bryan return to the ring and WWE would be foolish not to capitalise on this. When Bryan made the announcement of his long awaited and much fantasised return, YouTube absolutely lit up, with the segment generating 1.7 million views. Only one hour later, the show closing segment with Owens and Zayn’s kayfabe firing was even more popular, amassing three million views. Bryan’s return was also most likely the catalyst for SmackDown’s viewing figures, returning to their highest for over a year after struggling badly throughout 2017/18.

Daniel Bryan

The most impressive thing about Bryan is that despite his unfortunate early retirement, his popularity never dropped for a single second. Nobody ever forgot about him, largely thanks to the ever-popular YES! chants, and he continued to be a top merchandise mover. It could be argued that even 3 years on from his last official match, he is just as popular as ever if not even more so. He is still consistently in receipt of the biggest and loudest crowd reactions in all of WWE, eclipsing even the biggest fan favourites Strowman and Rusev. WWE is a money making business first and foremost, so a permanent return for Bryan would no doubt be a very lucrative one for the company and it is almost certain that he would go straight to the top of the merchandise sales charts once again. With his popularity clearly not set to fade away any time soon, WWE need to pounce on this opportunity at a time where there are virtually no white hot babyfaces left in the company outside of Johnny Gargano in NXT.

Bryan is exactly what WWE need right now, and while Smackdown would be the biggest beneficiaries of his permanent fixture, his impact could help to ease some of the companies other fears. WWE find themselves at a crossroads with multiple superstars right now, with John Cena looking likely to be taking yet another lengthy hiatus. the Roman Reigns experiment still not paying off, AJ Styles is strongly rumoured to be switching over to RAW and there isn’t a clear-cut top guy ready to take over as the face of the blue brand. Nakamura is over with the fans but continues to flatter to deceive, Rusev isn’t quite the complete package yet and… well that’s about it really. Well that was until a couple of nights ago, when Bryan strongly hinted a number of times that his reign as GM may be coming to an end.

Daniel Bryan

These words get thrown around too much these days, but the simple fact remains that as long as he hasn’t picked up any ring rust during his time away, Bryan is quite simply one of the best in-ring performers on the planet at this moment in time. The superlatives don’t end there though as D Bry is far and beyond one of the most over stars of his generation, up there with the likes of Stone Cold during the Attitude Era, and a world class overall performer both inside and outside of the ring. There is no reason whatsoever why Bryan should not be treated as one of the top guys in the entire company and certainly as one of the top guys on the blue brand upon his return. Not only would Bryan give Smackdown the star power it needs, it would also bring the added benefit of not needing to draft anyone over from RAW to replace Styles. Sure, trading Seth Rollins or Finn Balor to replace AJ sounds great on the surface but how much better does it sound to draft them over to a show which includes Daniel Bryan?

WWE have a history of making bad decisions, wasting talent and failing to strike while the iron is hot. This is one opportunity far to big to miss. Nobody can say for sure how big of an impact Bryan will have, but if history is any indication, it should be a pretty safe bet that his return change the landscape of WWE forever. It was fun while it lasted, but Daniel Bryan is not an authority figure. He spent his best years in WWE fighting against those very tyrants in an attempt to fulfil his dreams.

Do we want to see Daniel Bryan as general Manager anymore? No. Do we want to see the bearded one back where he belongs as a WWE superstar? YES! YES! YES!

About Chairshot Radio Network

Launched in 2017, the Chairshot Radio Network presents you with the best in sports, entertainment, and sports entertainment. Wrestling and wrestling crossover podcasts + the most interesting content + the most engaging hosts = the most entertaining podcasts you’ll find!

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Up Next

Outside Interference: WrestleMania with Denise Salcedo!

Don't Miss

WrestleMania 26: Demolition Derby in the Desert

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Money In The Bank

Extra, extra read all about it… Chairshot Staff picks are in!!!

Published

2 weeks ago

June 6, 2025

PC Tunney

Sing it with me… money money money money moneeeeeeeeeyeeeeee… everybody’s got a price! MONEY IN THE BANK is here!!! How money will our staff picks be?!?

AJ – Roxanne Perez
Andrew – Stephanie Vaquer – *Bubba Sparxxx Impression* I don’t tell stories, I let them tell theyself.
Dave – Guilia – A stacked field but I just like her here.
DJ – Naomi
DPP – Roxanne Perez
Jason – Alexa Bliss
Patrick – Roxanne Perez
Rey – Naomi – If Naomi loses, we riot!
Rob – Naomi
Greg – Alexa Bliss – Bliss has had huge reactions since returning and is moving a ton of merch. While I can see them wanting to build Roxanne Perez, Giulia, or Stephanie Vaquer, I think Alexa Bliss.

Tunney’s Take: Rhea Ripley – I’ll make my case short and sweet… Mami in the Bank! You can’t leave that money on the table.

Chairshot Pick – Tie – Naomi 3 & Roxanne Perez 3 (Alexa Bliss 2, Giulia 1, Rhea Ripley 1, Stephanie Vaquer 1)

AJ – LA Knight
Andrew – El Grande Americano – Feels correct given his push and the fact he’s over.
Dave – Seth Rollins – Got to push that new faction.
DJ – LA Knight
DPP – El Grande Americano
Jason – LA Knight
Patrick – Solo Sikoa
Rey – LA Knight – Looks like another push, and he does have history with Cena.
Rob – Solo Sikoa
Greg – Seth Rollins – This company is extremely high in the El Grande Americano gimmick, but this match comes down to Seth Rollins or LA Knight. Given the Rollins storyline, it’s his briefcase to win.

Tunney’s Take: El Grande Americano – Picture this: Chad Gable wins the AAA Mega Championship and El Grande Americano wins MITB! WHAT A SATURDAY in LA!!!

Chairshot Pick – LA Knight 4 (El Grande Americano 3, Seth Rollins 2, Solo Sikoa 2)

AJ – Becky Lynch – Sadly
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I still don’t care about Lyra.
Dave – Lyra Valkyria – Starting to warm up to her and Becky has a lot to do with that.
DJ – Lyra Valkyria
DPP – Becky Lynch
Jason – Becky Lynch
Patrick – Lyra Valkyria
Rey – Becky Lynch – Put some fire on the Irish Beef.
Rob – Becky Lynch
Greg – Becky Lynch – I don’t think you do a rematch here just to have Becky lose again. Unless Bayley shows up to help Lyra.

Tunney’s Take: Becky Lynch – A big part of me feels that winning this title checks off a major box for Becks in her HOF career.

Chairshot Pick – Becky Lynch 8-3

AJ – Cena & Paul
Andrew – Rhodes & Uso – Easy way for Cena to lose without eating the pinfall.
Dave – Rhodes & Uso – Get the QB back on the winning track.
DJ – Rhodes & Uso
DPP – Rhodes & Uso
Jason – Cena & Paul
Patrick – Cena & Paul
Rey – Rhodes & Uso – Heels usually lose these kinds of matches. Logan takes the pin.
Rob – Cena & Paul
Greg – Rhodes & Uso – I hope Jey isn’t an afterthought here like Cody was last fall when he was paired up with Roman. I think Cody pins Cena to set up Cody-Cena 2 at SummerSlam.

Tunney’s Take: Cena & Paul – I don’t think Cena is involved in another loss until he loses the WWE Championship. I also think Logan Paul is NOT done trying to capture Jey Uso’s World Heavyweight Championship. …Travis Scott in the house?

Chairshot Pick – 6-5 Rhodes & Uso

In closing I want to thank everyone on the panel for participating with their picks! You can follow each prognosticator/podcaster on X @ the handles below. We all enjoy Pro Wrestling so remember three things… be respectful of others, comparison is the thief of joy and HAVE FUN!

AJ – @PhenomenalAJB
Andrew – @IWCWarChief
Dave – @AttitudeAgg
DJ – @TheMindlessPod
DPP – @itsmeDPP
Jason – @JediFett
Patrick – @WrestlngRealist
Rey – @itsreycash
Rob – @rbonne1
Greg – @gregdemarco44
PC – @PCTunney
TheChairshot.com – @ChairshotMedia

prowrestlingtees.com/TheChairshot – a PLETHORA of GREAT designs…MAKES A GREAT GIFT!

About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY – Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY – 4 Corners Podcast (sports)

WEDNESDAY – The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY – POD is WAR (Los Tres Friends)

FRIDAY – DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY – The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY – Keeping the news ridiculous… The Oddity / The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE’s PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS…IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O’Dowd’s 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network
Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts… Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Listen on your favorite platform!

iTunes | iHeart Radio | Google Play | Spotify
Listen, like, subscribe, and share!

About Chairshot Radio Network

MONDAY - Bandwagon Nerds (entertainment & popular culture)

TUESDAY - Musical Chairs (music) / Hockey Talk (NHL)

WEDNESDAY - The Greg DeMarco Show (wrestling)

THURSDAY - Keeping the news ridiculous... The Oddity / Chairshot NFL (NFL)

FRIDAY - DWI Podcast (Drunk Wrestling Intellect)

SATURDAY - The Mindless Wrestling Podcast

SUNDAY - The Front and Center Sports Podcast

CHAIRSHOT RADIO NETWORK PODCAST SPECIALS

Attitude Of Aggression Podcast & The Big Five Project (chronologically exploring WWE's PPV/PLE history)

TheChairshot.com PRESENTS...IMMEDIATE POST WWE PLE REACTIONS w/ DJ(Mindless), Tunney(DWI) & Friends

Patrick O'Dowd's 5X5

Classic POD is WAR

Chairshot Radio Network Your home for the hardest hitting podcasts... Sports, Entertainment and Sports Entertainment!

All Shows On Demand

Let us know what you think on social media @ChairshotMedia and always remember to use the hashtag #UseYourHead!

Opinion

Chairshot Staff Picks: Backlash St. Louis

Chairshot Staff picks!!!

Published

1 month ago

May 9, 2025

PC Tunney

May is upon us and with that, so is Backlash from St. Louis! What does the first PLE after WrestleMania have in store for the WWE Universe? Let’s see if the Chairshot Staff can properly interpret the crystal ball of rasslin’ future.

AJ – Pat MacAfee – Gunther has to start losing control and who better than an announcer.
Andrew – Pat MacAfee – Goldberg getting involved does seem correct here.
Dave – Gunther – He’s not losing to a broadcaster.
DJ – Gunther – Pat is sent to the shadow realm until football season is over.
DPP – Gunther – Post match beat down leads to Pat time off.
Jason – Gunther – One massive spot and or bump from Pat.
Patrick – Gunther
Rey – Gunther – RIP MacAfee, t’was a good life.
Rob – Gunther
Greg – Pat MacAfee – Why? Goooooldbeeerrrrrgggggg!

Tunney’s Take: Gunther – Seems like the right pick here. Pat may be getting some time off and Gunther needs more heat.

Chairshot Pick – GUNTHER 8-3

AJ – Lyra Valkyria – Becky’s hopefully putting her over, still mad about Dakota.
Andrew – Becky Lynch – I have no real interest in Lyra currently.
Dave – Becky Lynch – Lyra is boring AF!
DJ – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley interferes.
DPP – Becky Lynch – Becky cheats and steals the title.
Jason – Lyra Valkyria – Bayley costs Becks.
Patrick – Becky Lynch
Rey – Becky Lynch – Story needs to jump up a bit, Becky Charlotte’s Lyra.
Rob – Lyra Valkyria
Greg – Becky Lynch – It’s been fun, Lyra. (It kinda hasn’t)

Tunney’s Take: Lyra Valkyria – Bayley’s interference should set up some type of program with Becky as we head towards Summer(Slam).

Chairshot Pick – BECKY LYNCH 6-5

AJ – Jacob Fatu – Great way to put him over w/ two former WHCs and LA Knight.
Andrew – Jacob Fatu – He’s Jacob Fatu!
Dave – Jacob Fatu – Too soon to pull the belt off him.
DJ – Jacob Fatu – Priest and LA can’t decide who’s is bigger.
DPP – Jacob Fatu – Your hardcore match, tables and chairs involved.
Jason – Jacob Fatu – The Champ retains due to or in spite of Solo.
Patrick – Jacob Fatu
Rey – Jacob Fatu – All gas. No brakes. Ain’t losing.
Rob – Jacob Fatu
Greg – Jacob Fatu – Someone from The Samoan Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Jacob Fatu – Uncle Mo is on Fatu’s side and other than Knight, I don’t see Drew or Priest holding the US title in the current circumstances of this title’s landscape.

Chairshot Pick – JACOB FATU 11-0

AJ – Dominic Mysterio – Judgement Day shenanigans just leading up to Finn turning on Dom later.
Andrew – Penta – Dom’s fine having a short reign, could also work for pushing AAA.
Dave – Dominic Mysterio – He’s probably more over than Penta.
DJ – Dominic Mysterio – Dirty Dom takes home the gold and the girl.
DPP – Dominic Mysterio – Big Head helps Dom pull out the win.
Jason – Dominic Mysterio – By hook and crook.
Patrick – Dominic Mysterio
Rey – Dominic Mysterio – Latino Heat keeps burning. Finn gets closer to the edge.
Rob – Dominic Mysterio
Greg – Dominic Mysterio – Someone from The Guerrero Dynasty ain’t winning a title just to drop it.

Tunney’s Take: Dominic Mysterio – That belt looks good with the king of chicken tendys. I can see Penta and Rey reforming as a tag team sooner than later.

Chairshot Pick – DOMINIC MYSTERIO 10-1

AJ – John Cena – Why? Cena wins, lol.
Andrew – John Cena – Shenanigans ensue so it’s not a clean win.
Dave – John Cena – The last time is now.
DJ – John Cena – Randy hears voices telling him he needs an Attitude Adjustment.
DPP – John Cena – Cena tries to cheat but the ref doesn’t call for a DQ.
Jason – John Cena – Nefarious means, Randy not ready for Evil John Cena.
Patrick – John Cena
Rey – John Cena – Cena just counting down the dates. Should be fun though.
Rob – John Cena
Greg – John Cena – You know they want Cody to be the hero in the end.

Tunney’s Take: Randy Orton – Once upon a time Randy got himself intentionally disqualified and it cost John. Saturday, history repeats itself with a 180-degree twist. Cena retains via Orton DQ victory. This time, Travis Scott’s appearance takes care of that task.

Chairshot Pick – JOHN CENA 10-1