Daniel Bryan Claims CM Punk’s Departure Essentially Led to His Current Position as Champion

In the latest edition of the popular podcast, “Talk Is Jericho,” WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan claims CM Punk’s departure essentially led to his current position as champion. Bryan joined podcast host and former champion Chris Jericho for the first part of their conversation on May 14, discussing his current reign as “the” guy, personality tests performed by WWE executives, and how Punk quitting the business led to Bryan getting his chance to win the title at WrestleMania XXX.

Jericho talks to Bryan about how guys like himself, Bryan, Eddie Guerrero, Shawn Michaels, and Bret Hart had to really work hard at getting chances at the top of the WWE food chain, mainly due to their size and looks. Upon asking Bryan when he felt like a shift for him was made, and he felt like the company finally viewed him as a “top guy,” Bryan claims that he didn’t feel that way. He thinks he was chosen following the departure of Punk to fill a void. 

Bryan says,

“You know what, it’s interesting. It wasn’t that I necessarily that I felt a shift. To lead to the WrestleMania moment, it was essentially after Punk quit. It was like, ‘Well, we’ve got John [Cena] and we’ve got eeeeeeeh.'”

Bryan then goes on to discuss that he believes his current booking is due to circumstance. He also discusses the chances of Sami Zayn and Titus O’Neil getting over, having time on a three-hour broadcast to actually perform great matches as opposed to being rushed, the evolution of the wrestling business, and more.

Part two of Jericho’s conversation with Bryan will be released on May 16. 

Editor’s Note:
I love hearing Bryan’s honesty. He literally feels like he still doesn’t have the support from WWE executives and understands that he’s merely where he is because of the lack of headline talent the company has at the moment. Sad to know that the WWE WORLD HEAVYWEIGHT CHAMPION doesn’t feel like the company heads have his back. Reminds me of Mick Foley’s career.