Rumor: Vince McMahon Has Given Up on Daniel Bryan

Daniel Bryan finds himself in an interesting position on SmackDown Live. The brand is in the capable hands of AJ Styles and Bryan’s established a role as a top babyface. Bryan has done a very good job in the role, but the WWE Universe expects more from him. He wasn’t given a true opportunity to capitalize on the momentum of his return this year.

After refusing to compete at Crown Jewel for personal reasons and failing to capture the WWE Championship on SmackDown Live, Daniel Bryan is in danger of being lost in the shuffle. According to a report from RingSideNews, Bryan losing by submission is a huge indicator of his booking and WWE officials have given up on his role as a top babyface.

Related: What’s Next For Daniel Bryan?

More specifically, it’s clear that Vince McMahon booking him to tap out to AJ Styles gives off the impression that Daniel Bryan isn’t considered a top performer anymore. It’s very understandable that WWE officials were skeptical of him being able to handle the road again after three years away. He’s more than proven his metal over the past six months, but his star power hasn’t changed very much and other stars have surpassed his appeal.

The interesting dynamic of this is Daniel Bryan is being paid like a top star after signing a new contract with the company. Honestly, the WWE Universe could be taking one loss by submission too seriously. He does not need the WWE Championship to be successful, but it all depends on how Bryan is booked on SmackDown Live over the coming weeks.

AJ Styles vs. Daniel Bryan - WWE Championship Match: SmackDown LIVE, Oct. 30, 2018

The best thing Daniel Bryan can do is evolve and offer the fans something new to rally behind. The heyday of the “Yes Movement” was over four years ago. That’s an eternity in the wrestling world. He doesn’t have to turn heel, but something fresh could reignite his momentum on WWE programming and give Bryan new life to reach the top again.

Do you think Daniel Bryan has become stale?