John Cena is on his way to becoming a four-time United States champion and Daniel Bryan might not be far behind with another of the minor titles.
And this would be “Best for Business” for WWE. Scratch that, it would be “Exceptional for Business.”
Cena and Rusev will tangle at WrestleMania 31 in five weeks. The match isn’t set yet, but you can be sure it will be one of the matchups on a card full of intriguing bouts, albeit some a few years too late. As for Bryan, his road to WrestleMania isn’t set either, but WWE’s Thursday announcement gives him an avenue to become a first-time Intercontinental champion.
WWE said current IC champ Bad News Barrett will face “multiple opponents” in a Ladder Match at WrestleMania. Four of the participants were teased on the latest Raw: BNB, Dean Ambrose, R Truth and Dolph Ziggler. It’s likely at least two more will be added, which brings us back to Bryan.
The other matches are becoming clear: Cena-Rusev, Goldust-Stadust, Seth Rollins-Randy Orton, Undertaker-Bray Wyatt, HHH-Sting, Brock Lesnar-Roman Reigns and the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal. Aside from the teased Bryan-Sheamus rematch, there isn’t much left for the Yes Man to do. I expect the returning Sheamus could also be worked into the Ladder Match.
Bryan isn’t in the WWE World Heavyweight Championship picture currently, but he will be down the road. It’s Reigns’ time to shine with that belt, as Vince McMahon is giving him a shot to, pardon the pun, take the reins. This means the top two babyfaces, Cena and Bryan, can elevate the midcard for a while.
Having both wear the “minor titles” will immediately give legitimacy to the belts. It’s no secret WWE has booked the IC champ weakly in the past year or so. Rusev also has done a lot of crushing, but not a whole lot of defending.
Cena and Bryan would be fighting champs and put on great matches against other guys wanting to get a rub lower on the card. These matches also could build momentum on a card for Reigns to have the spotlight at the end of the night. Any momentum is good for the main guy to harness and look good when it matters (whether he does that remains to be seen).
Cena will win a 16th world title, but it’s not going to happen right now. Bryan also is in line for more big title runs, but again, I think WWE is being cautious with his return from his injury. Prior to the neck injury it was practically the Bryan show every week and he is rightfully getting a chance to work into the routine more slowly each month after returning to full-time action in January.
It would be a great thing to see both with minor titles. It would elevate the quality of each PPV, which is important with the Network and for the WWE Universe. It also would keep both occupied until they’re back in the major mix, which could be only a matter of months, but in the meantime would give WWE something fresh and creative. Both of those things are lacking in the overall product and sorely needed.
So let’s all say it together: “The champs are here!”