Daniel Bryan – One Step Up AND Down
Yes, it's possible for someone to take a step up and a step down in the same week. Hell, the same night! Honestly, that was just a catchy way to let me beat another dead horse that's always fun to debate into the ground.
I thought Daniel Bryan was great last night, hence the step up. However, the step down comes from the bigger issue at hand. The one Bryan is focusing on in his promos: Wrestling vs Entertainment.
Much like RVD and Christian before, can we try to keep some things into perspective here. Overreaction doesn't help anyone. Daniel Bryan isn't where he is because of what he can do in the ring. It may have gotten him to WWE due to all the hype, but it's not what is getting him over now that he's there.
So many fans, especially online, still want to think a wrestler's technical ability actually matters. It doesn't! How many moves Daniel Bryan can effectively pull off means zilch in the grand scheme of things.
Entertainment trumps all. There is no substitute.
Luckily for Daniel Bryan, he's also entertaining. His "Yes!" chant single-handedly got him over to an undeniable level. Much more than any "wrestling" move could do. And there's nothing wrong with that.
I love the fact he's using this angle in his promos. There's an ironic humor there, but it's believable when Bryan says it.
I'm a bit surprised Vince is allowing Bryan to take it so far. Slipping up and using the word "wrestler" is one thing, but making it your ENTIRE focus is another. I can only assume Triple H had to work his magic with that one.
I'm enjoying Bryan's work more and more these days. I'm a fan. But he still has plenty of work to do in the "entertainment" area before I'm going to tout him like others have been.
And no offense to my good friend and colleague Justin LaBar — I respect his opinions all the time — but his idea that Daniel Bryan is the first person to allow Cena a heel turn is absurd. CM Punk was plenty ready to be the heir-apparent, IF Vince wanted it. He clearly doesn't.
Daniel Bryan is great, and getting better, but he isn't ready to be the face of the WWE. Nowhere close in my mind.
