Daniel Bryan Vs. John Cena on PPV

A once and future main event?
Photo Credit: WWE.com

Monday night (in the main event no less), we got a glimpse of what could very well be one of the most memorable main event programs in the near future of WWE. John Cena wrestled Daniel Bryan for the first time. The match got gobs of time, and Bryan got gobs of offense. More importantly, Bryan showed that he has theatrics to go with his sublime in-ring ability, which is pretty much needed if you want to stay in the main event in WWE.

As with any match WWE puts on RAW, there was kvetching about it not being on pay-per-view, to which I say who the fuck cares? Then again, my feelings about great wrestling free or paid for is a whole other blog, mainly because I think said match on RAW is setting up for a possible future series of matches between the two. Whether or not the WWE Championship has been the singular focus on the show is irrelevant as it still has gotten hefty exposure during CM Punk's reign. The fact that Bryan has been challenging for said title for almost the entire summer says something about what they think of him. Moving onto Cena is a logical progression.

And to think about it, if Cena doesn't escape SummerSlam with the WWE Championship, then he'll need someone to feud with, right? They could rehash the feud with Punk, but that won't last between now and WrestleMania. Cena will need something to do, and Bryan can definitely provide a fresh feud for him in the cold winter months. The product in the ring will more than likely provide enough heat to warm up the hearts of even the grumpiest wrestling fans.

Hell, they even have a bit of longterm history to dangle as a potential carrot for a feud-starter. Remember back when Bryan was released from WWE for a short while? I know we've all tried to forget it, but before he got axed, I remember him standing over a fallen Cena and yelling at him that there's no way he was better than the former Bryan Danielson. I know WWE acts like the fans have short memories, but they've done the REALLY long term story before with another Internet favorite in Punk when he feuded with Randy Orton into Mania last year.

The evidence for the match quality is there from Monday. The two would have a lot to work with in the character department as well (as long as Cena didn't act all goofy, which isn't a guarantee). The future is looking bright in the main event, and it's all because they're giving a pale little indie guy a chance to run with the ball. Who knew?

Oh yeah, every single one of us who've been following him for his career and were excited when he signed, that's who.