Let's be honest, the Yes Movement was already showing cracks just a month after Bryan had won the title at Mania 30. The crowd noise had lessened somewhat and Bryan seemed a bit lost as Champion. WWE creative can shoulder some blame for that, as they booked him in bland promos and contrived stories with Kane. What had been a natural story, turned into a phoney one. The fact is that Bryan's popularity is all about being the underdog. As Champion he didn't have the same surge of energy, there wasn't as much reason to get behind him. Upon returning, he's got the underdog tag back. WWE can play upon his injury and weave a compelling return to glory. But six months from now, how does that story play out? The intense popularity that Bryan enjoyed from summer 2013 to spring 2014 is very hard to maintain over a long period. His character has arguably already peaked when his goal was achieved at WrestleMania 30.
