5 Ups & 2 Downs From WWE SmackDown (Dec 25)

3. Daniel Declares

Daniel Bryan Jey Uso
WWE.com

Let the games begin.

Daniel Bryan became the first man to declare himself for the 2021 Royal Rumble on SmackDown, and it already looks like he's a favourite to win the whole thing. In fact, Dan's quest to finally win a Rumble match could be a neat linchpin for the bout come 31 January.

The guy has made no secret of his priorities as calendars turn towards the new year. He's a doting father who enjoys spending time at home with his family - pro wrestling isn't the sole motivating factor in Dan's life these days, but that doesn't mean he's not a passionate soul who wants to be the best.

That's something WWE can use if Bryan feuds with Roman Reigns during 'Mania season. Roman would be disgusted that Daniel was willing to pick and choose between providing for family by putting food on the table or by being a happy-go-lucky stay-at-home dad.

This Rumble quest and possible Universal Title tilt has real potential.

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Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.