7 Ups & 1 Down From WWE SmackDown (May 1)
4. Bryan's Steadfast Focus On Corbin's Leg
Then, typically, Bryan showed why he's one of the best workers in the business by putting on a clinic of storytelling and psychology with Corbin (who also did his part). Throughout the match, Daniel repeatedly came back to Corbin's leg and tried to cut off his size advantage by chopping the bigger man down.
This served multiple purposes.
First of all, it just made sense that he'd want to restrict Corbin's God-given advantage. Secondly, injuring the man's leg and ankle could severely hamper Corbin's chances of climbing the ladder on 10 May and winning MITB. Thirdly, it came out like Bryan was trying to avenge what happened to Gulak last week by causing maximum pain.
Michael Cole and Corey Graves deserve plaudits for drawing attention to the logic behind this, constantly noticing Bryan's limb-focused attacks and subtly putting over that each kick was also to ensure Bryan didn't get caught with one of the 'King's' punches.