Believe me, the only reason that Daniel Bryan isn't the number one choice here is because it seems logical that WWE are prepping Bryan to become one of the next torch-bearers. But even with the company putting Bryan on the push of a lifetime, the feeling is that it should have happened sooner. There's something about Bryan that connects with a crowd, and it isn't just the "Yes Movement", either. It's the clarity of who he truly is, and that's what makes people hijack events until they get what they want. They like Bryan because he's them, he's the everyman. He's a very pure, real character. In truth, Bryan has had the most organic character development of just about any wrestler brought up from NXT. He came from the indie scene with a name already in place. People knew who Bryan Danielson was, even if they didn't. Much like CM Punk, there was an aura about this king of the indies, a man who had held the ROH World Championship for 462 days. And when he finally came to the big stage, making his debut on Raw as a part of the Nexus, there was something clear about Daniel Bryan. He was gonna make it. And even though there was a roadblock when he was released for going a bit too far by choking Justin Roberts with his own tie, he eventually made his way back to the company. After winning the World Heavyweight Championship at TLC, he began what is now the most popular chant in the WWE today. The "Yes!" chant sprang out naturally, and was born from his in-ring persona. He wrestled every match like it was the biggest match ever, and fans believed it. And today, the "Yes Movement" is in full swing. But while it seems like Bryan is ready to pop, I still feel like the trigger hasn't been pulled. Perhaps that is coming at WrestleMania 30, or maybe it isn't. Regardless, while Daniel Bryan may be "the man" in the eyes of the WWE Universe, the impression is that the company still doesn't see it that way. I'm happy for Bryan, and I'm one of his biggest fans, but at this point, something has gotta happen for Bryan to truly become the next guy in line. And it's gotta happen soon.
