WWE SmackDown has announced a blockbuster match for next week’s episode, as Daniel Bryan will face AJ Styles in a singles match. The match was made official after Bryan and Styles had a heated confrontation on Friday night, following their respective matches against The Miz and Cesaro.
Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz: A Bitter Rivalry
Daniel Bryan and The Miz have a long and bitter history, dating back to their days on NXT in 2010. The Miz was Bryan’s mentor, but he often mocked and belittled him, leading to a feud that lasted for years. The two have faced each other in several high-profile matches, such as the Intercontinental Championship match at Night of Champions 2010, the WWE Championship match at TLC 2018, and the Money in the Bank qualifying match in 2020.
On Friday night, Bryan and The Miz reignited their rivalry, as they competed in a singles match on SmackDown. The match was a back-and-forth affair, with both men showcasing their skills and determination. Bryan had the upper hand for most of the match, as he targeted The Miz’s leg with various submissions and strikes. However, The Miz managed to fight back and hit Bryan with a Skull Crushing Finale for a near-fall. The Miz then attempted to apply the Figure Four Leglock, but Bryan reversed it into the Yes Lock, forcing The Miz to tap out.
AJ Styles vs. Cesaro: A Technical Masterpiece
AJ Styles and Cesaro are two of the most talented and respected wrestlers in WWE, who have earned the admiration of fans and peers alike. Styles and Cesaro have faced each other several times in the past, such as the WWE Championship match at Fastlane 2017, the United States Championship match at SummerSlam 2019, and the Gauntlet match on Raw in 2020. Each time, they have delivered a technical masterpiece, with both men displaying their athleticism, agility, and strength.
On Friday night, Styles and Cesaro clashed once again, in a singles match on SmackDown. The match was a showcase of pure wrestling, with both men exchanging holds, counters, and strikes. Styles had the advantage for the first half of the match, as he used his speed and agility to outmaneuver Cesaro. However, Cesaro turned the tide with his power and resilience, as he lifted Styles for a series of uppercuts and slams. Cesaro then hit Styles with a Neutralizer for a near-fall. Cesaro then went for the Swing, but Styles escaped and hit him with a Phenomenal Forearm for the win.
Daniel Bryan vs. AJ Styles: A Dream Match
After their respective matches, Bryan and Styles crossed paths backstage, where they had a heated confrontation. Bryan congratulated Styles on his win, but also challenged him to a match next week. Bryan said that he wanted to prove that he was better than Styles, and that he deserved a shot at the WWE Universal Championship. Styles accepted the challenge, but also taunted Bryan, saying that he was a has-been, and that he would never beat him.
Bryan and Styles have a history of their own, as they have faced each other in some of the most memorable matches in WWE history. They first met in the WWE Championship match at TLC 2018, where Bryan retained the title after hitting Styles with a low blow. They had a rematch at the Royal Rumble 2019, where Bryan once again retained the title after interference from Erick Rowan. They had their final encounter at Money in the Bank 2020, where they competed for the vacant Intercontinental Championship in a classic match, which Styles won after a Styles Clash from the top rope.
Bryan and Styles are widely regarded as two of the best wrestlers in the world, who have excelled in every promotion they have worked for. They have similar styles, as they are both proficient in technical, high-flying, and submission wrestling. They also have similar goals, as they both want to be the WWE Universal Champion, and to main event WrestleMania. Their match next week on SmackDown will be a dream match for many fans, and a potential match of the year candidate.
