Unbalanced logo

WWE News: Daniel Bryan Requesting "Reasonable Creative Control" In New Contract Agreement

This hefty request is being made in the contract extension that Bryan is trying to finalize with WWE. Will the WWE and Bryan part ways?

By Naz KadriPublished 6 years ago 4 min read
Like

Back in the WCW/NWO and WWE (WWF) days, there were way too many hands involved in writing and booking. A lot of which were the wrestlers, all looking out for their own interests. Hulk Hogan, would straight up refuse to work with certain individuals, refuse to lose to others. Kevin Nash and Scott Hall of the NWO basically did whatever they thought was in their interests. Even guys like Shawn Michaels, and Bret Hart... even everyone's beloved Dwayne Johnson. They say in the industry that there are a few people who get star treatment and are given that pull behind the scenes. If you make a lot of money for the company, and you are well liked by your superiors. Then you have pull. Some people, and a lot of people, used that to their advantage.

Daniel Bryan has been out for 3 years thanks to not being medically cleared by WWE doctors. Many people beleived that if he was to get medically cleared by any other doctors, that he would have left WWE and pursued contracts with other promotions. He loves wrestling that much that he would leave the WWE. After a turn of events, and just in time for Wrestlemania, Bryan was cleared. All was right in the world. Everyone was cheering "YES! YES! YES!" in unison. We had our beloved Daniel Bryan back. However, have you noticed that since his return, he has been stuck somewhere in the mid card of the shows and pay per veiws? A feud with Big Cass? Really? Bryan is quite literally the face of Smackdown Live. So why is he not feuding with AJ Styles and building that story up? Instead, we get AJ Styles vs Daniel Bryan on regular television, and a non title match to boot? I am glad we got to see that match, as it has happened many times in many promotions in the past, all over the world. So it was definitely a marquee match. However, why just give the WWE Universe a match that could have really been postponed and accompanied with a very in depth lengthy story line? That match was main event PPV material. Now that it is done. Bryan is back in the mid card and stuck there until he signs a contract extension. His current contract is up in September. Hopefully they come to an agreement before Summerslam so we can see Bryan with better placement in the story lines and event cards.

Bryan is a major star on SmackDown Live, and also a huge star on Total Bellas. He is a major star and in the past, major stars had more pull. However, under contract, in writing, to posess "reasonable creative control" sounds like a pretty substantial request. Would having this kind of power corrupt Bryan? Would he selfishly book himself in all major spots? Would he think of the company first and "what is best for business?" How does the rest of the locker room feel about this? Unknowngly, many fans would just want this given to him so they can still see their hero on WWE TV. However, this can cause a TON of backstage issues amongst other talent, if it is not handled well. Although, "reasonable creative control" could mean a lot of things. Does it mean he wants more control of what he says and does? Or more control of whether he wins or loses? Or even who he works with? Or when? Bryan is a major star, and receiving a contract extension with this stipulation would instantly put him in a very elite group backstage. Maybe he deserves to be in that group?

To be honest, I believe that Daniel Bryan, being such a big star, between SmackDown Live and Total Bellas, is too big of an asset for WWE, as a whole. The risk of losing him would cost the company a huge amount of money. Between both shows, merchandise, and the fact that people just love the guy, he can capitalize. Also from what other industry workers have to say about him, and what the WWE will do to keep a strong influence on the creative control. I am sure Daniel Bryan would perform in a professional manner and think of the company first. Most likely the WWE would have some type of veto power. More than likely, and hopefully for the sake of smooth business, this "reasonable creative control" is given, although it is monitored and controlled extensively by WWE Officials, to keep the business in mind, and what is best for it.

One can only hope that they come to an agreement soon!!

Although you can catch our favorite Goat Faced "Leader of the Yes Movement" Daniel Bryan on SmackDown Live on Tuesday nights, and moving to Fridays shortly!!

Check your local listings!

fighting
Like

About the Creator

Naz Kadri

Free Lance Pro Wrestling Analyst Also, pro wrestling/sports entertainment enthusiast for over 30 years. With a few years experience in the local independent wrestling scene.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.