Fans who wanted Big E to finally get the big singles push can partially thank Daniel Bryan.
With Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods sidelined earlier this year, Big E ventured on his own on SmackDown. The singles run led to a feud with Sheamus that culminated in a well-received Falls Count Anywhere match. New Day was split in the 2020 WWE Draft with Kingston and Woods going to Raw while Big E remained on SmackDown.
Speaking to The Gorilla Position, Big E discussed the creative process on SmackDown and how Daniel Bryan went to bat for him.
"With the Sheamus program, we talked about ideas like new music and new presentation for me and we talked about 'when is the right time to play it?' and we never got around to it because I hadn't been in the arena for a few months because a lot of our stuff happened backstage until we had the match. With SmackDown, we don't have as many segments to fill. We're afforded the luxury of being able to do a little more creative stuff. I'm not entirely sure the differences between the Raw and SmackDown creative team, but the nice part is I feel like I have a voice with the SmackDown creative team. We're able to go back and forth with ideas and they're actually listening. Also, I have to give credit to Daniel Bryan. The idea for the solo run was from him. He's the reason. Not just, 'Hey, Big E...' he's actually part of the process and he's the one who said, 'This is what we should do with Big E.' It feels like an environment where I do have a voice and I get to do what I want by any means," he said.
It was reported by the Wrestling Observer earlier this year that Bryan and Edge had significant creative influence and were part of the writing teams for their respective brands.
Bryan recently returned to television after taking time away to be with his wife Brie Bella and their newborn. On the most recent edition of Talking Smack, Bryan said this will be his last run as a full-time wrestler. You can find his full comments by clicking here.
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