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NEWARK, N.J. — Toppling the odds is, was, and always will be Daniel Bryan’s bread and butter, but Big Cass is not about to be swept aside. Even though The “Yes!” Man proved he can still shock the world when he defeated Cass at WWE Backlash to earn his first singles pay-per-view victory of his in-ring return, the seven-foot Queens native had the last word of the night thanks to a vicious post-match attack.
Cass’ ambush came at the end of a battle that Bryan had dubbed “size vs. skill” and “height vs. heart.” Since the two Superstars were cleared to return to action on the same day — Bryan with much more fanfare — Cass has made it his mission to take the spotlight from Bryan. Given his size and strength advantages, he seemed to take his win as a foregone conclusion as he tenderized Bryan’s chest with clubbing blows and administered full-body submission holds each chance he got.
The Beard was forced to essentially absorb his punishment and wait for the moment to strike, and that opening came when Cass whiffed on a big boot. Bryan connected with a kick of his own, muscled Cass down to the mat, rained blows on the seven-footer’s face and locked in the “Yes!” Lock to earn the win.
It took only moments for Cass to silence the victorious “Yes!” chants, however, as he attacked The Beard from behind, throwing him around the outside before finally dropping him with a big boot. Bryan may have won the match, but judging by the smirk on Cass’ face as he backed up the ramp, it was clear who won the night.
It was a reminder that, for all the intangibles Daniel Bryan possesses, Big Cass has a chip on his shoulder that won’t be wiped away so easily and a brutality that truly can’t be taught.