With a coveted spot in the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match on the line, Daniel Bryan took on Rusev in the main event of SmackDown LIVE.
With Aiden English hovering at ringside, Bryan and Rusev engaged in a knock-down, drag-out brawl as Bryan attempted to build on the momentum of his win over Big Cass at WWE Backlash while simultaneously fighting through the injuries he suffered during the seven-footer’s blindside attack after the bout.
Rusev barreled down on Bryan with a barrage of strikes, and Aiden English was there to get Rusev out of dodge when he needed it most. In the match’s pivotal moment, Bryan, who’s ribs were clearly worse for wear after all the punishment he’s suffered over the past several weeks, charged Rusev, but The Super Athlete nailed him square in the compromised body part. The Super Athlete followed up with a kick square to Bryan’s jaw for the win to claim his place in the Men’s Money in the Bank Ladder Match.