PREVIEW: Daniel Bryan vs. Wade Barrett

Wade Barrett will battle Daniel Bryan this Sunday at SummerSlam. And though the two determined Superstars have come a long way since WWE NXT season one, their resentment for each other has only grown hotter.

The renewed animosity between the two grapplers began on the July 22 edition of SmackDown, when Daniel Bryan made a stunning announcement to the WWE Universe. Rather than employ the element of surprise by cashing in his SmackDown Money in the Bank contract without warning – a widely used tactic, criticized by many – Bryan heroically revealed the exact moment he would use the opportunity. That moment would be WrestleMania XXVIII in Miami. (WATCH)

The following week, Wade Barrett took issue with Bryan’s actions. Feeling that it should have been him that triumphed at the WWE Money in the Bank pay-per-view, he belittled the subject of his scorn, making it clear that Bryan was nothing compared to him. When Bryan emerged to respond, Barrett attacked him. His resilient prey quickly turned the tables, however, cinching in the LeBell Lock on the English Superstar. (WATCH)

But, on the Aug. 12 edition of SmackDown, moments after Bryan was defeated by fellow Money in the Bank briefcase holder Alberto Del Rio, the devious Barrett seized his chance at revenge. Without warning, he mounted post-match assault on his war-torn adversary with an earth-shattering Wasteland.(WATCH)

Although Barrett is convinced that Bryan has no business playing at his level, both Superstars have accomplished a tremendous amount since their days in WWE NXT. Barrett has come into prominence as Intercontinental Champion and changed the very landscape of WWE with both The Nexus and The Corre. Bryan has held the United States Championship and, of course, captured the coveted Money in the Bank briefcase – a distinct advantage toward greatness since every Superstar that has cashed in that particular opportunity has walked away with a World Title. But, for all the ways they have evolved, the disdain they feel for each other has remained.

Once walking on a similar path toward prominence in the squared circle, Wade Barrett and Daniel Bryan split, chasing down their respective destiny in completely different directions. And now, their roads have once again collided with each other en route to SummerSlam. And before either Superstar can travel any further, they must settle things between themselves.

Who will reign supreme? Find out when the Biggest Event of the Summer comes to L.A., Sunday Aug. 14 at 8/5 PT, only on pay-per-view.