With SmackDown’s impending move to Fox, the blue brand is no longer the “B show.” But before the switch happens, SDL is proving itself to be its show that is more than “Stuff we couldn’t fit onto Raw.” From a pure “wrestling” standpoint, SmackDown may be the superior show. Yes, Raw has Seth Rollins putting on incredible matches every Monday. But SmackDown has AJ Styles, Shinsuke Nakamura, The Usos and the two of the best wrestlers of all time meeting in a WWE ring for the first time on May 29th, Samoa Joe and Daniel Bryan.

The two indie stars turned WWE megastars will collide for a chance to enter the Money In The Bank match at the June 17th PPV. Before that, let’s get a taste of their history together.

Both Joe and Bryan trained at the Inoki Dojo in Los Angeles in the early 2000s

The two were early stars of Ring of Honor

And wrestled on super-indie cards for PWG and IWA-Mid South

Sure they’re older but expect DB and Joe to try and murder each other.

A Grappling Masterpiece

Joe and Daniel are two of the best to do it. Few wrestlers have worked as long at such a high level. They have been the top guys wherever they’ve been. These are men who do not know the meaning of an “easy night.” Don’t expect too many rest-holds and stalling. This is going to be a furious and stiff match. Expect some serious grappling holds and chokes. I don’t know who I favor winning here. A double count-out wouldn’t shock me. Personally, I think it is smarter to keep Bryan away from a dangerous ladder match, given his condition. He doesn’t need to be in a MITB match to prove his worth. Whereas putting Joe in a ladder match for the briefcase could put a confirmed killer in the running for taking out Brock or AJ Styles.

What do you think? Will you watch Bryan and Joe? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

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