5 Superstars who could dethrone WWE Champion Daniel Bryan in 2019

2: Rusev

The Bulgarian does have a win over Bryan, beating him to qualify for Money in the Bank.

Already the United States Champion, it's safe to say that Rusev had been one of the most popular Superstars on SmackDown Live in 2018.

Feuding with the likes of The Undertaker and Andrade 'Cien' Almas (both feuds that the Bulgarian lost) in 2018, Rusev finished the year on a high, capturing the star-spangled title from Shinsuke Nakamura on Christmas Day.

For years, fans have been itching to see the Bulgarian get a World title, and whilst he'd not have a chance on RAW against the likes of Brock Lesnar and Braun Strowman, SmackDown may be just the place for it to happen.

Defeating Bryan, after a few more months of his heelish antics could be the perfect moment for Rusev, who, at just 33 years old, isn't showing any signs of slowing down, anytime soon.