5 wrestlers who could be top babyfaces on Smackdown after recent events

#4 Jeff Hardy

Jeff Hardy is one of the few credible faces on Smackdown that could challenge Daniel Bryan

Not too long ago, reports suggested that Jeff Hardy was injured, leading to the reason why he ultimately dropped the United States Championship to Shinsuke Nakamura.

But over the last two months, however, he's been very active. Competing at Crown Jewel and Survivor Series, as well as his numerous matches on Smackdown with Orton, have kept him quite busy.

He might not have been too severely injured as previously believed or perhaps it was just speculation or might also still be working hurt.

Another reason why he dropped the belt to Nakamura could be because they wanted to get the belt from Orton to Nakamura without the two heels needing to feud.

Whatever the case is, Hardy is still a huge fan favorite despite his advancing age and the damage that has been done to his body.

He's viewed as one of the top stars on Smackdown, hence his inclusion in the Best in the World tournament debacle. Hardy vs. Bryan would be a good feud but would seem like the ending with Bryan winning would be a foregone conclusion.

Bryan will probably hold the belt until at least Wrestlemania 35 and he will need feuds to keep him busy until then.

A feud with Hardy is a good place-holder until the Showcase of the Immortals rolls around next April. Hardy wouldn't lose anything if he's soundly defeated by Bryan and Bryan can say he beat one of the main offenders of pandering to 'the people'.

Hardy, Rusev and Mysterio are three of the biggest fan favorites on the show and Bryan's platform as a heel champ seems like it will likely involve running down the wrestlers that the fans love.

Hardy certainly fits the bill.