World Heavyweight Champion (2011--present)
Bryan cashed in his Money in the Bank contract on December 18 at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs against Big Show, who had just defeated Henry and subsequently received a DDT onto a steel chair, which allowed Bryan to secure a pinfall victory and become the World Heavyweight Champion.[134] In the following weeks, tension was teased between Bryan and Big Show, with Big Show unhappy about Bryan taking the world championship from him, and Bryan being displeased about Big Show's lack of appreciation for Bryan's help.[135] As world champion, Bryan started being overconfident and showed signs of success going to his head.[136] Bryan's first defense of his world title was against Big Show on the January 6, 2012 episode of Smackdown, where Bryan retained his title by disqualification when he goaded Mark Henry into attacking him.[137] The following week on SmackDown, Big Show received a rematch for the title contested under no disqualification, no count-out rules. Bryan again retained his title as the rematch ended in a no contest after Big Show accidentally crashed into AJ at ringside, injuring her.[138]