Daniel Bryan formally retired from in-ring competition in February, but WWE fans may not have seen the last of the former champion between the ropes. As it’s well known that Bryan was forced to retire when WWE doctors didn’t give him medical clearance to return to in-ring competition. In recent interviews, Bryan revealed that being unable to wrestle had led to a mental breakdown.
In the latest edition of The Wrestling Observer, Dave Meltzer commented on Daniel Bryan's WWE contract and the fact that he may be able to make big money wrestling elsewhere when his deal is up.
Now that Bryan is the company's SmackDown Live General Manager, his contract will continue to tick over until a time comes when he is able to leave if he wishes. Meltzer noted in his report that Bryan could potentially make a lot more money main eventing for NJPW than he would for his GM role with WWE. He would also be able to make more money on merchandise outside the company than the small percentage he makes right now.
Even though Bryan took different opinions from various doctors before he retired, he ultimately went with the decision of the WWE medical team, but that doesn't mean he couldn't explore other avenues once his contract is up.
But the chances of Bryan wrestling in WWE is unlikely for now. However, speculation reached a fever pitch on Tuesday night after what happened on Talking Smack on the WWE Network, when Bryan called The Miz a "coward" for his wrestling style. The Miz responded that Bryan was the coward since he hasn't stepped back in a ring, be it in the WWE or another independent promotion. Moreover, due to Miz’s verbal rampage, Bryan ended up storming off the set and the show finished prematurely after something clearly hit a nerve.
If we rewind, both these superstars had issues when The Miz was Bryan's pro mentor on the first season of NXT. Moreover, WWE has used retired wrestlers in numerous storylines in the past in order to give a current Superstar more momentum.
With everything said, there won’t be any surprises if Bryan stays retired following The Miz's promo, but anything different would be a great treat for the fans.
