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Well, it's been a crazy week - even by WWE's standards. After Daniel Bryan was finally cleared to return to in-ring competition after over two years, it looked like we were heading for a WrestleMania Tag Team Match featuring Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan versus Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
Last week's SmackDown only solidified that idea, too. With Shane McMahon sidelined after a heinous attack by Owens and Zayn, Daniel Bryan was left with no choice but to fire the pair - and he then faced the brutal consequences, even being powerbombed on the apron.
With Owens and Zayn turning up at WWE Live events and cutting a promo on Shane after being fired, all signs pointed to WrestleMania - but WWE today released a statement on Shane's condition. While many would expect to hear about the "injuries" sustained at the hands of Owens and Zayn, WWE confirmed that, among other things, the commissioner is suffering from diverticulitis - the same condition that plagued Brock Lesnar's UFC career.
So, who could partner Daniel Bryan if he still goes up against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn? Here are my top five choices...
#5 Batista
Now, how would this be for a story? When Batista returned to win the Royal Rumble back in 2014, he wasn't greeted with the best of receptions - and not because he's Batista, but because he wasn't Daniel Bryan.
The WWE Universe had been clamoring for Bryan to win the Royal Rumble and headlining WrestleMania, and it was a wrong that got put right when Daniel Bryan defeated both Batista and Orton at WrestleMania XXX - but things didn't quite work out as planned for WWE.
Batista has gone on to become one of the biggest names in Hollywood, and reportedly even refused a Hall of Fame induction as he wants to return to WWE - and on a full-time schedule. Teaming up with Daniel Bryan would definitely be redemption in the finest form for The Animal, and there's no doubt he'd get an incredible pop this time round!
#4 Hulk Hogan
This is definitely an outside bet, but Hulk Hogan and WWE have reportedly been in talks regarding a return. With all of the controversy surrounding Hulk Hogan, a match with Daniel Bryan may just be the perfect solution for his comeback.
Now, it may seem unlikely, but it's one way to eradicate the inevitable boos as much as possible - and it would definitely be a night to remember if Hogan and Daniel Bryan teamed up!
#3 Vince McMahon
Who better to step in for Shane McMahon than his own dad? Now, at 72, he is no spring chicken - but I don't think there are many 72-year-olds on the planet who are in as great shape as Mr McMahon.
After being headbutted by KO in the lead-up to his son's Hell In A Cell Match with the former Universal Champion, you could say there's unfinished business between the pair, too.
While Daniel Bryan and Vince McMahon may sound like the least likely pairing ever, you truly never know in WWE!
#2 Johnny Gargano
So, this one would be a major surprise, but who better to partner Daniel Bryan than the man coined as the NEW Daniel Bryan?!
If rumors are to be believed, the recently "fired" Johnny Wrestling will face Tommaso Ciampa in an Unsanctioned Match at NXT TakeOver: New Orleans in what could be his last ever appearance between the yellow ropes.
Gargano has done it all in NXT aside from winning the gold - but that only strengthen's his "underdog" character. Being one of two men responsible for WWE's first-ever Meltzer-rated five star match in over five years was the perfect way to start the year for Gargano, but this may even eclipse that!
Well, what better way to make your main roster debut than partnering Daniel Bryan in his first match back after two long years in limbo?
This could be a huge risk from WWE, but with Gargano's popularity, it may well and truly rocket-strap Johnny Wrestling to the big time.
#1 No one
Well, Daniel Bryan is no stranger to being the underdog and pulling off major upsets on the Grandest Stage of Them All - and in New Orleans in particular.
Well, "Vacant" has been a long-term foe of Daniel Bryan, taking two titles from the Yes man when he had to relinquish due to injury - but maybe this time the non-existent Superstar could partner Daniel Bryan against Owens and Zayn.
After defeating Triple H in the opening match of the night, then Randy Orton and Batista in a Triple Threat Match at WrestleMania 30 in the same building, is it possible that Daniel Bryan could go up against Owens and Zayn in a Handicap Match and win?
YES!
What makes Sting special? His first AEW opponent opens up RIGHT HERE.
