6 Things WWE subtly told us on SmackDown: Big mistake in Roman Reigns' feud, Another rematch set for Royal Rumble (January 1st, 2021)

#4 What is Daniel Bryan's current role on SmackDown?

Hip shaking

Daniel Bryan was seen before SmackDown backstage with Chad Gable and Otis. They were training while Chad Gable had resumed his coaching role. While what they were doing was admittedly funny, the trio got belittled by the former SmackDown Tag Team Champions Cesaro and Shinsuke Nakamura.

Of course he caught him.Of course he did! 💪 💪#SmackDown @WWECesaro @WWEDanielBryan pic.twitter.com/BEKXor0sj2

— WWE (@WWE) January 2, 2021

It led to a tag team match later that night, where Daniel Bryan and Otis faced Cesaro and Nakamura. Of course, Bryan and Otis ended up winning with Gable in their corner.

While it had no significance on any storyline on SmackDown, it appears to be WWE's way of warming Daniel Bryan up for the Royal Rumble 2020. He has been largely inactive on SmackDown during the COVID-19 pandemic, and he's entering a different stage of his career.

They're just 3 amigos... and it's all about the HIPS!@WWEDanielBryan and @otiswwe pick up the win on #SmackDown! @WWEGable pic.twitter.com/SODYHO9G7y

— WWE (@WWE) January 2, 2021

While we certainly can't expect him to win the Royal Rumble 2021, he will still hold an important role on SmackDown. It will be interesting to see how things play out. Also, we noticed that WWE is still making a big effort to put Otis on regular TV on SmackDown.