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What's the story?
Daniel Bryan is a fan favourite in WWE and whilst much of the WWE Universe wants the former WWE Champion to return to the ring in the coming months, it seems that there are still a number of factors preventing this. This means that the most recent update when it comes to his status is that it's unlikely Bryan will be a part of WrestleMania in a physical capacity.
In case you didn't know...
Daniel Bryan was forced to retire from in-ring competition more than two years ago when he revealed to the WWE Universe that a recent EEG reflex test revealed slowing and a small subacute or chronic lesion in his brain's temporoparietal region, which was why he was suffering from post-concussion seizures and it was one of the findings that led to his retirement decision.
Bryan initially wanted to work on the Independent Circuit and leave WWE altogether until he was offered the position as SmackDown General Manager which has allowed him to complete his WWE contract. Now that his contract comes to an end in April, it seems that Bryan is thinking about his future outside of WWE as well.
The WWE Universe thought that Bryan would make his return to the ring at The Royal Rumble but since this didn't happen the window for his shock return to action is becoming smaller and smaller.
The heart of the matter
Brad Shepard of BodySlam.net recently discussed Daniel Bryan's current status with the company and what his future might hold, since his contract runs out in just two months time.
He stated that a reliable source had indicated that they doubt Bryan will ever return to the ring as part of WWE. It seems that there is no evidence to indicate that he has been cleared for a return either since no one backstage in the WWE is aware that his status has changed. Whilst there is a small chance that Bryan could return to the ring, Brad noted that it would mean that this was one of the biggest secrets in company history.
Bryan himself even recently weighed in on the decision and stated:
“I assume that if I don’t wrestle by WrestleMania, I probably won’t be wrestling with WWE at all. That’s my assumption.”
What's next?
Daniel Bryan is in a prominent position on the SmackDown Live roster as the General Manager and it seems to be pointing towards a feud with Shane McMahon in the near future. But with Bryan's in-ring future currently unknown, it's hard to say what WWE's plans are for the former World Champion.
Author's take
Bryan wants to return to the ring and has even stated himself that if he can't return in WWE then he will return to the Independent Circuit. WWE know it would be a gamble to allow him to return given his medical history, so it's hard to even predict what the future will hold.
Bryan is a husband and a father which means that if he takes a bump that affects him physically then it could also impact on his family, which is why WWE is so reluctant to allow him to step back in the ring.
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