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What's the story?
Dave Meltzer indicated on Wrestling Observer Radio (via Ringside News) that Daniel Bryan's return to in-ring action has had a noticeable effect on ticket sales for WrestleMania with the show now looking like it'll be a legitimate sell-out
In case you didn't know...
Two weeks ago the WWE announced that Daniel Bryan was cleared for in-ring competition ending his forced retirement due to injury after three years. The SmackDown Live General Manager then gave a rousing return speech, before being attacked by Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens later that night.
On this week's SmackDown Live Daniel Bryan delivered another fantastic promo and announced his first return match since being cleared to compete, a tag-team match with Shane McMahon vs Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.
The heart of the matter
Daniel Bryan's ring return taking place on the 'Grandest Stage of Them All' was sure to have some influence on ticket sales but Dave Meltzer seems to have highlighted that the presence of the man behind the Yes! Movement has been a huge boost.
WrestleMania sold a lot of tickets in the last week. They're down to under a thousand so they're going to sell out for sure. A week ago they didn't look like they were going to sell-out. That's measurable Daniel Bryan right there.
What's next?
The match is sure to be great although there remain some doubts over Shane McMahon's status who, if reports of him legitimately having diverticulitis and an umbilical hernia are to be believed, really shouldn't be wrestling in two weeks time. However, Bryan announced him as his partner this week so that still seems to be the plan at the moment.
Author's take
I truly believe Daniel Bryan's return will be looked back on as one of the biggest moments in wrestling history, so I'm not surprised that this comeback is attracting people to WrestleMania.
