From the WWE Rumor Mill: Daniel Bryan's Status for the Royal Rumble Match

What’s the Story?

Fans are anticipating the in-ring return of Daniel Bryan to competitor’s side of the professional wrestling world and many are wondering whether that return will take place in the WWE.

Bryan was recently one of the betting favorites to win the Men’s Royal Rumble match, but the SmackDown General Manager has not been cleared to compete according to a report published by the Wrestling Observer Newsletter.

In Case You Didn’t Know

2016 marked the end of Bryan’s in-ring career in the WWE, but the former WWE Champion has been very clear about returning to the squared circle. Bryan has said in previous interviews that he would like to resume his wrestling career in the WWE, but would be more than willing to continue his career on the independent scene.

The Heart of the Matter

The report from the Wrestling Observer said that Bryan has not been medically cleared nor does the company anticipate him being cleared to compete at the Royal Rumble this Sunday.

The storyline between himself and SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon suggest that a major confrontation is expected to happen soon that will factor into WrestleMania plans. Bryan’s return to the ring was heavily speculated stemming from this angle, but it seems more likely that he won’t compete.

Bryan has received mainstream media coverage from the U.K. regarding his possible in-ring return along with many fans believing that Bryan’s in-ring return is the big surprise expected for the Royal Rumble.

Roman Reigns is one of the biggest favorites to win the Royal Rumble to cement the plans of his Universal Championship match against Brock Lesnar, but the belief is that he won’t win the Rumble to set up the match.

The next pay-per-view will be the Elimination Chamber and will be exclusive to the Raw roster. With that in mind, the belief amongst many is that Reigns will become the No.1 Contender at the Elimination Chamber and a SmackDown Superstar will win the Royal Rumble.

What’s Next?

Bryan's contract with WWE is rumored to end at some point in September 2018 and the interest in his in-ring return will only increase as WWE approaches WrestleMania.

Author’s Take

It seems fans will have to wait until Bryan leaves the WWE to see him return to the ring unless there really is a secret storyline in place – which is highly doubtful.