WWE News: Daniel Bryan comments on his in-ring future
What's the story?
SmackDown general manager, Daniel Bryan, who has been out of in-ring action since 2015, recently went to an NHL Hockey game between the New Jersey Devils and Edmonton Oilers.
Daniel had gone to the game to promote SmackDown Live which will be taking place at the Prudential Center on 19 December 2017.
Although not a huge hockey fan, Bryan enjoyed the experience and even talked about his future in the pro-wrestling industry, most notably, a return to in-ring action soon.
In case you didn't know...
Daniel Bryan, whose real name is Bryan Lloyd Danielson, joined WWE in 2010 after having made a huge name for himself on the independent circuit.
Bryan was a part of the first season of NXT and the iconic faction 'Nexus', but due to a violent incident with announcer Justin Roberts, Daniel was soon released.
Daniel Bryan returned to the WWE later that year and went on to win the US Championship and World Heavyweight Championship. He became a fan-favourite of the WWE Universe during his stint as the Tag Team Champion along with Kane, known as “Team Hell NO”.
In 2013-14, Bryan started feuding with “The Authority” which gave rise to the “Yes Movement” leading to Bryan capturing the WWE Championship at Wrestlemania 30.
Unfortunately for Bryan, he suffered a major injury soon after and another concussion-related injury forced Bryan to retire from in-ring action.
The heart of the matter
Daniel has in the past hinted at an in-ring return even if it won't be for WWE. He has received clearance to get back in action from various doctors, however, WWE seems unkeen to take any kind of risk in this case.
Here is an excerpt from the interview he gave to 'the Trentonian':
“All my tests have come back fantastic, better than people who have never had any concussion-type stuff. But it’s a weird thing. We’re in a weird situation politically with the climate around concussions; right now, it’s very difficult. WWE would love to have me back, but is that the smart thing for me as a business to bring me back? If I was to come back, and they let me back, would they get a lot of flak for it? They have a ton of stockholders that they’re responsible for. It’s more than just, ‘Is he healthy to do it?’
What's next?
With Bryan trying everything in his power to get back into the squared circle as soon as possible, we can only hope that we get the opportunity to see the current SmackDown GM in action sooner rather than later.
Even if the WWE does not clear Bryan for in-ring action, there are a lot of options open for him such as NJPW, ROH or even Impact Wrestling.
Author's take
With Daniel Bryan's contract with the WWE ending in 2018, I feel it is highly likely that he will look to join a promotion that will allow him to wrestle rather than stick with the WWE in a non-competing role.
Daniel is a fan-favourite and fans all around would rejoice with the possibility of seeing this great athlete in action once again.