Daniel Bryan is one of WWE’s most beloved Superstars. Portrayed as the underdog, Bryan would have to overcome various obstacles in order to achieve success in WWE. However, his career was soon cut short due to concussions. Since his retirement, Daniel has remained a key player in the WWE with his role as Smackdown’s general manager. But according to recent reports, Bryan could be making a return to the squared circle very soon.
Bryan's wrestling career
Like many wrestlers, Bryan got his start on the independent circuit. Wrestling under his real name Bryan Danielson, he made his mark by working for promotions such as Ring of Honor and New Japan Pro-Wrestling.
After nearly a decade wrestling on the independent scene, he signed on to WWE in the summer of 2009.
Upon signing with WWE, his name was switched to the now famous moniker Daniel Bryan. He made his television debut on NXT, where he competed against Wade Barrett, Justin Gabriel, Heath Slater, and Husky Harris for a WWE contract. Despite losing on NXT, Bryan would soon become a main staple of WWE television.
One of his first feuds on the WWE roster was against The Miz, which cumulated in Bryan winning the United States Championship from the A-list star. Bryan’s popularity continued to grow following his feud with The Miz. His next storyline saw him involved in a romantic storyline with AJ Lee, in which he was portrayed as heel.
It was also during this time that he won the World Heavyweight Championship when he cashed in his Money In the Bank contract against his good friend The Big Show. However, Bryan would lose the championship less than four months later in a match against Sheamus.
Daniel’s shot at winning the WWE championship would come again in August 2013 when he beat John Cena at Summerslam.
But Bryan’s reign only lasted a few seconds before Randy Orton cashed in his Money In the Bank contract. Following his lose; Daniel was involved in a feud with Orton and The Authority, who didn’t see him as a true champion. The feud finally came to a head at Wrestlemania 30 when Daniel beat Triple H in order to be included in the championship main event.
Later that evening, Bryan faced Randy Orton and Batista in a Triple Threat to win the coveted championship.
His retirement
Daniel’s WWE dreams would soon come to an end. A neck injury along with a series of concussions cut short his wrestling career. On February 8, 2016 during an episode of RAW, Bryan tearfully announced his retirement. The crowd applauded Bryan for all his work in WWE and shouted his now famous “Yes” catchphrase.
Following his retirement, Daniel settled down to married life with his wife Brie Bella. In May 2017, their daughter Birdie Joe was born. The couple is featured in as top stars in the reality shows Total Divas and Total Bellas.
In July 2016, Bryan made his return to WWE television when he was announced as the new general manager of Smackdown.
In backstage and in-ring segment, Bryan is often seen verbally sparring with the superstars or consulting with Shane McMahon about matches. Daniel’s new role was a welcome surprise to fans, who missed seeing the star on the screen.
Return to the ring?
Despite his retirement from in-ring competition, Daniel Bryan has been very vocal about his desire to wrestle again. He’s stated that he’s consulted with various doctors, who have given him the approval to step back into the squared circle. With his contract set to expire in the coming year, Bryan plans to wrestle again whether it’s for WWE or another promotion.
There have been hints on television that Daniel could very well be in for one last WWE match.
This has given fans hope about seeing him in the ring again. However, despite the hints, recent rumors suggest that WWE hasn’t cleared him to wrestle. Due to their strict medical policy, it appears that WWE won’t be the place that Daniel wrestles for.
Fans of Daniel Bryan will have to wait to see what the wrestler’s plans are for 2018. Will WWE finally clear him to wrestle? Will he stay with the company in a non-wrestling role? Or will he jump ship to another wrestling promotion?
