Update on When Daniel Bryan is Expected to Return

The latest edition of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter has provided an update on when Daniel Bryan is expected to return. While he is not expected to return for WWE’s “Battleground” PPV in July, he is being advertised locally for live events in mid-August, and is still on the “SummerSlam” card as being one of the main events of the night.

As previously reported, Bryan’s condition worsened following neck surgery, which resulted in him being stripped of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship due to his inability to perform. Bryan was originally slated to face Kane in a Buried Alive Match at “Payback” on June 1, but was deemed unfit for competition by WWE medical personnel and could not work. After being penciled in for a Stretcher Match with Kane at “Money In The Bank,” the bout was scrapped when Bryan was still not cleared by WWE doctors to compete.

Bryan now continues to rehab and work towards coming back completely healthy, how ever long that takes. Some WWE officials do not even expect Bryan to be ready to go for “SummerSlam,” although they are writing a “comeback” storyline and have a match booked for the former champion.

Prior to injury, Bryan was scheduled to defend his title against Brock Lesnar. However, now that Bryan’s status is unknown, and a new champion will be crowned on June 29, Lesnar will be facing whoever holds the gold on Aug. 17 in LA.

If Bryan is not ready to compete at “SummerSlam,” officials are stressing that he be ready to compete at “Night Of Champions.” The September PPV will be the first major event to air on the WWE Network following the expiration of the original six-month agreement that subscribers signed-up for when ordering the over-the-top service.

The company will be booking “Night Of Champions” much like they would a WrestleMania, with big name draws and multiple main events. They’re doing this with the hope that current subscribers will renew their agreement and new subscribers will sign-up to watch the event.

Bryan was the hottest superstar coming out of 2013 and going into 2014. His momentum grew to Austin-like status just before WrestleMania XXX, where Bryan won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship for the first time. WWE continues to use him name constantly on WWE television so that the crowd reacts heavily upon his return to the ring, and they would love to use his return as a subscriber-boost in August or September.

Editor’s Note:
I hate what’s happened to Bryan, but I don’t think that they need to push him back too soon. We all saw what happened with Edge and “Stone Cold” Steve Austin. Two great careers cut short due to neck injuries and the issues that exist because of them. Bryan is one of the best workers in the ring…ever. So I hope he gets 100% before returning so that his career isn’t abbreviated due to injury.