Daniel Bryan Blurs Kayfabe Lines While Talking About In-Ring Return

Daniel Bryan was a favorite “indie darling” who eventually gained the love of WWE fans. His success paving the way for the current generation of WWE stars, many of whom don’t fit into the muscular stereotype you associate with pro wrestlers. Unfortunately, injuries have meant he hasn’t been able to compete with that new generation.

Even in his role as the on-screen GM of SmackDown, Bryan’s disappointment over being barred from in-ring competition is obvious. Talking Smack is theoretically a show that advances in-character storylines, but its unscripted nature means that bits of reality seep in here and there.

So when Miz antagonized Bryan last night–as usual–Daniel’s response has been turning some heads. Miz said Bryan wants to wrestle but can’t because of his head. Bryan replied “I can’t or they won’t let me? We’ll see in a year-and-a-half, we’ll see what happens.”

It’s unlikely that Bryan will wrestle again with WWE, since the company ensured that his concussion issues were explicitly discussed. Given the company’s sordid history with head trauma issues, and the ongoing lawsuit regarding concussions, and WWE’s attempt to manage their image, it’s doubtful that Bryan would return to action under them.

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So that means Bryan’s “year-and-a-half” comment would refer to the length of his WWE contract, after which he’d be free to pursue in-ring opportunities elsewhere. Whether that’s just some smart storytelling on Daniel’s part or an actual hint at what’s to come remains to be seen. But Bryan could turn up for action in Ring of Honor, New Japan, or even whatever new form TNA takes by the end of 2018.

Would you want Bryan back in the ring? Or would the questions over his medical clearance make that too risky? Let us know in the comments, or on Facebook!