Daniel Bryan: Yes or No For a Return to the Ring?

Daniel Bryan wins the WWE World Heavyweight Championship: WrestleMania 30

It’s not often that WWE actually listens to the fans. It could even be said that not since Stone Cold Steve Austin had a Superstar rose to prominence thanks in large part to the fan’s insistence. Even Punk himself was derailed on more than one occasion; WWE does not give away control of anything that easily.

But when it comes to Daniel Bryan, the company had no choice. The Yes Movement was very real. Crowds chanted “yes” at sporting events all over the world. Bryan’s popularity transcended the pro wrestling business and WWE knew it.

Of course fans cannot always get what they want. Bryan wanted to get back in the ring. WWE said no. So as the days tick by until WrestleMania, many are wondering if the company’s decision will change. Bryan’s on-air relationship with Shane has been volatile at best. What began as a great partnership has deteriorated beyond belief. But does that mean Bryan will face Shane on The Grandest Stage of Them All?

If the company has indeed decided to allow Daniel the opportunity to get back in the ring, then there is no better time than April 8 at WrestleMania. The storyline between he and Shane is either heading for a showdown or it’s going to inexplicably fizzle out. Both men have had problems with Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens, but it’s clear that all is not well between Shane and Daniel.

Shane may have removed himself from the equation when he took a leave as SmackDown Live Commissioner, but fans know that will not last. Even if he and Bryan tagged together against Owens and Zayn, who’s to say it won’t end in controversy?

How else could this play out? If WWE has not changed its stance concerning Daniel Bryan’s ring career, then why include him in this angle at all? Everything that’s happened to this point has laid the groundwork for Bryan to once again don the trunks and climb back into the ring. Isn’t that what should happen?

Fans want Daniel Bryan the pro wrestler. Daniel Bryan the General Manager is fun, but it’s not enough. Not anymore. Perhaps it never has been. However as many speculate on Bryan’s possible in-ring future with WWE, maybe the time has come to ask a new question. Should Daniel even come back?

Daniel Bryan on the surreal feeling of competing at WrestleMania: WWE Network

Bryan is a family man now. He has a new set of priorities in his life. What once defined him as a person is now perhaps no longer his biggest focus. Everything has changed. He’s almost 37, he has obligations outside of the business and more importantly, he seems to be healthy. He’s still part of the world’s largest pro wrestling company, which means he’s still living his dream. Isn’t that enough?

The only one that can answer that is Bryan himself. Fans would love to see him back in the ring again, whether it’s in WWE, New Japan, or Ring of Honor. He’s one of the most dynamic, most exciting performers that the business has ever seen and to get even a glimpse of that once again would surely make his supporters very happy indeed.

But would Bryan be happy? Is he happy now? The decision to return should be Bryan’s and no one else’s. Only time will tell if WWE has said yes or no to Daniel Bryan; only he knows if it’s the answer he wants to hear.

 

Tom Clark can regularly be seen on Wrestling Rumours. His podcast, Tom Clark’s Main Event, is available on iTunes, Google Play, iHeart Radio, Amazon Android, Windows Phone and online at boinkstudios.com