Daniel Bryan in the Ring After “Smackdown Live”

YES he did. This week’s episode of “Smackdown Live” took place at the Key Arena in Seattle, Washington, meaning it was a very strong Daniel Bryan crowd.

Bryan appeared in the ring to open the show but that wasn’t it for him during the night. After the show was over and after “205 Live” was taped, Bryan showed up again in a very different role.

In the dark match for the taping, Intercontinental Champion Dean Ambrose defended his title against the Miz with Bryan acting as guest referee. You can see various pictures of Bryan in the referee shirt from Twitter below. Bryan is a Washington native who was forced to retire about a year ago due to a variety of injuries.

Daniel Bryan returned to in-ring action tonight in Seattle… as a special guest referee BUT STILL. #SmackdownLive #darkmatch pic.twitter.com/sFSNcMibaB

— Seth Sommerfeld (@sethsommerfeld) February 8, 2017

Dark Match for the #ICTitle Dean Ambrose vs The Miz with Daniel Bryan as the referee. #SDLive #WWESeattle pic.twitter.com/PMYvrqMjTy

— a trash panda (@LostBoyLostBeer) February 8, 2017

Daniel Bryan as the special ref for Miz vs. Dean Ambrose. ??? #205Live pic.twitter.com/h5Fq6R66mK

— Ashley (@n_ashleyy) February 8, 2017

This is a good example of something that is perfect for a dark match segment. It allows the fans to have a big moment in something that is personalized to them. Bryan is a huge star everywhere but this is his home area, making it feel all the more important. It’s just cool and even helps advance whatever story Bryan and Miz have had going for the last several months.

Where do you think Miz vs. Bryan eventually goes? Does Bryan ever have a chance at getting back in the ring? Let us know in the comments below.