In a surprise twist, the WWE has confirmed that Superstar and current SmackDown Live general manager Daniel Bryan is cleared to return to in-ring competition.
Here's the official statement from WWE:
Following more than two years of extensive evaluations, WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan has been medically cleared to return to in-ring competition by leading neurosurgeons, neurologists and concussion experts, including Dr. Robert Cantu, Dr. Javier Cárdenas and Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher.
Bryan underwent a full review of his medical history and received comprehensive neurological and physical evaluations independent of WWE. He was cleared by each doctor as well as WWE's Medical Director, Dr. Joseph Maroon.
Bryan's last in-ring match took place back in April 16, 2015, when he teamed up with then-United States Champion John Cena to defeat the then-WWE Tag Team Champions Cesaro and Tyson Kidd.
Unfortunately, Bryan suffered an injury shortly after that match and was pulled from the remainder of WWE's European tour for precautionary measures. Bryan, who won the Intercontinental Championship at WreslteMania 31, was "medically unable to compete" at the Extreme Rules pay-per-view to defend his title against Wade Barrett.
In July, it was revealed that Bryan's injuries were concussion-related and that he was be on leave for an undetermined amount of time. It wouldn't be until Feb. 8, 2016 that Bryan would announce his retirement - via Twitter - and appear on that day's episode of RAW (his hometown) to give a retirement speech.
Bryan would return as SmackDown Live's General Manager in July 2016, but the former WWE Superstar never held back his desire to get back into the ring.
Now that Daniel Bryan has been cleared, it's likely he will have something to do at WrestleMania 34 in April. The news comes ahead of his next scheduled appearance on the March 20 episode of SmackDown Live.
Are you excited for Daniel Bryan's return? Who do you want to see him feud with leading into WrestleMania 34? Let us know in the comments section below.
Uncommon Knowledge
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Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom and finding connections in the search for common ground.
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Phillip Martinez is a game and culture reporter for Newsweek. Prior to joining Newsweek in 2018, he was a reporter ... Read more
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