After more than two years out of action, WWE announced on Tuesday that SmackDown Live General Manager Daniel Bryan has been medically cleared to wrestle again.
BREAKING: @WWEDanielBryan has been medically cleared to return to in-ring action! https://t.co/9GE9KfpeEV
— WWE (@WWE) March 20, 2018
Bryan underwent extensive testing by leading neurosurgeons, neurologists and concussion experts, including Dr. Robert Cantu, Dr. Javier Cárdenas and Dr. Jeffrey Kutcher. According to WWE.com, “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 retired from in-ring competition back in February of 2016 after several concussion-related injuries throughout his career.
In recent months, Bryan made it clear he intended to wrestle again – whether it was in WWE or elsewhere. Thankfully for the WWE Universe, he’ll be back in a WWE ring very soon – almost certainly at WrestleMania. WWE noted, “It’s possible he teams up with Shane McMahon against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in a Tag Team match.”
As you can imagine, fans on social media lost their minds over the news that Daniel Bryan will be back in action. He was trending worldwide within minutes of the announcement.
Daniel Bryan = TRENDING WORLDWIDE. #YESYESYES pic.twitter.com/DvMj1Ti6bi
— WWE (@WWE) March 20, 2018
It didn’t take long for Shinsuke Nakamura to realize this means we could very well see a Nakamura vs. Bryan match in WWE in the coming months.
This is great news. No one needs to wish anymore. They can see it with their eyes. #NakamuravsBryan
— Shinsuke Nakamura (@ShinsukeN) March 20, 2018
