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Editorial: Daniel Bryan And His Quest For Acceptance In WWE

Written by

Jonathan Fisher

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Even after Daniel Bryan won the WWE championship at WrestleMania 30, it’s as if he’s fighting a losing battle. In New Orleans, the Aberdeen, Washington-native defeated three-fourths of Evolution that evening. Due to CM Punk leaving the company and the WWE Universe wanting Bryan on top, magic happened that night.

On June 9, 2014, the Authority stripped Bryan of the WWE World Heavyweight championship. The belt ended up in the hands of Brock Lesnar, which created the mega-star known as Seth Rollins at WrestleMania 31.

The “C-word” in professional sport known as “concussion” took a toll on Bryan’s health, which is why he hasn’t returned from wrestling since his tag-team match with John Cena at the WWE Smackdown tapings on April 15, 2015.

Since that dark day in pro wrestling, Bryan has fought hard to get back to his wrestling shape. He’s visited countless doctors, physicians and even specialists to try and get cleared.

Bryan has yet to get cleared by WWE’s lead concussion specialist, Dr. Joseph Maroon.

Before the inevitable skepticism of how WWE is handling this situation occurs, here’s the definition of a concussion from the Mayo Clinic:

A concussion is a traumatic brain injury that alters the way your brain functions. Effects are usually temporary but can include headaches and problems with concentration, memory, balance and coordination.

Although concussions usually are caused by a blow to the head, they can also occur when the head and upper body are violently shaken. These injuries can cause a loss of consciousness, but most concussions do not. Because of this, some people have concussions and don’t realize it.

If a concussion is severe enough, that particular athlete will never compete again. Marc Savard, former-NHL All-Star, sustained two concussions in the span of 10 months. That was from 2010-2011. He hasn’t played a game since.

In the wrestling world, Chris Benoit is an infamous case of having too many concussions. It took a toll on his health, and ultimately, his life. Therefore, WWE is extra-critical of concussions and their protocol is one of the more-strict set of rules for return in all of professional athletics.

This is where the frustration of WWE fans, including Bryan, are found.

Since he relinquished the Intercontinental championship, the former-WWE champion has worked extremely hard to get back in a WWE ring. It’s clear that he doesn’t want to go anywhere else, but back to the place that made him a worldwide phenomenon.

Multiple concussion specialists have cleared Bryan. In the last few days, he was cleared by UCLA doctors to return. Even earlier than that, Bryan’s personal doctor said he was “good to go.” Apparently, that’s not enough to convince Vince McMahon and the entire WWE medical team.

At the Royal Rumble, WWE talents were surprised he didn’t show up in the match.

It’s normal to get a second opinion. So, Bryan got one. He also got a third, and presumably a fourth opinion.

Is it obvious yet as to where this is going?

Bryan’s posted videos on social media training to get back into action. He’s tweeted his displeasure and even poked fun at Total Divas, where he was showing his wife, Brie Bella, a wrestling move.

If that’s the only place WWE fans can see Bryan wrestle, then Total Divas is about to get record-breaking ratings.

The Wrestling Observer Newsletter is reporting that the WWE said he won’t be cleared and offered him non-wrestling jobs within the company. With Bryan, it’s not about the brand he’s competing in at this point. He could end up in Ring of Honor when his contract with WWE expires.

Right now, it’s a “wait-and-see” situation with Bryan and the WWE Universe. It’s quite evident that everyone wants to see him return and wrestle again. Not having him on television is still an odd sight to see.

As curiosity increases, so will speculation that WWE doesn’t want Bryan to come back at all. That’s a big claim, but why can’t that question be asked?

What if the WWE doesn’t want Daniel Bryan back?

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