When speaking about Rusev, you have to bring up his wife due to her being such a big part of his life and career.

Lana debuted on the October 23, 2013 episode of NXT by scouting Rusev. The following month, WWE put her as Rusev’s manager on television. They had a short run while in the developmental brand. Lana made her main roster debut on an episode of SmackDown where she and Rusev in the following weeks appeared in a series of self-promotional videos and speeches.

Fast forward to May of that year; they made their television debut. WWE has kept both Rusev and Lana strong on television. Rusev would end up winning the United States Title while with her.

When Lana and Rusev are together, they have success, but when separated, not so much. However, Rusev has caught some fire now that he has been paired up with Aiden English on SmackDown Live.

Lana recently spoke with Hollywood Life to talk about various topics. During the interview, she talked about her husband being a super athlete and talented person.

“I think he is a super athlete and I have been saying that for years. I would introduce him as a super athlete and he truly is one of the best in ring competitors. I also think in Total Divas, he also showed that he is really funny and entertaining. On the show, he shows that he has a great personality.”

Lana also commented on SmackDown Live General Manager Daniel Bryan being medically cleared to return to in-ring action.

“We are so excited. We are so excited to have him back. I know for me, personally, I was in tears when he did his speech on coming back because it gives me hope that no matter what anyone says, I am going to continue for my dreams and continue to wrestle and compete.”

– As seen on this week’s episode of WWE SmackDown Live in Pittsburgh, PA at the PPG Paints Arena on the USA Network, Daniel Bryan announced that he would team up with Shane McMahon to take on Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in a Tag Team Match at WrestleMania 34.

The WWE added an interesting twist to the match as there is a stipulation to go along with it.

If Bryan and McMahon win, then Zayn and Owens remain fired, but if Zayn and Owens win, they will be reinstated to SmackDown Live.

Keep in mind that this match may change as McMahon was just released from the hospital. For more on that, click here. You can see Zayn’s reaction to the announcement below:

Daniel Bryan wants payback??

WE GLADLY ACCEPT.

He just made the biggest mistake of his life.

If he thought what we did to him last week was bad, just wait & see what we will do to him after publicly firing us.#Wrestlemania will be the worst night of Shane & Daniel’s lives.

— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) March 28, 2018

– As we noted on the site, Road Dogg will induct Jeff Jarrett into the WWE Hall of Fame this year. WWE’s YouTube channel has released this video of Renee Young speaking with the Road Dogg about the honors:

SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon vs. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn is now official for WrestleMania 34. Bryan announced the match on Tuesday’s SmackDown. If Shane and Bryan win, Sami and Owens will remain fired from SmackDown. Sami and Owens will be reinstated to the blue brand if they can get the win.

Below is the updated confirmed WrestleMania card and what the final line-up might look like.

Confirmed Matches:

WWE Universal Title Match
Roman Reigns vs. Brock Lesnar

WWE Title Match
Shinsuke Nakamura vs. AJ Styles

Triple Threat for the WWE Intercontinental Title
Seth Rollins vs. Finn Balor vs. The Miz

Triple Threat for the WWE United States Title
Bobby Roode vs. Jinder Mahal vs. Randy Orton

RAW Women’s Title Match
Nia Jax vs. Alexa Bliss

SmackDown Women’s Title Match
Asuka vs. Charlotte Flair

RAW Tag Team Title Match
Braun Strowman and a partner vs. Cesaro and Sheamus

Finals of the WWE Cruiserweight Title Tournament
Cedric Alexander vs. Mustafa Ali

Ronda Rousey and Kurt Angle vs. Triple H and Stephanie McMahon

Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon vs. Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn
Zayn and Owens will get their jobs back if they win, they will remain fired if they lose.

First-Ever WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royal
Sasha Banks, Ruby Riott, Liv Morgan, Sarah Logan, Naomi, Becky Lynch, Bayley, Natalya, TBA

Fifth Annual Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal
Scott Dawson, Dash Wilder, Baron Corbin, Tye Dillinger, Mojo Rawley, Matt Hardy, Dolph Ziggler, Tyler Breeze, Fandango, TBA

Rumored Matches & Matches Expected To Change

SmackDown Tag Team Title Match
The New Day vs. The Bludgeon Brothers vs. The Usos

John Cena vs. The Undertaker

Sasha Banks vs. Bayley

The plans for SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan were thought to be set in stone but now are up in the air.

The reason for this is due to the current condition of the SmackDown Commissioner. WWE has announced that Shane McMahon is currently recovering from acute diverticulitis and an umbilical hernia.

As of this writing, it’s not clear what this means for McMahon’s status at WrestleMania 34, but it’s been reported that he will team up with Bryan to take on Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn at the event.

Dave Meltzer gave an update on the situation during the most recent episode of Wrestling Observer Radio.

“Shane McMahon was diagnosed with diverticulitis. So that match at WrestleMania is going to have to be changed. Shane McMahon & Daniel Bryan vs. Sami Zayn & Kevin Owens match which is liking going to be announced tomorrow.

So, he’s in really rough shape. That hernia surgery is a pretty bad one. It’s not unusual but it’s a very painful surgery. The diverticulitis is a pretty bad deal as well, so he’s probably not going to be around for a while. I asked around about what’s going to happen and it all kind of broke in the last couple of days.

Tomorrow we will have a lot better idea but they are probably going to have to switch courses. Go in another direction. Probably Daniel Bryan in a tag team — getting another tag team partner would be the most likely situation.”

Co-host Bryan Alvarez brought up the fact that they could reach out to Chris Jericho to see if he would be willing to be Bryan’s partner at the biggest event of the year for the sports entertainment company due to his history with Owens in the past on television.

However, Meltzer checked on Fozzy tour dates and noted that Jericho would have to cancel his Fozzy concert in New Hampshire which is the same day as WrestleMania to make the event. It’s not likely he’s willing to cancel tour dates.

Thanks to RingsideNews.com for the quotes.

SmackDown Live General Manager Daniel Bryan recently did an interview with The National to talk about several professional wrestling topics. Bryan first discussed what its been like working alongside SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon:

“I have really liked working with Shane. One of the things that is really nice about Shane is that he is a positive person. When we first started working together it was really interesting because we were shooting a shot back stage and it didn’t go as planned because the camera guy was new. But he didn’t chew him out or anything like that.

“‘Hey man, welcome here. This is how we do things here so next time do it like this’. And that is a great way for a leader to talk to people who work for him rather than being ‘Argh, you idiot, what are you doing’. So yeah, I really enjoy working with him.””

He then discussed his ongoing storyline with McMahon, Kevin Owens, and Sami Zayn on SmackDown. It’s expected Bryan will team with Shane against Owens and Zayn in a Tag Team match at WrestleMania 34 next month:

“I think there is so much that is similar between me, Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens. In terms of where we come from and also kind of the perception of some of the people in the office about Sami and Kevin and the way that people perceived me as far as thinking ‘Sami Zayn does not have the look to be a top level WWE superstar’.

“But he has the ability. Like people connect with him and I think the same thing with Kevin Owens and I think that makes it a very natural storyline to tell.”

You can read Bryan’s full interview with The National by clicking this link here.

It seems that some fans have been poking at WWE Hall Of Famer Edge for one last match after SmackDown Live General Manager Daniel Bryan was cleared to return to the ring by WWE. The belief seems to be that since Bryan was cleared to return that “The Rated-R Superstar” could as well – but of course – it’s much more complicated than that. Edge recently addressed this on the latest episode of he and Christian’s podcast, E&C’s Pod Of Awesomeness.

Edge said that, while he appreciates fans wanting to see one more match out of him, his injury is significantly different from Bryan’s and he’ll never get cleared for a return by WWE:

“I greatly appreciate that people would like to see me have one more match or come back or ‘Daniel Bryan got cleared so why can’t you?’ I will never be cleared. Mine is a completely different injury. He had neck issues, but it wasn’t neck issues that retired him initially, it was the concussion issues. I never had concussion issues. What I have is cervical spinal stenosis, look it up.”

Christian then joked that Edge had “stupid neck” and the former WWE Champ continued on with the joke before urging fans to look up his injury to see for themselves that WWE could never clear him with the injury he’s suffering from:

“I have stupid neck, just look it up. You can look up ‘stupid neck’ and they’ll probably be a picture of my neck. Just do me a favor and look it up and you will realize that the WWE will never medically clear me to compete again. And I appreciate it, but that’s all there is to that.”

You can listen to E&C’s Pod Of Awesomeness by clicking this link here.

WWE COO Triple H was recently interviewed by USA Today’s “For The Win” to promote WrestleMania 34, and his match in which he’ll team with his wife, Stephanie McMahon, against Kurt Angle and Ronda Rousey. Here are some of the highlights:

Are you serving as Stephanie’s coach or trainer as she’s preparing for this match?

“I mean, honestly, as a husband, do you really coach your wife on a whole lot? We’re training a lot. We train together, whether that be in the gym or in the ring. We’re trying to make sure she’s as ready as possible. I worked with her – it’s an interesting thing that I’ve been there for so much of the evolution of her as a character, even prior to us having a relationship together.

“I’ve been there all along the way and I’ve put her matches together for a lot of them, almost all of them, with her. It’s exciting to see this one come to fruition, but you know, she’s also a little bit older, has a little bit more responsibility. She’s got a lot going on, as we both do, but she wants to make sure her girls see her proud. So there’s a lot of pressure on her right now.”

The biggest story of the week in WWE was Daniel Bryan’s return after being medically cleared. What has it been like watching him work behind the scenes to get back to where he is?

“It’s been an amazing process. One of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do is tell talent that they can’t do this anymore. That you can’t live your dream. And for somebody like Daniel, man, it was soul-crushing. He went through *a lot* to try to get back to where he was, without any guarantee that it would ever work.

“But you take the advice of the doctors, the same doctors that told you he couldn’t, tell you he can… man, it’s like a second lease on life for him. Really excited, really happy for him. Watching him on TV the other night, just sitting at the monitor watching was unbelievable.”

TakeOver: New Orleans will feature a six-man ladder match for the inaugural North American Championship. What do you hope this new title will represent for NXT?

“I think it’s part of a long-term strategic plan for the brand. You see with the UK title, the North American Championship, I think as we branch out and become bigger, [with more] opportunities in different places.

“It allows for multiple events to take place with championships represented where I feel like, in locations across North America, Mexico, Canada, the North American Championship can be defended and be a main event-style match with the right players. The NXT Championship could be going internationally at that same period of time. It really depends, but it’s part of a long-term strategic plan.”

You can read Triple H’s full interview with USA Today’s “For The Win” by clicking this link here.

Daniel Bryan has finally been cleared to return to in-ring action for WWE. He was welcomed back to physical competition by Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens on SmackDown Live, who beat Daniels down after firing them for what they did to SmackDown Commissioner Shane McMahon last week.

Bryan hasn’t competed in a match since April of 2015 after he had just won the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 31. The following year he was forced to retire in February after he took an EEG test that revealed a lesion in his brain, in addition to the slowing of brain activity. The lesion had been causing Bryan to suffer from seizures. Over the course of his career Bryan had reportedly suffered over 20 concussions and two seizures.

After further evaluation, Bryan’s doctors told him that his decision to retire was premature and his lesion was a very vague complication. Several doctors had cleared Bryan to return to wrestling, however, WWE’s doctors still hadn’t done so. Bryan went as far as to say that if he hadn’t been cleared by WWE to wrestle again before his contract expired then he’d go elsewhere to compete. WWE’s Medical Director Dr. Joseph Maroon sent Bryan over to several neurologists to be tested for the past two months.

Following Bryan being cleared by all of the neurologists recommended by Maroon, he cleared him this past Monday. Now it’s expected that Bryan will team up with Shane McMahon at WrestleMania 34 in a Tag Team match against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. There has also been some speculation that the bout could be an Unsanctioned match or No Disqualifications. Wrestling Observer Radio reports that there was a catch to WWE clearing Bryan to compete.

He now has to undergo Impact testing and a neuropsychological evaluation with WWE doctors backstage after every match until they’re comfortable that he’s fine. It should also be noted that Bryan recently made some comments on E&C’s Pod Of Awesomeness indicating that he doesn’t really want to work a full-time schedule. We’ll keep you updated as we learn more about Bryan’s situation….

It’s been well documented that WWE SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan was officially cleared to return to in-ring competition on Tuesday by WWE doctors.

The former WWE Champion has been an underdog for his entire career. From his days on the independent scene to when he arrived in WWE. Although the company wasn’t fully behind him at first, he has overcome the challenges that were put in front of him and became a fan favorite.

Bryan, who was forced to retire last year due to his history with concussions, is now back and will likely have his first match at WrestleMania 34 next month.

WWE.com has released a Top 5 list of potential opponents for Bryan now that he’s cleared. You can see the list here:

• Finn Bálor
• Shinsuke Nakamura
• Kurt Angle
• AJ Styles
• Brock Lesnar
  

Out of these 5 Superstars, which of these possible opponents do you want to see Daniel Bryan wrestle first?

Former WWE/WCW/TNA star Sean Waltman recently spoke about various topics on the latest edition of his podcast, X-Pac12360.

During the podcast, he talked about SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan being cleared by WWE doctors to compete as an in-ring performer once again.

Bryan, who was forced to retire two years ago due to his history with concussions, has talked about wrestling again in the past. Whether that be in WWE or in another promotion.

Before the news came out, it was believed that he would be leaving WWE after his contract with the company expires in September of 2018.

“I’m just really really happy for him. All I could do was have a feel-good moment for Bryan. I totally can understand, because I deal with some of those issues. I know how scary that could be, just the prospect of what’s in store for the future and things like that. I just had to quit doing what I love doing and not on my own terms. And so I’m really happy that it turned out this way, instead of Bryan having to leave WWE to do what he wants to to be happy… Trust me, I don’t think they just ran and just jumped right into the deep end of the pool right away.

That’s just what we saw… Actually, it’s exactly the right time. Not a moment too late and not a moment too soon because they had to make really really sure and have a lot of different opinions on this, you know? And people can selfishly want to see him back in the ring and in a match but let’s make sure he can do it and not cause any permanent damage.”

It was announced earlier this week by the WWE that former WWE World Champion Mark Henry would be inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame alongside Goldberg, Ivory, Jeff Jarrett, The Dudley Boyz, and HillBilly Jim in the class.

WWE holds their 2018 Hall of Fame ceremony on Friday, April 6th in New Orleans, Louisiana at the Smoothie King Center and will air on WWE’s streaming service, WWE Network.

“There were so many people that were congratulating Mark on Twitter and I didn’t neglect to.  I purposely avoided it so people didn’t bring up me dressing up in blackface like Mark… Not that I’m afraid. I just didn’t want to insert that into the Hall of Fame conversation. He was fine with it but I’m not fine with it now. That’s all. And there was nothing bad meant by it but the things I know now I’m a little embarrassed by it.”

You can listen to the full podcast here. 

Daniel Bryan’s contract with WWE expires on a rather interesting date. While there have been several rumored dates his contract is up, Bryan himself confirmed the exact date recently.

Bryan was interviewed by Al Arabiya English recently. He was asked when his contract with WWE expires and confirmed the date as September 1st, 2018. The date also happens to be when Bullet Club’s “All-In” event is scheduled for Chicago.

Daniel Bryan’s WWE Contract

During the interview, Bryan was asked about rumors regarding the expiration date of his contract.

“No, no. I had somebody say that to me on my Twitter. They said, does your contract expire on September 23rd? And I was like, how do people even know that?” Bryan said.

“My contract actually runs out September 1st, which is actually the day of the All-In show, but it’s funny because that doesn’t compute. I was in the Bahrain ComicCon the last two days, and we did Q&As, and at each one, somebody asked me about that. They said, ‘are you going to be at All In’? I’m not. I don’t know what to tell you. But yeah, my contract is up September 1st.”

Daniel Bryan is over the moon after being cleared to return to active competition inside the WWE ring.

Yesterday (March 20), it was announced that Bryan is cleared to return to the ring. Bryan is the current SmackDown Live general manager and was given the spot due to being on the shelf following a history of concussions. Bryan was thrown right into the fire, being on the receiving end of a beatdown from Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.

Before last night’s episode of SmackDown Live aired, WWE filmed a video where Bryan talks about embracing the journey to making his in-ring return. Just when things seemed impossible, Bryan was willed to keep fighting in large part to his wife Brie Bella.

Bryan gave some words of encouragement to those looking to fulfill their dreams:

“If you have this dream, you fight for it. And you keep fighting for it and you keep fighting for it and then it may never come true. It might not, but it’s never the end-game. It’s not the destination, it’s the journey … It’s interesting because I’ve thought about this moment so much like in the last six months. ‘What would actually happen if you did get cleared?’ And it still seemed like an impossibility.”

– On last night’s episode of SmackDown Live, General Manager Daniel Bryan fired both Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn for their assault on Commissioner Shane McMahon last week. After Bryan fired them Owens and Zayn brutally beat down Bryan as well, causing the former WWE World Heavyweight Champ to be carted out on a stretcher. To sell Bryan firing Owens and Zayn, WWE has removed their profiles from WWE.com

– Speaking of Owens and Zayn, Sami recently took to Twitter to comment on he and Owens beating down Bryan on SmackDown. Zayn sarcastically welcomed Bryan back (referring to Bryan recently being cleared to compete inside the ring again) and said he hopes he can live with his decision to fire the two best wrestlers alive:

Welcome back @WWEDanielBryan. Hope you can live with yourself after firing two of the best wrestlers alive (and two guys you've known for 14 years).

That is, once you're discharged from the hospital.

— Sami Zayn (@SamiZayn) March 21, 2018

– NXT Champion Andrade “Cien” Almas recently made an appearance on the Mexican morning show Sale El Sol. The interview is in Spanish but if you’d like to give it a view you can check it out here:

– Last night in the semi-finals of the Mixed Match Challenge, Team Little Big (Braun Strowman and RAW Women’s Champion Alexa Bliss) were defeated by The Miz and Asuka. During the match there was a moment in which Strowman caught Bliss after she was bumped off the apron. For a second it looked like they were about to kiss before they realized they were still in a match and Bliss needed to get back in the ring before getting counted out.

In a post-match interview with Strowman and Bliss they were asked about the kiss that almost happened. Strowman said he hopes it can actually happen now, and just as they try one more time, a fan comes in and asks Bliss for her autograph. “The Monster Among Men” gets frustrated and bolts off:

– On last night’s episode of SmackDown Live, the first episode after General Manager Daniel Bryan was cleared for an in-ring return, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn attacked Bryan after firing them for attacking Shane McMahon on last week’s episode of SmackDown. McMahon broke his silence on the matter via Twitter:

On a night that should have been one of @WWEDanielBryan's finest…Sami & KO proved they are vile, spineless cowards. Neither of them belong in @WWE and #SDLive…I just hope this didn’t set back Daniel’s in-ring return even further.

— Shane McMahon (@shanemcmahon) March 21, 2018

– WWE.com has officially added Trent Seven to the NXT roster page after he has made several appearances on the program over the past year. Seven participated in the WWE United Kingdom Championship Tournament.

WWE announced their doctors have cleared Daniel Bryan to return to in-ring competition for the first time in two years. Reaction to the news has reverberated around the pro-wrestling world.

“A wonderful day for all of us who are close to Brian.” – John Cena

John Cena is the latest to comment on Bryan’s return. He spoke to TMZ Reporters recently.

John Cena on Daniel Bryan Return

“From a fan’s perspective, I think it’s wonderful because they all want to see him and know what he’s capable of” – John Cena

Daniel Bryan and John Cena are essentially brothers-in-law, as Cena will soon marry Nikki Bella and Bryan is married to Brie Bella. Cena speaks of him as a family member.

“From a family perspective, I’ve had a chance to talk with Brian (Danielson) at great length about his passion for wrestling. It is what he was born to do and I know deep down how feels about it.”

WWE uploaded this video of Superstars reacting to the news that Daniel Bryan has finally been cleared to return to action.

As noted earlier, Daniel Bryan will address the WWE Universe in the opening segment of tonight’s episode of SmackDown Live.

More reactions:

I couldn’t be happier for Daniel. Being away for two years must have felt like an eternity…but today, he’s back and where he belongs. https://t.co/HNtSw1RwKI

— AJ Styles (@AJStylesOrg) March 20, 2018

https://twitter.com/mikethemiz/status/976202576709464064

So @WWEDanielBryan is cleared to wrestle…. hmmmm. I’m liking this a lot. #itstrue #WM35

— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) March 20, 2018

Congratulations to @WWEDanielBryan on being cleared for in-ring competition. We’re all happy to welcome you back. #YesYesYes https://t.co/cHjl61trec

— Shane McMahon (@shanemcmahon) March 20, 2018

https://twitter.com/RealPaigeWWE/status/976208256929599489

https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/976204755738427392

This may be a first in all of professional sports. So stoked for Bryan and for what it could mean for head trauma research and rehabilitation in contact athletics. https://t.co/g3nnD11wVM

— Seth Rollins (@WWERollins) March 20, 2018

The #7Deities have BESTOWED a KINDNESS upon the @WWEUniverse..

In return for DELETING Bray & ABIGAIL into The Lake of Reincarnation, we've all been REWARDED with a REGENERATED VESSEL for The Dragon of America.

It truly was The #UltimateDELETION. #YesYesYes https://t.co/pPllow5xAh

— MATT HARDY (@MATTHARDYBRAND) March 20, 2018

This is great news. No one needs to wish anymore. They can see it with their eyes. #NakamuravsBryan

— Shinsuke Nakamura (@ShinsukeN) March 20, 2018

DANIEL BRYAN ???? ?????? #DanielBryan

— Charlotte Flair (@MsCharlotteWWE) March 20, 2018

Good. I’ve been meaning to punch him in the face for years now. https://t.co/PlSWmNm86k

— ecIII (@therealec3) March 20, 2018

So happy for @WWEDanielBryan !!!!! Can’t wait to hear the crowd react when Sweet Beets makes his entrance pic.twitter.com/6WL9WGgQrZ

— Renee Paquette (@ReneePaquette) March 20, 2018

I'm very happy for @WWEDanielBryan and fans all over the world that he gets to perform in-ring again! #SDLive ! pic.twitter.com/qa5q6pJYwz

— James Ellsworth (@realellsworth) March 20, 2018

https://twitter.com/KingRicochet/status/976191750166536193

I am happy for Daniel Bryan, who has been cleared to return to in-ring #WWE action. I'm very conservative on returning after #concussions, but if Dr. Cantu and the other experts all agree he's ready, it's good enough for me. Good luck buddy! #YES https://t.co/AD9c2pqx4t

— Chris Nowinski, Ph.D. (@ChrisNowinski1) March 20, 2018

https://twitter.com/mauroranallo/status/976177262520360961

https://twitter.com/Goldust/status/976185449038401537

On Tuesday, WWE sent shockwaves throughout the wrestling world by announcing Daniel Bryan has been medically cleared to return to action.

Bryan has been on the sidelines since his last match nearly three years ago. He’s served as the General Man ager as SmackDown Live since July 2016, but has been campaigning for a return to the ring ever since.

In his first statement since the news of his return broke, Bryan acknowledged the people in his live who never gave up on him or his dream to wrestle once again

Bryan will open tonight’s SmackDown Live to address his return and perhaps his role at WrestleMania. Based on the past several months of SmackDown storylines, there’s a good chance we’ll see Daniel Bryan teaming with Shane McMahon against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in less than three weeks in New Orleans.

https://twitter.com/WWEDanielBryan/status/976195696180318208

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

• More Superstars React To Daniel Bryan’s Return

SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan was in Abu Dhabi over the weekend to attend the Special Olympics IX Mena Games at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

دانيال براين خلال زيارته للأولمبياد الخاصة بأبوظبي حرص على تشجيع منتخبات كرة السلة@WWEDanielBryan @WorldGamesAD pic.twitter.com/xrgh5XJ8Kg

— WWE MENA (@WWEmena) March 18, 2018

While there, Bryan was interviewed by The National and spoke about a variety of topics, including his unforgettable night at WrestleMania XXX back in 2014, working with Shane McMahon, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn on SmackDown, next month’s WWE Greatest Royal Rumble event from Abu Dhabi and more.

Bryan was asked about his role at WrestleMania and gave a surprisingly encouraging update on the possibility of him competing on the show. Bryan’s quest to get medically cleared by WWE is well documented. He is determined to wrestle again, whether it’s in WWE or elsewhere. He has been cleared to compete by every single doctor that WWE has sent him to, yet the company has stopped short of giving him the green light to return.

Bryan says there are two paths for him at WrestleMania and it will be WWE’s call which scenario plays out. When asked about the rumor that he’ll be lacing up the boots at WrestleMania 34 next month, Bryan said:

“I don’t know, and I don’t think they know. I think it all depends on whether or not I get cleared. As of this moment, as of today, I am not cleared by WWE. I have done everything in my power – everything they have asked me to – and I have gone above and beyond as far as ‘OK, what doctors do you need me to see? Send me to any doctor you want, any doctor that you want and lets get their feedback on what is going on with me.’

So far, every doctor has cleared me that they have sent me to, and so there is a chance. I used to think that the percentage of the WWE ever clearing me was low. I think, with the stuff that I have done, it has gone a little higher, but I don’t know how much higher.”

Bryan added, “There is one way to go if I don’t get cleared and then there is another way to go if I am cleared. I am hoping to be cleared, but I don’t know which way it goes.”

WrestleMania 34 takes place in less than three weeks on Sunday, April 8th from New Orleans, Louisiana.

As we’ve been reporting, Daniel Bryan’s WWE contract is set to expire this fall. Daniel Bryan will be a free agent on or about September 23rd, according to a report at PWInsider. Unfortunately, this would prevent Bryan from appearing at the big “All In” event from Chicago scheduled for 9/1.

– On last night’ episode of SmackDown Live it was announced that General Manager Daniel Bryan would be making his WWE TV return on next week’s episode. Bryan was absent from WWE Fastlane and this week’s episode of SmackDown last night. The reason for Bryan’s absence was because he was attending a family wedding.

– Speaking of SmackDown Live, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn viciously attacked SmackDown Live Commissioner Shane McMahon on last night’s show after McMahon announced he’d be taking an indefinite leave of absence from his duties on the show.

Before the beatdown he also announced Owens would be taking on Sami Zayn at WrestleMania as well. “KO” took to Twitter to comment on attacking Shane:

https://twitter.com/FightOwensFight/status/973771853792727041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

– After the beatdown of McMahon by Owens and Zayn, WWE announced a storyline injury sustained by the SmackDown Live Commissioner as a result of the attack:

Shane McMahon suffers several injuries while being attacked by Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn on SmackDown LIVE

After announcing he would be taking an indefinite leave of absence from his role as SmackDown LIVE Commissioner, Shane McMahon was brutally attacked by Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, whom he had just placed into a match against each other at WrestleMania. McMahon suffered several injuries during the attack, WWE.com can confirm.

“He sustained a laryngeal contusion when the steel chair was wrapped around his head and thrown into the turnbuckle,” WWE medical staff said.

KO & Zayn continued the onslaught by dragging McMahon to the back and powerbombing him onto a metal rack, resulting in further injuries.

“He was then thrown onto the metal rack, which resulted in trapezius and rhomboid strains,” medical staff continued.

McMahon is currently being evaluated to make sure his airway is not compromised. Further updates on McMahon’s status are expected in the next 24 hours. Stick with WWE.com for more details as they become available.

Daniel Bryan was not present for Smackdown’s Fastlane pay-per-view last night. Brie Bella recently posted the reason why Bryan was not in Columbus last night to her Instagram account. Both Bryan and Brie were attending the wedding of Daniel’s cousin, Billy.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BgK0dXmnCZp/

Daniel Bryan and Shane McMahon Storyline

Daniel Bryan’s absence from the show last night could play into WWE storyline. In the main event in Columbus last night, Shane McMahon cost both Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn chances to win the WWE championship.

Bryan hasn’t posted on social media since the pay-per-view but will most likely have something to say tomorrow night.

– SmackDown Live General Manager Daniel Bryan took to Twitter to announce that tonight’s show will feature a Tag Team Title Eliminator between The New Day and the team of Shelton Benjamin & Chad Gable. The winners will face SmackDown Live Tag Team Champions The Usos at Fastlane next month on pay-per-view (PPV):

https://twitter.com/WWEDanielBryan/status/965773315208982530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw

– IMPACT Wrestling’s Twitter account congratulated promotional founder Jeff Jarrett on getting the nod for this year’s WWE Hall Of Fame class. Jarrett was a co-founder of TNA back in 2002 alongside his father, Jerry. Between the years of 2013 and 2017 Jarrett had an off-and-on again relationship with the promotion before parting ways in October. Jarrett will join Goldberg, Ivory, and The Dudley Boyz as inductees on April 6th in New Orleans:

We'd like to congratulate IMPACT Wrestling founder and Hall of Famer @RealJeffJarrett on his induction to the @wwe Hall of Fame. Much deserved. pic.twitter.com/Wpzebai8sx

— TNA Wrestling (@ThisIsTNA) February 19, 2018

Yesterday SmackDown Live General Manager Daniel Bryan was removed from the WrestleMania 34 AXXESS VIP Signings on April 8th, the day of the event. Several hours after this was reported, Bryan was added back to the listing by WWE. Bodyslam.net reports that Bryan was initially removed from the listing because tickets sold out.

Someone decided to remove Bryan from the listing, however, after news got around that he would no longer be at the event he was quickly added back. In conclusion, Bryan has not been pulled from the signing and is still scheduled to sign autographs at 8 A.M. Many fans began to speculate that this was a sign Bryan could be wrestling at the event. This does not seem to be the case, however, and he has yet to be cleared by WWE doctors.

The main event of the WWE Fastlane pay-per-view will see WWE Champion AJ Styles defend his title against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn in a Triple Threat.

SmackDown General Manager Daniel Bryan made the Triple Threat after tonight’s #1 contenders match between Sami and Owens ended with no winner and interference from the WWE Champion, who was on commentary.

Fastlane will be the final WWE pay-per-view before WrestleMania 34, where Styles is currently scheduled to defend against Shinsuke Nakamura. No other Fastlane matches have been announced as of this writing but we will keep you updated.

Fastlane takes place on March 11th from the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

Below are a few photos and videos from tonight’s SmackDown main event:

.@SamiZayn has his eyes on two men tonight: His opponent @FightOwensFight AND the #WWEChampion @AJStylesOrg! #SDLive #ZaynvsOwens pic.twitter.com/f7EpHhgDVc

— WWE (@WWE) February 7, 2018

"CALM DOWN!" Even @FightOwensFight is surprised by his best friend @SamiZayn's AGGRESSIVE arsenal! #SDLive #ZaynvsOwens pic.twitter.com/vrPRMowhmT

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 7, 2018

Perhaps no one is enjoying @SamiZayn and @FightOwensFight clash more than #WWEChampion @AJStylesOrg… #SDLive #ZaynvsOwens pic.twitter.com/DKuDo02K0n

— WWE (@WWE) February 7, 2018

Whatever it takes. #SDLive #ZaynvsOwens @SamiZayn @FightOwensFight pic.twitter.com/JlrkP0rT7s

— WWE (@WWE) February 7, 2018

There's only so much @AJStylesOrg can take! #SDLive #ZaynvsOwens @FightOwensFight @SamiZayn pic.twitter.com/Oh9zH6GSbr

— WWE (@WWE) February 7, 2018

#SDLive General Manager @WWEDanielBryan declares that BOTH @FightOwensFight & @SamiZayn are going to #WWEFastlane to challenge @AJStylesOrg for the @WWE Championship in a #TripleThreat match! pic.twitter.com/KFtu3e1ypm

— WWE (@WWE) February 7, 2018

Once again, the odds seem to be out of @AJStylesOrg's favor… #WWEFastlane #SDLive #ZaynvsOwens @SamiZayn @FightOwensFight pic.twitter.com/VacfG6sSR4

— WWE Universe (@WWEUniverse) February 7, 2018