Three years after what was expected to be the final match of his career, 36-year-old Daniel Bryan has been medically cleared to return to the ring, WWE officials confirmed today.
Bryan was forced into retirement in 2016 due to concussion issues and has since taken on the role of on-screen general manager of SmackDown Live.
A statement on WWE's website reads as follows:
Following more than two years of extensive evaluations, four-time World Champion 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.
After enjoying numerous championship runs, battling in legendary rivalries as both a singles and tag team competitor and sparking the epic “Yes!” Movement, Bryan was forced to make an emotional decision to retire from competition in February 2016. Later that year, he became the SmackDown LIVE General Manager, where he has continued to be an active part of the blue brand.
Bryan himself took to Twitter to announce his decision to return to in-ring action:
Saying goodbye to the ring was one of the hardest moments of my life. But thanks to the amazing people supporting me, I was able to keep fighting for my dream. This moment feels surreal and I'm glad to be able to talk to you all at the beginning of #SDLive tonight.
— Daniel Bryan (@WWEDanielBryan) March 20, 2018
Fans of wrestling could not contain their excitement at the prospect of the American Dragon returning to the ring:
This is really happening. Daniel Bryan is a wrestler again. #YES #DanielBryan #WWE pic.twitter.com/brVjgXeZGZ
— Still Real To Us (@stillreal2us) March 20, 2018
I wish I could put into words the emotions I'm feeling right now about Daniel Bryan's return...
— Dallas Barnes ??? (@Allwrestling420) March 20, 2018
So @WWEDanielBryan is cleared to wrestle.... hmmmm. I’m liking this a lot. #itstrue #WM35
— Kurt Angle (@RealKurtAngle) March 20, 2018
today is daniel bryan day
— nL Kewl J (@johnblud) March 20, 2018
Welcome back @WWEDanielBryan ?????❤❤❤ #danielbryan
— Jasmine Ingram (@AmbroseGirl2013) March 20, 2018
Bryan's comeback means there is a possibility the 36-year-old could make his return as early as WrestleMania 34 on Sunday, April 8 in New Orleans.
