Backstage Notes On WWE Mentioning Daniel Bryan

Pic: WWE

Due to WWE name-dropping Daniel Bryan on SmackDown, there has been a lot of anticipation about his return, but word today is that the remarks have nothing to do with any planned return.

Bryan's future has been uncertain since he lost the Career vs. Title match on SmackDown Live on April 30 to WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns. At the time, his contract apparently expired, and while he was anticipated to remain with WWE in some capacity, there has been no news on his status. When WWE began mentioning Bryan on TV recently, fans began to speculate on a possible return.

According to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Bryan's recent references are not a sign that he'll return. WWE keeps bringing up Bryan's name because he's a part of the build-up to Reigns' Money In the Bank showdown with WWE Hall of Famer Edge. Bryan is said to be the reason Edge didn't win the title during their Triple Threat match at WrestleMania 37.

It was mentioned that no one really knows what Bryan is up to, and that if he has struck a deal with a promotion, they will keep it a secret until the big reveal. Bryan is said to be returning to WWE, potentially with AEW or even NJPW. Bryan possibly wrestling for New Japan was mentioned in late May as a consideration in talks between WWE and NJPW, but it appears that conversations have stagnated.