The Story Behind Daniel Bryan’s WWE Return

In theory, a lot of fans think that Daniel Bryan returning to WWE and competing in the 2015 Royal Rumble will solve most of WWE’s current problems. While that could possibly be true, Bryan’s return could also exacerbate all of WWE’s existing issues.

Daniel Bryan’s in-ring wrestling career was in jeopardy, when he had a minor neck operation done that was supposed to put him back in the ring within two months. Well, the operation ended up keeping him out a lot longer because after the surgery, Bryan was having trouble regaining strength in his right arm.

Back in August, Bryan was scheduled to have more surgery on his neck in an attempt to alleviate the nerve issues that had caused him to lose strength in his right arm. Just a few days before the surgery, the doctors advised against it, and cancelled the operation. The doctors told Bryan that he just needed to do extensive rehab on his arm, and he did for several months, but strength still wasn’t returning to his arm.

In a backstage interview on WWE’s YouTube channel after Bryan had announced he’s returning and participating in the 2015 Royal Rumble, Bryan credited a doctor in Denver, Colorado, who he wouldn’t mention by name, as the man responsible for getting him back to normal.

“We didn’t believe it at first. It’s one of those things where you’re like, ‘This guy’s not for real, right?’ But, he was for real. And then the doctors told me I was cleared.”

The inner circle in WWE, who didn’t know if Daniel Bryan could ever return, were aware that he was going to be able to return about three weeks ago, and the decision was made to have Bryan start back at the Royal Rumble. According to someone who’s close to the situation, the obvious question, which centers around Daniel Bryan’s WrestleMania plans, hasn’t even been considered yet.

As of this week, Roman Reigns was still scheduled to win the WWE title at WrestleMania, whether it be from Brock Lesnar, Seth Rollins, or even John Cena.

From watching RAW over the past several weeks, all signs point to Roman Reigns being the man to main-event WrestleMania. The original plan was for Reigns to beat Lesnar for the WWE title, but if Lesnar doesn’t sign a new contract before the Royal Rumble, that plan will be changed.

Daniel Bryan being in the Royal Rumble creates a huge issue for WWE, as he’ll be a huge fan favorite to win the match, especially since it’s his first match back. However, that doesn’t have to be an issue for WWE, as they could have a heel eliminate him. But even then, that will likely need to be the last elimination of the match, and as of right now, WWE isn’t planning on having a heel win the Rumble.

It’s possible that WWE fans could turn on Roman Reigns this year the same way they turned on Batista last year when he won instead of Daniel Bryan. Many people within WWE thought that the company would wait to bring Bryan back until after the Royal Rumble, or even after WrestleMania, to avoid this issue. However, Vince McMahon doesn’t believe lightning will strike in the same place twice, and the fans won’t get behind Daniel Bryan this year the way they did last year.

This year’s Royal Rumble match should be more interesting than usual, as it’ll be interesting to see if the fans do, in fact, get behind Daniel Bryan this year the same way they did last year, and to see how the fans react to Roman Reigns winning, if WWE is still planning on having him win.

[Image via WWE]