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How Will WWE Handle Daniel Bryan’s Return?

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By @sdmeyers1

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Reports indicate that Daniel Bryan will not need another operation for his neck and elbow injuries, and he could return to the WWE ring within the next few months.

Early speculation points to Survivors Series as a return date for the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion, but the biggest question remains: Will he return to main-event status?

Less than six months ago, Bryan reached the pinnacle of the wrestling world, as he captured the championship in the main event of WrestleMania 30. That moment was the culmination of a long journey for Bryan, who seemingly overcame all the obstacles placed in front of him by The Authority, Triple H and Stephanie McMahon.

That storyline was not much different than the reality of the situation, though, as many members of the WWE front office considered Bryan a second-tier talent. Bryan’s in-ring ability was never in question, but his look and his physique, two critical components to achieve success in the WWE, didn’t measure with other top stars.

Bryan ended up headlining WrestleMania not because he had the full support of the creative team, but rather, because he received the overwhelming support of the WWE Universe leading up to the event. The original plan called for Batista to square off against Randy Orton in a singles bout for the title, while Bryan would be buried in an undercard match.

The meteoric rise to the top of the WWE was short lived for Bryan, however, as he sustained a debilitating neck injury about a month after his triumph. Bryan hoped to recover from surgery quickly enough to keep and defend his title against Kane, but post-surgery complications put him on the shelf long term and forced WWE management to strip him of his championship in June.

Since that time, Bryan’s real-life wife Brie Bella has continued a storyline feud against The Authority, but Bryan has been an afterthought. Brock Lesnar has become the WWE World Heavyweight Champion, and he appears poised to have a lengthy title run. Moreover, the three former members of The Shield, Roman Reigns, Dean Ambrose and Seth Rollins, have all been elevated to top spots in the company, while proven commodities like John Cena and Randy Orton remain in key storylines.

When Bryan does return, he will likely target the man who caused his injury (Kane), at least for storyline purposes. As the returning hero, Bryan should prevail in that rivalry. Where he goes after that storyline, however, will be very telling for his future.

Typically, a main-event superstar returning from injury around this time would be a leading candidate to win the Royal Rumble, and assure himself a spot in the main event at WrestleMania. WWE has booked the January pay-per-view in this fashion several times over the years, including triumphant returns for superstars like Triple H, Stone Cold Steve Austin and John Cena. If Bryan does not win the match, will he still play a prominent role in the WWE’s biggest event of the year?

Daniel Bryan has worked hard for all of the success that he has achieved, and he deserved another chance at a sustained run at the top of the company. If he can return to excellence in the ring, and still has the unparalleled support of fans, he should once again earn top billing at WrestleMania, and ultimately receive another run as the WWE World Heavyweight Champion.

Will the WWE officials use this untimely injury as justification to keep Bryan below main-event status upon his return, though? The WWE already had intended to go down that path with Bryan less than a year ago, so don’t be surprised if The Authority ultimately gets what it wants.

Sean Meyers is a professional wrestling writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter, and “Like” him on Facebook

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