Social Media Overjoyed by Daniel Bryan’s Return to Wrestling

CBS Sports broke the news on Tuesday that former WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan had been officially cleared to return to action by WWE doctors.

As soon as the news broke, wrestling fans across social media rejoiced.

WWE released the following statement minutes after CBS’ report.

“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.”

Following a lengthy injury recovery in 2015, Bryan returned to action in December of that year to compete in the Royal Rumble match. He went on to win the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 31. But in the following weeks he suffered another concussion after hitting his head on the announcer’s table during a match with Sheamus. On Feb. 8, 2016, Bryan announced his retirement in front of a live Monday Night Raw crowd in Seattle, Washington (his home state).

Despite his retirement, Bryan didn’t stay off of television for very long. He was brought in as the General Manager of SmackDown Live following the brand split in July 2016 and has been an authority figure on the show ever since.