5 opponents for Daniel Bryan following his return 

February 8th, 2016, was a sad day in the wrestling industry, as a great professional wrestler was forced to retire due to unfortunate injuries he sustained throughout his legendary career.

However, almost two years later, WWE has reconsidered their decision as Daniel Bryan is now medically cleared to return to the wrestling ring. That raises an important question, which Superstar would step into the ring with 'the goat' in 2018?

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#1 AJ Styles

This match needs no extravagant storyline

When compiling a list of dream matches left in the WWE, AJ Styles' name is always brought into that discussion, as he is a Superstar that has performed outstandingly in any match against any opponent.

For years fans have wondered what AJ Styles vs John Cena might look like, and it was a masterpiece. Fans have pondered over how AJ Styles would craft a bout with Brock Lesnar, and it stole the show.

Therefore, now that Daniel Bryan has been allowed to step back into the ring, a match with AJ Styles is a must at this point.

#2 Shinsuke Nakamura

Strong Style vs pure technical prowess

Ever since Shinsuke Nakamura debut on SmackDown Live, WWE has not been able to place the former NXT Champion in the ring with a competitor that has been able to produce a classic with him.

However, that will change at WrestleMania 34 when Nakamura goes head to head with AJ Styles in a dream rematch. But after 'The Show of Shows' has concluded, a dream match with Daniel Bryan will be a pro wrestling masterpiece, as Nakamura's strong style clashing with Bryan's technical ability would tear the house down at any PPV.

#3 Finn Balor

A resurgence for Finn Balor

Finn Balor's main roster career has had its fair share of ups and downs ever since his unfavorable injury. However, even with his poor booking, Balor has had great matches with the likes of AJ Styles, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns.

But Balor has not had a coherent story that can get him off to a blistering start with either of those men. The ultimate underdog is well known and another Superstar that knows all about fighting from underneath is Daniel Bryan.

Seeing these two wrestling greats go at it would not only result in a fantastic match, but it would give Balor a chance to arrive once again on the main roster.

#4 Samoa Joe

An ROH dream match

When Samoa Joe arrived in WWE, many were concerned that he wouldn't rise above the mid-card division in Vince McMahon's company. But Joe proved the system wrong as he developed into a badass wrestler that fans couldn’t help but admire.

Therefore, following Samoa Joe’s return from injury, his list of dream matches in WWE would include the likes of AJ Styles, John Cena, and Randy Orton. But now that his former Ring of Honor companion Daniel Bryan is cleared to wrestle, this would a rivalry of the year feud if WWE booked it right.

#5 Brock Lesnar

The match that every wrestling fan clamored to see

A match against Brock Lesnar would be considered impossible due to constant rumors of Lesnar leaving after WrestleMania 34 and it would be hard to book due to Lesnar's style of wrestling which is brutal.

But if the rumors fail to be true and, AJ Styles has proved anything, Lesnar has the ability to produced masterpieces in the squared circle with a smaller opponent. Fans were clamoring for this dream match of Daniel Bryan vs Lesnar at WrestleMania 31.

If Lesnar stays around after WrestleMania 34, this is a sure-fire Summerslam main event that will finally pit 'the beast' against the 'Ultimate Underdog'.