From the WWE Rumor Mill: Daniel Bryan could make his in-ring return at a major PPV next year

What's the story?

On a recent edition of the Wrestling Observer Radio show, Dave Meltzer discussed the potential of SmackDown Live General Manager Daniel Bryan returning to the ring. He believes that he could potentially wrestle at SummerSlam next August in Brooklyn, New York.

In case you didn't know...

The last time that Daniel Bryan competed in a WWE ring was the April 16th edition of SmackDown Live in 2015. He teamed up with his pseudo-brother-in-law John Cena to defeat the tag team of Cesaro and Tyson Kidd.

After this match, the WWE pulled Bryan from the tour of Europe as a precautionary measure, but it would be the last time he wrestled in a match.

The heart of the matter

Though the combination of the rumours that WWE Doctors are looking to clear Daniel Bryan for in-ring competition and the dissension between Bryan and Shane McMahon as of late sparked thoughts that Shane might be the first opponent in Bryan's return.

Meltzer stated on this edition of Wrestling Observer Radio that at this time there is no indication that the WWE is heading towards this as a match-up. The reason this match is not planned is because, at this moment, Bryan is not cleared.

The decision to clear Bryan comes solely from Dr. Joseph Maroon as Vince McMahon made clear previously. According to Meltzer, there is talk that they may have Bryan wrestle at SummerSlam next August and then a limited schedule after that.

It's a good sign for fans who miss Daniel Bryan in the ring that his return to the ring seems to be imminent; though several months away.

What's next?

Bryan is currently focusing on the General Manager side of things as SmackDown Live heads towards Clash Of The Champions on December 17th.

Bryan didn't look too pleased after Shane McMahon's announcement that he'll fire Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens if they lose to Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura at the Clash.

We may see further dissension between the two men in power at this Tuesday's edition of SmackDown Live that takes place from the US Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Author's take

I'm really glad that the WWE is taking another look at Bryan's health because when his contract runs out next fall, I have a feeling he'll go to Ring Of Honor if the WWE doesn't let him wrestle. While I'm a fan of Ring Of Honor, there are so many dream matches to put Bryan in on the WWE roster.

Regardless, the moment Bryan returns to the ring is going to truly be a special moment.