Top SmackDown Rumors: Management 'p***d off' with 6-time champion's behaviour, Rollins' real-life heat with major star, Reigns' SummerSlam plan (11th July)

#2. Reason why Daniel Bryan is being mentioned on SmackDown

RT to acknowledge @WWERomanReigns ❤️ to acknowledge @WWERomanReigns Comment to acknowledge @WWERomanReigns 📺: #SmackDown, TONIGHT at 8/7c on @FOXTV. @HeymanHustle pic.twitter.com/N2LaMXYjkD

— WWE (@WWE) July 9, 2021

Soon after WrestleMania 37, Daniel Bryan was barred from SmackDown after he lost a singles match for the Universal Championship against Roman Reigns. Initial speculation led to the belief that Bryan would be moving to RAW or NXT after leaving SmackDown.

Incidentally, Bryan's WWE contract expired soon after his match and the former WWE Champion chose not to re-sign with the company. With Edge's return to SmackDown a few weeks back, Bryan's name is being used a lot on SmackDown. This has lead to speculation that he might be returning. However, that is not the case as per Dave Meltzer of WON:

"Regarding all the mentions of Daniel Bryan on television of late, we’re told this isn’t an indication he’s coming back. Nobody really knows what he’s doing past if he’s made a secret deal with any company, they are keeping it a secret until they do a dramatic reveal when they want to."

Meltzer also noted that the main reason WWE keeps using Daniel Bryan's name on SmackDown is to make Edge look better. Bryan had inserted himself in the WrestleMania 37 match between Edge and Reigns, making it a triple threat. WWE wants to show that Edge couldn't beat Reigns because of Bryan's involvement.