Wrestle Kingdom 13: Premature Card Predictions

IWGP Intercontinental Championship: Hiroshi Tanahashi (c) vs Daniel Bryan

It would be a dream come true if my first live wrestling event was headlined by the return of Daniel BryanYes, this is going to happen, believe it or not!

Daniel Bryan has been chomping at the bit ever since he went into pre-mature retirement after his history of concussions. He has since, at least according to himself gotten re-evaluated and cleared by doctors. However, it doesn't seem despite all the teasing that WWE is ready to play ball and one can understand why given the concussion lawsuits against them.

Though he is a family man now, and could comfortably segue into a lucrative coach role for the E as well as possibly wrestle years down the line, Bryan is itching to go and has stated if he is not cleared for Wrestlemania this year then it's all over.

With his contract up, Daniel Bryan seeks to head out back to the indies and create a storm in the wrestling world. He'll have to be careful with his in-ring style now, but Bryan will surely be headed home to Ring of Honor finding himself in the orbit of New Japan.

While it might be shocking to find this prediction place two men with a history of injuries up against one another (I seriously debated putting an even more stunning bet on Bryan facing fellow injured and retired Shibata, on the list), the dream match between Tanahashi and Bryan will keep fans salivating.

Plus, Tanahashi is the kind of hard-hitting Japanese superstar who will be able to help Bryan to a safer but thrilling match on the night. The men will clash on the field in an exhilarating match and though Bryan won't score the win, he will have found a friend and respect from Tanahashi.

This will position Daniel Bryan for an exciting few years on the New Japan scene until the WWE finally come back calling for a final run for the bearded GOAT.

As for the former ace Tanahashi, his reign with the vaunted Intercontinental title will take new heights as he consistently proves he isn't done just yet.

Winner: Hiroshi Tanahashi