Daniel Bryan Comments on Recovery from Injury, Future in Wrestling

Former WWE champion Daniel Bryan is optimistic WWE will clear him to return to the ring in the near future from a concussion that has sidelined him since April.

Bryan spoke to IGN about the topic last week during an interview for October's release of WWE 2K16.

“So, we don't know," Bryan said when asked about a timeline for his return. "I had a concussion in April, and obviously they're very hypersensitive about concussion stuff right now."

The holdup stems from WWE, whose doctors won’t clear Bryan because of the nature of the injury and his medical history. After winning the world heavyweight title in April of 2014, Bryan announced he suffered a nerve injury that required surgery and held him out until January. Just three months later, he suffered his most recent concussion that has held him out since.    

"So now, we have two doctors: one saying no, one saying yes," Bryan said. "They're going to send me to a third doctor at some point in the near future and that doctor will decide my fate."

Jonathan Bachman/Associated Press

Some, such as wrestling icon Bret Hart in an interview with Justin Barrasso of Sports Illustrated, have speculated the most recent head injury will end Bryan’s career—though the Bryan believes otherwise.

Bryan told IGN a neurologist who was utilized at the Super Bowl last year cleared him for full contact but WWE’s doctor didn't. He said he’ll be tested by a third doctor, who will ultimately have the final say.

"

If they send me to a third neurologist who's also highly respected in the concussion field and they say literally no...well, then is it really smart to go against two doctors? I get all fired up...and then I'm like, maybe that's not the best thing for me and my family going forward.

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Bryan, 34, said coping with a possible life away from wrestling has been difficult. He’s been a premier personality for the WWE, having held roles away from the ring—such as serving as a judge on WWE's Tough Enough—and has hinted that a possible career in commentating is one he’d venture should he not be cleared.   

"

I think I would really enjoy be a commentator. One of the hard things for me though would be being around it without actually doing it. I mean, I would be under contract still, so it would be one of those things where I would do whatever they tell me; I'm a good employee! But it's one of those things where it's hard for me...the idea of being around it and seeing people do it and not being able to do it.

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While Bryan is keeping his options open regarding other roles within WWE, it's clear he hasn't thrown in the towel just yet on a possible return. With Bryan's doctor's appointment coming in the near future, fans of the Yes Movement will have to keep their fingers crossed for a diagnosis that will allow the former WWE champion to compete in the squared circle.