Daniel Bryan Joining WWE SmackDown Live for 1st Time Since Superstar Shake-Up

WWE announced Friday that SmackDown Live general manager Daniel Bryan will return to television for the first time in more than two months Tuesday.

Bryan tweeted the following about his return:

The former WWE champion last appeared on SmackDown Live's Superstar Shake-up episode April 11 before leaving to be with his wife Brie Bella, who gave birth to the couple's first child May 9.

Bryan had been a staple on SmackDown Live since the brand split as an authority figure, and he was also a key part of the Talking Smack interview show alongside Renee Young.

While Bryan can no longer get physical due to his retirement, he is still a key part of the blue brand's presentation.

Bryan's mic work is strong, and his overwhelming popularity with the WWE Universe goes a long way toward adding to the excitement of SmackDown.

The future WWE Hall of Famer's return will come two days after the SmackDown-exclusive Money in the Bank pay-per-view.

At that event, one man and one woman will earn a contract for a future title shot that can be cashed in any time during the next year.

Bryan himself is a former Money in the Bank winner, which makes the timing of his return ideal for the SmackDown brand.

Listen to Ring Rust Radio for all of the hot wrestling topics. Catch the latest episode in the player below (warning: some language NSFW).