WWE Rumors: Daniel Bryan Considering Leaving?

After months on the sidelines with a concussion suffered earlier this year, Daniel Bryan has said he will wrestle again, even if it means departing WWE.

Daniel Bryan was a welcome sight in WWE when he returned to television after a nearly year-long absence, having recovered from a serious neck injury that threatened to end his career altogether. The popular Yes Man picked up where he left off, with excellent performances culminating in him capturing the Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 31.

However, only a few short weeks later, Bryan would find himself back on the shelf, suffering a concussion while touring the UK. He relinquished his title, and hasn’t been back in the ring since as he awaits clearance from WWE doctors.

Unfortunately, this is an area of concern for Bryan, who may be forced to leave WWE altogether (h/t The Inquisitr) in order to continue his in-ring career. Bryan has stated that his neurologist in Phoenix has cleared him to wrestle again for a while now, but WWE officials are hesitant to rush him back into action. This is likely due to Bryan’s lengthy history of concussions throughout his career, most accrued during his time on the independent circuit.

However, if the company takes a stance that Bryan is no longer fit to wrestle for the company ever again due to fears over his long-term health and their own liability, he has no qualms about moving on to pursue his passion.

"“Yes, there is that chance [WWE may never clear me to wrestle]. But I told them, regardless of them, if they won’t clear me, we’re independent contractors, in theory, and I will wrestle again. I am cleared by the neurologist in Phoenix that I’ve been going to see. It’s not like he’s a quack doctor. He was the neurologist for the Super Bowl, who has no problems in clearing me with no limitations. But you have to understand that WWE is not only looking out for my best interest, but they have to look out for their company as well, and I understand all that, too.”“There is nothing vindictive or anything. There’s just a lot of hurdles to go through at this point with getting cleared by WWE. I had a sit-down with Vince and Hunter about this and said, `Hey, this is my passion. I understand why you guys wouldn’t clear me, but we only get, as far as we know, one life. And you’re not going to let me do my passion.’”"

This is an interesting dilemma now for WWE, who could be set to lose one of their prized assets to a rival organization. Daniel Bryan, healthy or not, is a valuable superstar for the company due to his widespread popularity among the WWE Universe and his merchandise revenue.

Would they be willing to lose their bearded wonder over the fears for his health? Potentially, because concussions are a serious sticking point for WWE doctors and staff, following a number of lawsuits directed at them from former superstars and the work of Chris Nowinski in advocating the protection of athletes from this type of injury. Just consider the fate that has befallen Christian, who has been out of action since March 2014 following a concussion he suffered.

Also, for all the success Bryan has had with the company, it won’t dramatically alter WWE’s dominance of the wrestling world if he was to pop up in TNA, Ring of Honor or GFW in 2016. It will likely attract more fans to each of those shows, and prove an excellent coup for them. It is actually refreshing to hear that Bryan is willing to step away from the biggest name in the business due to his love of the actual art of wrestling.

Personally, I would prefer that he stayed in WWE as his work there is far from over, and his experience would be invaluable for new stars coming up from NXT.

Do you think WWE should clear Daniel Bryan to compete? Would you like to see him competing in TNA, Ring of Honor or GFW? Leave a comment below.

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