Should WWE Bring Back Daniel Bryan in 2016?

Is it time for WWE to finally clear Daniel Bryan in 2016?

Unfortunately, one of the biggest stories in WWE last year and this year has been the health of Daniel Bryan.

One month after his WrestleMania 30 win, Bryan suffered a neck injury that threatened to end his career. He had to undergo multiple surgeries just to regain feeling in his left arm because his nerves were damaged.

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Then in Dec. 2014, the former ROH star announced that he would return to action on WWE’s return to Thursday Night SmackDown on Jan. 15, 2015. This was the ultimate Christmas present for the fans who have loved for him years.

However, just three months into his return, Bryan suffered a concussion, which has been the norm for his career. All the years of banging around in ROH and WWE has taken a toll on his body and the latest concussion he suffered during a live event was the culmination of it.

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We have not seen the leader of the Yes Movement wrestle since then because WWE doctors have not cleared him to come back. Seeing him compete in the ring for WWE seems as unlikely as ever.

There is still optimism in some that he could return in 2016, though. Would it be the right call?

No.

Given the information we know about sports-related injuries 2015, concussions in particular, putting Bryan back in a WWE ring would be dangerous. One more of these injuries could do further damage that causes CTE. No one wants to see him lose his mind down the line and do something harmful like others with this disease have done.

It would also look very bad for business on WWE’s part. Bryan’s next injury can’t be on their watch with all the scrutiny they have taken from former WWE Superstars who are suing the company for their head-related ailments. Vince McMahon, Kevin Dunn and company would have their hands on their heads thinking “What have we just done?” if Bryan suffers yet another injury.

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This is an unpopular take, but it’s a realistic one. I would like to see the Bearded Superstar back in WWE as much as anyone. Being realistic comes into play here, though. Long-term health and sustainability should be what the focus is for Bryan. He is only 34-years-old and has a long life to live outside of WWE, where his career may last another four to five years if he gets cleared. The next 40-50 years should matter the most as he could have kids, grandkids and build a family with real-life wife Brie Bella.

Daniel Bryan will be missed when he has officially called it quits with WWE. He doesn’t want it to happen, but there may be no choice.