Projecting Daniel Bryan’s Next Move

As recently reported by various sources, Daniel Bryan's WWE contract has properly expired. After losing to Roman Reigns three weeks ago on SmackDown, with the stipulation of his exit upon losing the match, Bryan has not been seen on WWE television since that loss. In the weeks leading up to that match, Bryan was not keeping quiet about his post-WWE career aspirations. 

Daniel Bryan has spoken across multiple platforms about the wrestlers outside of WWE that he would like to face off against. The likes of AEW World Champion Kenny Omega, IWGP Heavyweight Champion Will Ospreay and others have been mentioned.

Bryan has also expressed his willingness to move on from wrestling in a full-time role, and his desire to focus his efforts towards his wife and children. 

Daniel Bryan lost years of his career due to excessive head and neck injuries but has been active on a full-time basis for the last three years, excluding his time away from WWE due to the pandemic.

But with Bryan’s contract ending, professional wrestling fans are left to question: What will Daniel Bryan do?

Head Home

Daniel Bryan with his wife Brie Bella, their daughter Birdie and son Buddy. (Brie Bella/Instagram)

There’s a case to be made about Daniel Bryan never wrestling again. Period. After being forced to retire back in 2015, Daniel Bryan willed his way back into the WWE ring. He made his return at WrestleMania 34 in New Orleans, Louisiana, the very same city in which he won the WWE Championship back at Wrestlemania 30. 

His return match was a tag team match featuring Shane McMahon, against the team of Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. Since then, he has been competing on SmackDown regularly. 

Some would say that Bryan has been wrestling on borrowed time, and considering his recent comments regarding major neck pain, as well as his desire to be a present and active father, Daniel Bryan’s place may just be in Aberdeen, Washington.

Hit the Indies

Bryan sharing a handshake with CM Punk during their rivalry in Ring of Honor. (via Ring of Honor)

An independent wrestling legend, Daniel Bryan came to prominence in the early to mid-2000s, competing against the likes of CM Punk, Samoa Joe and AJ Styles. Despite being smaller in stature, Bryan became an influential and highly sought-after wrestler given his technical ability, tenacity and palpable connection with audiences. 

Given Bryan’s legacy, and love for independent wrestling, the “bingo halls“ would certainly be a better place with The American Dragon’s presence. 

There are dozens of unique, fresh matchups for Bryan to come across on the independent scene. He can do a stint with any of the other major companies, coming across the likes of Kenny Omega, Jay White or Zack Sabre Jr, as well as unsigned talent like Lio Rush, Homicide and of course the most recently released Samoa Joe.v

Re-Sign with WWE

Daniel Bryan during his “Planets Champion” run in WWE. (via WWE)

There will always be room for Daniel Bryan in the WWE. Though he was once regarded as a B+ player, he recently headlined his third WrestleMania in seven years. Daniel Bryan competed against Roman Reigns and Edge for the Universal Championship in the main event of WrestleMania 37 Night II, proving his ability to perform at the highest level on the grandest stage.

Bryan has also been rumored to be adopting a backstage role within the company, as he has helped plenty of superstars like Cesaro and Drew Gulak improve since the start of the Thunderdome era. But rumors lean in the direction of Bryan not being interested in such a role.

At 39, it is likely that Bryan’s days in the ring are numbered, even in a part-time WWE role. And given the current wrestling landscape, it is likely that Bryan’s best payday would come from WWE.

Regardless of Daniel Bryan’s decision, there’s no denying that his legacy is secure. And he still has some time to leave more lasting marks on the industry, which leaves fans of Daniel Bryan in an advantageous situation, no matter what he decides.