Although WWE fans are upset at Daniel Bryan having to retire from an in-ring role, there was plenty of excitement surrounding his role as SmackDown LIVE general manager.

Accompanying commissioner Shane McMahon, the former WWE Champion is a natural fit for the blue brand as he’s everything you’d want from a superstar competing on SmackDown – it’s about giving an opportunity to those that wouldn’t usually get it.

SMACKDOWN GM

Fans are even luckier now as they don’t have Mick Foley as the Monday Night RAW general manager, but they brought back Kurt Angle after a long time away from the company, and you could argue that his situation is similar to Bryan’s as he too can’t compete in the ring.

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While fans are enjoying having Bryan on-screen in any capacity, the excitement might be short-lived as he’s expected to be taking some time off soon.

Last October, it was announced that Brie Bella was pregnant with her and Bryan’s first child, and they should be welcoming their daughter any time now.

According to The Inquisitr, WWE will be giving Bryan some time off soon to be with his family and it’s unclear whether that will last weeks, months or whether he’ll be completely replaced.

There were rumours of this happening earlier, but there haven’t been any obvious indications as to if and how Shane will be writing Bryan off television.

HIATUS

Although the safest bet, if he intends on fulfilling his role as general manager, is to tell the truth about his whereabouts which is probably the avenue they will go down.

This leaves Shane as the sole authority figure on the blue brand, and it will be interesting to see how he can fare on-screen without Bryan - something means he’ll have to appear a lot more.

The reason a permanent departure has been speculated is because a lot of people know Bryan still has a desire to compete again, as only WWE’s doctors haven’t cleared him to return to action.

It was also speculated that he wouldn’t sign a new deal with WWE, which would allow a big promotion such as New Japan Pro Wrestling to bring him in where he can continue doing what he really loves, rather than remaining on-screen and announcing matches on a weekly basis.

Despite there being some attractive options for potential interim general managers, WWE would be wise to cater to Bryan and allow him to take as much time as he needs away from the company, rather than bringing somebody else in for the short-term and then having Bryan decide he’s not needed.

Fans know the type of person Bryan is. He has a unique personality which makes him likeable, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him not return because he wants to remain at home.

SmackDown is perfect as it is; Bryan is a key part of it and he deserves the time off.

What should WWE do when Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella welcome their daughter? Have YOUR say in the comments section below and the second episode of GiveMeSport’s WWE podcast is here! Check out the inside info from our coverage in Orlando. https://soundcloud.com/user-818579649/givemesport-inside-wrestlemania-33

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