Although WWE fans are largely pleased about the fact that Daniel Bryan is still on television as the general manager of SmackDown LIVE, there’s still disappointment at WWE’s decision to not clear the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion to return to in-ring action.

This is despite third-party physicians clearing Bryan to compete again, while Bryan doesn’t seem to be too fond of the rumoured idea that he could spend most of the time on the apron in any WrestleMania tag team match.

EXPIRATION

With the ‘All In’ event edging closer, many thought that Bryan could make his highly anticipated return there with his contract set to expire soon. However, the expiration date takes place after that with there being around six months remaining on his WWE contract.

NO-COMPETE CLAUSE

If this happens to be the case, then this could be massive for Bryan as almost all other WWE stars have a no-compete clause in their contracts, which means they are unable to appear for another promotion in any capacity until 90 days after their WWE deals expire.

This dates back right to the Monday Night Wars, so it’s something the WWE has been pretty serious about ever since. It comes as a surprise that they wouldn’t include this clause in his contract, especially since he is so popular with the WWE Universe and even though he isn't competing now, he'd still be a huge loss and there would be plenty of buzz surrounding his exit and the possibility of signing elsewhere.

So, if his contract is set to expire on September 23, then a normal no-compete clause means he wouldn’t be able to appear on television for any other promotion until the end of December. This just so happens to be around the time of Ring of Honor’s Final Battle 2018 event - this seems like the ideal event to make an in-ring comeback.

However, with no no-compete clause inserted, Bryan is free to move to and appear on television for any promotion he decides to sign with. So, his fans could end up seeing him back in action sooner rather than later.

What do you make of WWE not inserting a no-compete clause in Daniel Bryan’s contract? Have YOUR say in the comments section below.