Last Friday night’s SmackDown was built around Universal Champion Roman Reigns putting his title on the line against Daniel Bryan in the show’s main event. If Bryan lost, which he did, he’d be banished from SmackDown. It was believed that this was done to move Bryan to either Raw or SmaackDown and get heat on Reigns. However, it has now been confirmed by multiple sources that Bryan’s contract actually expired at midnight following SmackDown. WWE has already moved him to the alumni section of their website.
For a long time, it was believed that Bryan’s contract expired this upcoming September, but he revealed in a recent interview with TV Line that it wasn’t accurate. However, he didn’t give any indication that its expiry was imminent. What the future now holds for Bryan remains to be seen. He could simply re-sign with WWE for fewer dates. However, as he is now a free agent, he can negotiate and sign with AEW or New Japan, or as in the case of Jon Moxley, both promotions.
Bryan’s WWE career has had extreme highs and lows. His title victory at WrestleMania 30 was considered one of the WWE’s all-time great moments. He did, though, have to retire from the ring due to concussion issues from 20015-2018. Thankfully, he made able to make a triumphant return at WrestleMania 34 after multiple neurosurgeons, and Dr. Joseph Maroon, who is associated with WWE, cleared him to compete.
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