Daniel Bryan: "I Assume That If I Don’t Wrestle By WrestleMania I Probably Won’t Be Wrestling With WWE At All"

If Daniel Bryan hasn't wrestled in a WWE ring by the time WrestleMania 34 rolls around, he assumes that he won't wrestle another match for the company. Of course, it's important to note this is just an assumption so there's still hope yet, fans.

In an interview with

, the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion also acknowledged that a potential return to the ring is a complicated process that will continue to be up in the air for a little while to come.

"It’s not a black and white answer,” said Bryan. “There are a lot of issues with me getting cleared by WWE. They have a very strict protocol, which is a good thing, but the timeline of all that happening was not the best for me. It’s an interesting situation that will develop.”

Bryan was forced to hang up his boots all the way back in February 2016 due to injuries sustained over a near 17-year career. Despite being cleared by two external doctors, WWE's medical staff wouldn't allow the current SmackDown Live General Manager to step between the ropes once more.

Talk of one more match for Bryan within the WWE Universe has intensified in recent times as the friction between he and Commissioner Shane McMahon has increased. WrestleVotes via 

 - the Twitter account that broke the story of Neville’s current uncertain situation with WWE - recently reported that Shane is in line for yet another huge 'Mania match after taking on The Undertaker and AJ Styles at 32 and 33 respectively. A match with Bryan would certainly fit that billing so could be a possibility.

Whatever happens, at least we now have a time frame on Bryan's future. If he hasn't been booked in a match by the time 'Mania season is in full swing, it would appear his future will back on the indies - with a spot in the upcoming Bullet Club show potentially on the horizon.