10 Wrestlers Who Will Never Be WWE Champion Again

Unlike initial trainer Shawn Michaels - who returned in 2002 after his initial injury prognosis recommended an early retirement - it looks as though there will be no miracle recovery for SmackDown GM Daniel Bryan.

Unless Vince McMahon and co make an unprecedented U-turn on their policy around head injuries in the next eight months, the likelihood is that everyone's favourite Yes Man will depart WWE in September, ending a rollercoaster eight years on the company's payroll.

This, of course, doesn't preclude Bryan from getting back in the ring somewhere else. Every noise coming out of his camp suggests that he's more than ready to defy his (or at least the WWE) doctors' orders if it means the opportunity to do what he loves best once again.

But it's not going to be at WrestleMania; it's not even going to be at SummerSlam - and that means the chances of him wearing WWE Title gold once again are in turn very, very slim. There's probably more hope of CM Punk making a triumphant return at WrestleMania, and - as we all know - that's not happening this year or any other.