The WWE is currently working on the basis that Daniel Bryan won't return from injury until January 2015, according to the Wrestling Observer Newsletter. At that point Bryan would return at the Royal Rumble, taking up the spot of the third most important wrestler in the company. He had previously been the firm number two man, if not the almost equal to John Cena's number one spot. However, his long term absence with a neck injury has relegated his status. This past week he found out he would need a second surgery on the nerve damage, effectively ruling him out for a further six months. There are now long term plans for John Cena to be the number one guy, with Roman Reigns the heir apparent. Bryan would return as a strong third franchise star, but the top two babyface positions are now locked for Cena and Reigns. The loss of status will be a personal blow to Bryan, who was the key man at this year's WrestleMania 30. His main event victory seemed to be the start of his career push, but it now looks as if it was in fact his peak. The reason for his loss of momentum was the nerve injury in his vertebrae, which required a surgery in May. Since that surgery, Bryan has failed to recover strength in his right arm. As a result, it was decided last week that he will undergo the second surgery. The Wrestling Observer reports that the recovery time will be a further five to six months, leading to the reported January return time. The new surgery will see Bryan's nerve moved and placed under his muscle. The star has noted that while he doesnt have strength on the right side, the injury isnt aggravating in daily life. Hopefully he will have a speedy recovery and be back to action as soon as possible.
