WWE World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan underwent neck surgery last Thursday and was expected to return to the roster in August, but the WWE is more hopeful that he will be back in June for Money in the Bank 2014.

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It was expected that Bryan would be out until at least SummerSlam, but according to Wrestlingheadlines.com, that is apparently a worst-case scenario. Before Bryan underwent surgery to repair a minor broken neck last week, there was some optimism that he may return to the squared circle at Money in the Bank on June 29.

The report indicates that while Money in the Bank was the hopeful point of return for Bryan, he may not be ready to be back by then. The WWE is reportedly working on the plans for that pay-per-view with plans in place as if Bryan will return while they also have plans in the event that Bryan isn't ready for a return.

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SummerSlam is reportedly a worst-case scenario for Bryan despite the fact that it was previously reported to be a best-case scenario for his return

Bryan was set to face Kane in a Buried Alive match at WWE Payback on June 1 in Chicago, however the WWE had to scrap the plans now that Bryan is hurt. If Bryan can't return for Money in the Bank, the company is hopeful he may return for Battleground on July 20.

If he can't make Battleground, he should definitely be back by SummerSlam on Aug. 17. The WWE didn't strip him of the title yet, but Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley challenged him to appear on next week's Monday Night RAW to forfeit the belt in a storyline that's slated to take up to a few weeks to conclude.

Bryan suffered the neck injury through the course of his career and the wear and tear he's put on his body over the years. There is some concern backstage that this neck injury could be the start of long-term problems for the WWE Champion and some people believe he should tone down his style.

There has been a lot of talk about Bryan changing his in-ring style when he returns to avoid further damage. According to Wrestlingheadlines.com, some people backstage have suggested that Bryan should cut out the flying head-butt, missile dropkick and his topes because of how he lands when doing them.

For what it's worth, the WWE is advertising Bryan vs. Triple H in a street fight for the July 12 event at Madison Square Garden when the previous lineup had Bryan and Triple H off the card.

It remains to be seen when Bryan will be ready for a return, but late June is the best-case scenario while mid-August appears to be a worst-case scenario.

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