SmackDown is returning to Thursday nights for the first time in a decade next week, but that's not the only comeback planned as the company has confirmed that Daniel Bryan will return to action for the first time on the inaugural edition of the program switching nights.
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WWE.com released the following on the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion returning to the ring on the Blue Brand next week:
"Will Daniel Bryan compete when SmackDown makes its move to THURSDAYS, this week at 8/7 CT on Syfy? Yes!"
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"WWE.com has learned that the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion will make his in-ring return to action on SmackDown monumental Thursday night premiere. The news comes on the heels of Bryan's announcement during the Dec. 29 edition of Raw that he would once again lace up his boots after a long-standing injury to battle in the 2015 Royal Rumble Match.
Who will The Beard face? Will he pick up right where he left off? And will The Authority have anything to say about it? Find out this Thursday night at 8/7 CT on SmackDown!"
Bryan has been sidelined since mid-May when he underwent neck surgery and subsequently lost feeling in his arm following the initial operation.
There was fear that Bryan may have to undergo a second procedure or that his career may be over, but in December the nerve in his arm started to regain feeling.
Bryan then announced on the final edition of Monday Night RAW of 2014 that his career isn't over and he intends to return in the 30-man match later this month at the Royal Rumble.
There were reports that Bryan was set to be held off of competing on television until the Rumble event and that he would strictly wrestle at untelevised live events, but this obviously changes things.
Bryan is one of three people to declare themselves into the Royal Rumble Match on Jan. 25 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia as heavy-favorite Roman Reigns and United States Champion Rusev are also in the match and 27 others will eventually be revealed.
There are rumors that Bryan or Reigns may win the match and that backstage there have been some disagreements as to who should headline WrestleMania 31 against WWE World Heavyweight Champion Brock Lesnar, but it remains to be seen what the WWE will do at the Royal Rumble.
There have also been reports that Triple H held a meeting with the talent to say the winner is up in the air and it is unknown at this time who the WWE will book to win the bout, though Reigns has been rumored to emerge victorious for months.
Bryan said he really wants a match with Lesnar because it's a dream bout of his and he never lost the belt, but rather was forced to relinquish it due to his injury.
Bryan won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at last year's WrestleMania XXX prior to the injury.
One thing is for certain, Bryan will compete in the squared circle when SmackDown moves back to Thursday for the first time since 2005 next week.
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