WWE's Daniel Bryan medically cleared for in-ring return

Daniel Bryan is set to make his long-awaited return to the ring.

WWE announced Tuesday that the 36-year-old has been medically cleared to return to competition by the company's medical director, Dr. Joseph Maroon, as well as leading neurosurgeons, neurologists, and concussion experts.

Bryan, who is married to fellow WWE star Brie Bella, was forced to retire in 2016 due to injuries. He later became general manager of SmackDown.

The timing of the announcement opens up the possibility of Bryan competing at WrestleMania 34 on April 8, which he acknowledged in a recent interview with The National's Graham Caygill.

"So far every doctor has cleared me that they have sent me to and so there is a chance," Bryan said. "I used to think that the percentage of the WWE ever clearing me was low. I think with the stuff that I have done it has gone a little higher but I don't know how much higher.

"With how everything is, there is one (way) to go if I don't get cleared (storyline wise) and then there is another way to go if I am cleared. I am hoping to be cleared but I don't know which way it goes."