WWE open to Daniel Bryan making shock return from AEW despite Vince McMahon losing one of top stars to bitter rivals
WWE chiefs 'don't believe the door is closed' on Daniel Bryan making an incredible return, according to reports.
He left the company earlier this year after his contract expired.
The 40-year-old now competes for WWE's rivals All Elite Wrestling (AEW) under his real name - Bryan Danielson.
That's because his WWE name is still owned by that franchise.
But despite leaving the company, the WWE are still hopeful that Danielson could return and compete for them, according to .
He is said to have left on 'very good terms' with boss Vince McMahon - meaning an emotional return could be on the cards later down the line.
He featured in the main event at Wrestlemania 37 in April but lost to Roman Reigns in a Universal Championship triple threat match that also included Edge.
Later on that month he lost to Reigns again in a 'championship vs career match' which meant he was banned from Smackdown.
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He is one of a host of former WWE stars who have made the switch to bitter rivals AEW.
CM Punk and Daniel Cole both swapped WWE for AEW, as did the likes of Cage, Miro, Malakai Black and Andrade El Idolo.
Danielson's WWE contract reportedly expired on May 4 after a rollercoaster ride competing for the company.
He was previously forced to retire due to medical issues in 2016 but made a triumphant return two years later after finally getting the all-clear.
And since joining McMahon’s company full-time in 2010 he has been a five-time world champion, two-time tag team champion, as well as Intercontinental and US champ.
WWE legend CM Punk is chuffed by Danielson's switch to the AEW with the wrestler a hugely popular figure among fans.
He previously told the : ";The guy was in the WrestleMania main event.
"He’s freshly removed from television. He’s a big deal.
"He’s a very, very big deal and I think that signals to pro wrestling fans that this is the place to be. This is what I want to watch."