While WWE officials remain hopeful that Daniel Bryan will sign a new contract with the company, the Leader of the Yes Movement's in-ring future is currently a mystery. Despite that, WWE isn't stopping talent from mentioning Bryan, so there's clearly no bad blood between the two parties.
During Friday night's episode of SmackDown, Universal Champion Roman Reigns and Paul Heyman eulogised Bryan's career after he was "banished" from the blue brand. However, we've since learned - via Ringside News - that one of the promo's best moments was improvised by Heyman.
The 10-bell salute that Heyman held was, in fact, not in the script. Despite that, it's said the segment "got everybody talking backstage" in a positive way, and it appears Heyman is someone Vince McMahon has allowed some freedom on the mic. People were "cracking up" backstage when this happened, and based on the reaction online, it was a smart move on Heyman's part.
Since this story broke, Dave Meltzer has confirmed that the story is accurate, but notes that while Heyman didn't get permission for his 10-bell salute, he was given the approval to mention Bryan.
We'll be sure to keep you updated as we learn more about Bryan's in-ring status. As of right now, though, he's a free agent and could theoretically show up on AEW: Dynamite this Wednesday!