For Daniel Bryan fans who have been eager to see if the bearded one will ever make a World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) return, that may never happen — ever.

This if the latest report from the Wrestling Observer (via Fansided) is any good, though. According to the report from the subscription only site, WWE Chairman Vince McMahon has reportedly told Bryan that he may never compete in the WWE ring ever again.

Bryan will remain in the WWE but as a non-wrestling star, something that may not bode well with the former WWE champion who recently got clearance from a third outside doctor.

Last year, there was word that the WWE and Bryan agreed to get the opinion of a third doctor to settle the row. But all that would be useless until the WWE would give the go-signal to return.

Days before the 2016 Royal Rumble, Bryan did get clearance and such spurred belief that he could possibly be included in the 30-man battle royal. And as everyone knows by now, that never happened.

If the report is indeed true, it will be interesting what Bryan decides from here. While he is not being dismissed by the WWE, Bryan had already indicated that he wants to wrestle.

He did mention before that if the WWE would not allow him, he would consider other options. That includes a possible return to the Ring of Honor or even jump to Total Nonstop Action (TNA) Wrestling. Bryan has yet to act on the matter.

If not the Royal Rumble, there were many waiting on the Yes Man to make a return on one of the succeeding regular shows (WWE RAW and Smackdown). A week has passed and no sign of Bryan.

There is a small glimmer of hope for Bryan's fans, according to Wrestling Inc., as McMahon said it was not 100% sure he wouldn't return to the ring. Whatever percentage that may be, one has the feeling that it isn't that high.