By James Caldwell, PWTorch assistant editor

WWE star Daniel Bryan is having to play the waiting game while waiting to return to the wrestling ring. Which means his mind is racing.

In recent interviews, Bryan has talked about different story and match ideas that he sees playing out as he waits for WWE's medical team to clear him from a concussion earlier this year. Bryan says his own independent doctor has given him a pass, and his concerned wife, Brie Bella, is now supporting him returning to action.

However, Bryan says WWE is not ready to commit because of Bryan's history of concussions and injuries.

So, Bryan's mind continues to race. He even relayed a conversation with WWE management where he talked about wrestling outside of WWE because "we're independent contractors ... in theory" in an interview with the "Busted Open" satellite radio show. He's also watching Shinsuke Nakamura in New Japan, which would make any passionate wrestling fan salivate at the thought of Bryan and Nakamura matching up.

But, Bryan wants to return to a WWE ring, and he understands WWE's position despite his frustration.

"I am cleared by the neurologist in Phoenix that I’ve been going to see. It’s not like he’s a quack doctor. He was the neurologist for the Super Bowl, who has no problems in clearing me with no limitations. But you also have to understand that WWE is not only looking out for my best interest, but they have to look out for their company as well, and I understand all of that, too," Bryan told Busted Open.

Bryan told Sports Illustrated's Justin Barrasso that he suffered his concussion during a six-man tag match on WWE's European Tour in April. Bryan was sent home and has not wrestled since. Bryan disputed the original belief that he suffered the most-recent concussion during a match against Sheamus in early April prior to the European Tour.

Three months later, Bryan says he feels great and he should be cleared to wrestle again, "but that's a process that is somewhat out of my hands."

“I’m trying. I don’t want to push, push, push. I’ve made my statement to WWE, but they’re going to listen to their doctors. I’m trying to do it as soon as possible, but they’re looking out for my best interests, so I’m trying to be a little bit patient with them," Bryan told SI.

In the meantime, Bryan's mind will continue to race as he books himself back into WWE TV. He likely will not be a consistent main-event player again, but Bryan says he just wants to continue pursuing his passion in wrestling, now with the support of Brie, whose mind has been put at ease by Bryan's recent medical testing.

“It’s never bothered me mentally knowing that I was not what Vince McMahon was looking for, or even that I’m not necessarily what Triple H is looking for. That’s never bothered me, because I’m not pursuing being great in Vince’s eyes. I’m pursuing the things that make me happy, and that’s really helped me along the way," Bryan told SI.

[ LINK: Full Sports Illustrated Interview HERE. Busted Open with Doug Mortman and Dave LaGreca can be heard on SiriusXM 92 and on the SiriusXM app. More Info at BustedOpenNation.com ]

[Torch art credit Travis Beaven (c) PWTorch.com]

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