WWE Champion AJ Styles has said the recent return of Daniel Bryan, reminds him of the return of Shawn Michaels in 2002, following a four-year absence. 

Speaking to Sam Roberts, Styles said he had 'selfishly' hoped the leader of the YES! movement would've been cleared to compete earlier.

He said: "Did I expect him to be cleared? No, but the fact that he did is awesome. Reminded me of when Shawn Michaels came back."

"I remember just praying for him to not get hurt because you just never know, and then he goes out and becomes Shawn Michaels.”

Michaels was forced into a four-year retirement, following back problems. In that time, he was able to beat addiction and found religion.

Bryan retired in 2016, after a series of injuries cut short a WWE Championship reign and an Intercontinental Championship reign, but returned to competition at WrestleMania 34, teaming with Shane McMahon to defeat Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn.