How is Tommy Dreamer cleared to wrestle and Bryan isn't?

[Wald]

Tommy was on Austin's podcast a while back and talked about having something like 16 concussions during his career. He said he has suffered terrible memory loss as a result, has blackouts and so on as a result of unprotected chair shots and the extreme style he worked throughout his career. I think it was in this podcast (could have been elsewhere) where he talked about sometimes being in the middle of a city somewhere and having no idea why he's there. He can't remember his own wedding anniversary either and routinely forgets lots of other things, even so far as to what he has just said to his kids.

So how is this guy cleared to wrestle by the WWE? And why is he cleared but Bryan isn't?

I really didn't mind the WWE being, what I assumed, overly protective of Bryan with his history of concussion. I understood it and honestly thought it was probably for the best that the company was stepping in and telling talent when they simply can't let them get in the ring. Guys like Bryan will always want to go so it really is up to the WWE to tell them when they have to slow down or stop. But this Dreamer thing distorts that idea completely. If what Tommy is saying is true than there really is no way he should be getting involved in a WWE ring, let alone working green powerhouses like Strowman and very physical wrestlers like the rest of the Wyatts.

 

[ColeMc]

I was thinking the same thing. When I saw him last week, I was like "TOMMY! OMG Awesome! Wait, Tommy no, don't do it, you leave him alone assholes"

I guess we're in the PG era now, so he won't be taking any ECW head shots, I can only hope the people he works with are going to look after him as well. The only person I'd be worried about is Strowman, as I don't really know how whether he's as smooth in the ring as Luke and Bray.

 

[Navi]

That's a great question and only the WWE and Dreamer know the real answers to it.

My guess is that this is a low level feud, and he won't be taking a lot shots period. Also we probably won't see him around afterwards, him being there is a limited time deal.

They have bigger problems if they bring Bryan back. Firstly he's got two rematch clauses, one for the WHC title, and secondly the IC title. So he could go straight into the title picture, which means he'll be wrestling all the time. Until Dreamer who is sporadic to say the least.

Also you have the problem with Bryan's popularity. They've done a lot of hard work trying to build up Reigns, and if Bryan returns before Mania then a lot of fans will turn away from Reigns again. Right now he's getting cheered, but I have a feeling that's because he's being booked as the top babyface. Bryan returns and the cheering will diminish greatly.

The WWE is between a rock and a hard place right now. They need Bryan back, he is popular and people will tune in to watch him, but it will upset the apple cart with them trying to push Reigns. I don't know what the real answer is, but I'm willing to bet it's not as cut and dry as we think it is.

 

[Bischoff's Knob Slobberer]

First of all, who cares about Tommy Dreamer? Ratings are tanking every week and what does the WWE brain trust do? Bring in an old washed up, fat out of shape Dreamer. This guy has like 2 wrestling moves in his repetitore. All I can do is smh...WWE ratings are at an all time low. I refuse to watch that garbage anymore.
Later...have a good life. Thank God for TNA and ROH, at least I get to see some decent wrestling there with young stars instead of old washed up nobodies like Dreamer and the Dudley Girlz.

 

[Jeff Deliverer of Mail]

Because it's only Tommy Dreamer. The guy is 15 years past his prime when he was once called The Innovator of Offence. Now you could call him The Sort of Not Important Guy That Wrestled In ECW Awhile Ago. I think they value Daniel Bryan a little more than Tommy Dreamer. But who knows.

 

[Fire Marshall Bill]

DB doesn't just have to worry about concussion issues. He's also got the same kind of neck issues that have retired multiple wrestlers.

 

[Hollywood Naitch]

I don't know the answer to the question for sure, but could it have something to do with that Dreamer's concussions occurred outside of WWE, as in he got them while wrestling in ECW BEFORE he came to WWE? Maybe that's a loophole the company are using to allow Tommy to wrestle? I'd expect both Dudley Boyz suffered numerous concussions back in the day too and are still allowed to wrestle on WWE TV.

I wouldn't be surprised if the decision to stop guys wrestling after suffering X number of concussions only counts ones sustained on WWE as relevant.

 

[ShinChan]

I think its because of either of the following two reasons-
1. Maybe he is on a limited schedule and therefore WWE is ignoring his concussion history...
2. Daniel Bryan is their top star so they dont want to risk with his health and also he is surely wanted on a much working schedule than Tommy Dreamer..

 

[Jack-Hammer]

It is an interesting question and it does raise some more questions.

However, I do think the answers, or at least some of them, have been touched on already. For one thing, while it might not be the PC thing to say, as someone else already said, it's just Tommy Dreamer. I'd like to think that WWE isn't that irresponsible and that Dreamer genuinely passed WWE's medical exams with flying colors. Also, to be fair, I highly doubt that Tommy Dreamer has had something along the lines of 16 concussions as it's quite common for wrestlers to exaggerate their boo boos as part of their gimmick. In Dreamer's case, he was the "Innovator of Violence" and "the Heart & Soul of ECW" and he's been riding the coattails of that hardcore legacy he established in ECW for most of his career.

Also, as has been mentioned, there's also Daniel Bryan's neck issues to consider. Whenever you're dealing with anything concerning potential problems with the spinal cord, especially the cervical portion, then it's something to take with extreme seriousness. The nervous system as a whole is so complex that doctors don't fully understand it and ways to treat problems concerning are pretty darn limited. At the same time, however, Bryan has been highly, physically active and has been telling people for close to a year that issues with his neck have cleared up. When he was pulled from WWE's European tour earlier this year, speculation was that something had happened with his neck but it was eventually revealed that he'd suffered a concussion. With the Concussion movie coming out in a few weeks, media coverage surrounding it keeping the subject of the NFL's potential cover up of just how often traumatic brain injuries have been happening to players over the last 10 years and the fact that Joseph Maroon, WWE's medical director and expert on brain trauma, is among those that've been accused this cover up in the NFL and is said to be portrayed in a less than flattering light in the film, Maroon isn't going to risk any sort of blow to his reputation at this point in time.

 

[Big Nick Dudley]

He probably won't take a ton of bumps. I doubt you'll see much from him at all. I'm sure he went through testing to make sure he's fine for competition. I don't think the well, it's just Tommy Dreamer theory is true. I think they realize he won't be around very long so there's a very small chance he will get hurt. Daniel Bryan is a younger man, and when he comes back, they want it to be for a long, long time. Not to mention we really have no idea how serious DB's concussion issues are.

 

[Mustang Sally]

So how is this guy cleared to wrestle by the WWE? And why is he cleared but Bryan isn't?.

In my opinion, it's because Daniel Bryan's real problem is his neck, not concussions.

For concussions, there's a protocol for evaluating whether a person is able to resume performing. It's pretty straightforward. For serious neck injuries, it's an entirely different matter, and if WWE is worried about the consequences of Daniel performing with his neck at risk, it might be too 'hit or miss' to take a chance.

When Daniel was first sidelined, all I remember reading about was his neck. It seemed the possibility of concussions was raised only later.

You might ask: why would Daniel and WWE lie about what's really wrong with him?

I'd answer: why would they tell the truth?

 

[SSJPhenom]

I’ve said several times that I don’t understand why Daniel Bryan isn’t back yet. To hear Bryan tell it, he’s been ready to come back for a long time but WWE won’t allow it. Is it to protect DB so when he does come back he can have a lengthy run? IDK, however, it is suspicious that they’d allow an old washed up injury prone Tommy Dreamer come back and not Daniel Bryan.

The only ones that really know what’s really going on is WWE, Daniel Bryan, and Tommy Dreamer. We’ll probably never know what’s really going on. Unless, of course, Daniel Bryan leaves the WWE and tells all; which I hope he does if he is forced to seek employment elsewhere.

 

[Azane]

If Tommy Dreamer ends up in a wheel chair, it was Paul Heyman's fault in ECW, if DB ends up in a wheel chair, it's Vince's fault.

Tommy Dreamer mentioned a few months ago that he took a chokeslam, and he felt his body go numb, and he said it was a wake up call to get out of the business.

 

[d_henderson1810]

First of all, who cares about Tommy Dreamer? Ratings are tanking every week and what does the WWE brain trust do? Bring in an old washed up, fat out of shape Dreamer. This guy has like 2 wrestling moves in his repetitore. All I can do is smh...WWE ratings are at an all time low. I refuse to watch that garbage anymore.
Later...have a good life. Thank God for TNA and ROH, at least I get to see some decent wrestling there with young stars instead of old washed up nobodies like Dreamer and the Dudley Girlz.

Good, then if you refuse to watch WWE garbage anymore, then can we expect to not have you post comments on here about WWE anymore? I mean, if you are not watching it, then how can you comment on anything that happens, since you would now be getting the information second-hand.

But I bet you will continue to watch Raw, even if it is to come on here and complain about it. You won't be able to help yourself.

I will keep your username in mind, and if I see a post where you comment on an episode of Raw, SD or a WWE PPV, then I know that you are friggin liar, and that you really love WWE after all, and just pretend to hate it so that you can be like all the other sheep on here.

Maybe Dreamer gets to wrestle because he is cleared by doctors, whereas Daniel Bryan doesn't believe in using doctors.

Maybe Bryan's herbalist or spiritual healer hasn't cleared him yet.

 

[d_henderson1810]

In my opinion, it's because Daniel Bryan's real problem is his neck, not concussions.

For concussions, there's a protocol for evaluating whether a person is able to resume performing. It's pretty straightforward. For serious neck injuries, it's an entirely different matter, and if WWE is worried about the consequences of Daniel performing with his neck at risk, it might be too 'hit or miss' to take a chance.

When Daniel was first sidelined, all I remember reading about was his neck. It seemed the possibility of concussions was raised only later.

You might ask: why would Daniel and WWE lie about what's really wrong with him?

I'd answer: why would they tell the truth?

I suspect the neck injury, and in fact, I read one place where it is thought to be the exact type of neck injury that ended "Stone Cold" Steve Austin's and Edge's careers.

Bryan isn't the type to ever accept that he can't wrestle, and believes that his body "will heal itself", and refuses surgery.

I say that the longer he is out, the more chance that Daniel Bryan will never wrestle again. I think his in-ring career is over, and he isn't willing to announce his retirement just yet.

 

[allketchupisnotthesame]

Tommy Dreamer is not over. He is not "taking fans" from the appointed and insisted upon "fan favorite". He is not a threat to the machines plans.

 

[MWRedskins]

firstly i can't answer why he's cleared to wrestle and Bryan isn't. all i know is that i think bringing Bryan back now is too soon. i feel they should wait now until AT Wrestlemania.....as for Bryan, i have him chase after the IC title and get "his" re-match. Bryan in the rumble would be bad as the fans would then hijack the rumble again and if Bryan (or someone they liked) didnt win it...so even if he's fully healthy, i'd not have him wrestle on tv until Wrestlemania....i would however bring him back right after Fast Lane and have him challenge the IC Champion and if he loses, have him lose by DQ so it doesnt hurt Bryan's credibility.

 

[Navi]

First of all, who cares about Tommy Dreamer? Ratings are tanking every week and what does the WWE brain trust do? Bring in an old washed up, fat out of shape Dreamer. This guy has like 2 wrestling moves in his repetitore. All I can do is smh...WWE ratings are at an all time low. I refuse to watch that garbage anymore.
Later...have a good life. Thank God for TNA and ROH, at least I get to see some decent wrestling there with young stars instead of old washed up nobodies like Dreamer and the Dudley Girlz.

Serious question. Why do you even bother posting in this section? It's obvious that you have no time for the WWE, and think everything they put out there is crap. You have said it in almost every post. I have to agree with DHenderson here.

As you say if you "refuse to watch that garbage anymore", then you don't really have an opinion on it do you? I don't watch cricket, so would never go on the cricket thread and say the sport is garbage. I just wouldn't be taken seriously. Sort of like you aren't here. I think you just talk to hear yourself talk.

As for Dreamer, I'll admit he's not the perfect person, but he does fit with the Dudley's. They were all hardcore, and I can't see the Dudley's changing after all these years. I'm not saying we will see the kind of hardcore matches we used too, that's just a tease, and most of what they did back then wouldn't be allowed now.

But off you go and watch your wrestling shows where dog's, ladders and kids from the Grudge are champions. Hell I heard that even the title belt in one of the indy shows won the championship one night because it pinned the wrestler. Let us know how that works out for you.

 

[Charismatic Enigma]

I suspect a lot of it is the apprehension from his slightly premature return last year. WWE knows that he is a top level performer and that the fans will get behind him. I think they don't want to create a scenario for themselves where they are trying to push someone (likely Roman) and then bring back Bryan, and he steals his shine again, they give the fans what they want and then he goes out with another (but this time life threatening) injury.

I think they are just trying to play it really safe. Remember even though the product has been bad he hasn't even been gone, what like 8 months? I know that feels like forever because we all want him back, but Michaels was gone for 4 years, Rock was gone for nearly 8 years. So, if it takes another 6 months or even a year, and we know that were getting Bryan back fully healed, for real this time, and not rushed back because of pressure he put on himself or ratings, it really will be better for everyone in the long run.

 

[therockiswwf]

This actually made me think and I can only come up with one reason.

They haven't even thought about it. I'm guessing they do not send everyone to their concussion doctor unless there is a reason for it. They probably signed him and didn't think to ask about his concussion history.

 

[whoopin' ass]

I am thinking it has to be a contract thing. Bryan is under contract to wwe so he falls under thier rules but if Dreamer isn't under contract but say by-appearance, maybe the same rules don't apply. I mean, in other jobs there rules are different if you are fulltime and casual - fulltime you are on a set schedule where as casual you can pass on working if you want, the perks, etc. I am assuming Dreamer's contract is set up differently since they don't intend to use him long-term and therefore as long as he hasn't been diagnosed recently with a concussion, he is okay. That and the fans wanted Bryan back but wwe doesn't want to push him like the fans do where as they do want Dreamer. Never underestimate wwe and how low and petty they can be.

 

[Kodo Sawaki]

Its simple. Dreamer is here to do one more match and that is 4 vs 4 match where he could just do couple of minutes in ring(Heck, that whole match would probably be couple of minutes long) and Bryan would be back for good. Which means multiple RAW, Smackdown and PPV appearances. And Bryan would be much bigger star so it means company would have to rely on him a bit. Dreamer is just there for cheap pops and for one match on PPV.

Other thing is, for Bryan I think its more creative then just the injury. WWE cant risk screwed up Rumble 3 years in a row. So they are probably saving him for night after Rumble or even after Wrestlemania.

 

[ヒュー　G.　レックション]

Same reason Rock doesn't get wellness tested. Dreamer is not a main roster member so isn't subject to their checks.

 

[Noshowers]

Because it's only Tommy Dreamer. The guy is 15 years past his prime when he was once called The Innovator of Offence. Now you could call him The Sort of Not Important Guy That Wrestled In ECW Awhile Ago. I think they value Daniel Bryan a little more than Tommy Dreamer. But who knows.

This kind of thinking shouldn't matter for this question at all. I don't care who the wrestler is, be it your top star or an old legend brought in to put someone over.

If WWE really cares about wrestlers and their health, they should not be using Dreamer in a physical role. Let him be a manager. Let him grab a table for Bubba and Devon. Let him be a guest referee. When he starts taking bumps it's clear WWE doesn't give a hoot about his health.

 

[stingray11214]

To quote Jack Nicholson: "You can't handle the truth!" The truth is that Tommy Dreamer is there ONLY to aid a storyline. Period. End. He is no threat to anyone.

Daniel Bryan comes back, and all hell breaks loose. Stamford wants an unfettered highway to WM32 coronation of Roman Reigns as the "face" of the WWE. I have little doubt that if Bryan was a seriously injured as the WWE claims he is, steps would have been taken for him to have a permanent non-combative role in Stamford, and nothing else needed to be said. However, DBry is currently training in Jiu-Jitsu. You need some nice body movement and be able to take some shots to the head on the takedowns. Would someone with a concussion or neck issues actually get involved in the training of Jiu-Jitsu, a real serious combat sport?

It is time for us to be real: I honestly believe that Dr. Maroon has already seen him, and the report is on VKM's desk. ANd, VKM is sitting on it until a week after WrestleMania. Why? Because the NANOSECOND that DBry steps out from the back in his gear, the scene will be like something out of Fatima in 1917. The Quadriplegics will jump out of their wheelchairs, The non-verbal will speak, the blind will see, and the deaf will hear, and they all will be doing the same thing: Chanting "YES! YES! YES!" And, Roman Reigns and VKM and Kevin Dunn's grand plans for him will be 100% fucked. Roman Reigns could have Jesus, Muhammad and Moses in his corner while he fights Satan, and Reigns will get booed. If DBry is anywhere NEAR a ring between now and WM32, Reigns will pay for it dearly. DBry could be selling peanuts in the stands at the RR, and Roman Reigns would be fighting 5 members of ISIL, and people will ignore Reigns and there will be a massive run on peanuts.

SO, if you are VKM, what do you do? You sit on DBry and give Reigns a full shot at his coronation. You get fans used to seeing Reigns as THEIR hero and savior. Then, once the "savior" is implanted, let DBry out of his cage to the adoring masses. At this point, he is no longer a threat to the established order. Unless, Reigns falls flat on his face. Then, it is back to Square One. But, the original goal was accomplished: Make Reigns the "face" of the WWE without interference.