The noticeable absence of Intercontinental Champion Daniel Bryan has questions around his status running rampant throughout the WWE Universe. And without clear answers, we’re each left wondering: What does the future hold for Daniel Bryan?

A spotlight first shined on this issue when Bryan was not medically cleared to defend his Intercontinental Championship against Bad News Barrett at Extreme Rules. Then, this past Monday, the flames of speculation increased tenfold when the “Yes!” Man’s wife Brie Bella provided an update on her husband’s current condition, which didn’t include any definitive details.

It's worth noting that, less than a year ago, Bryan was forced to relinquish the WWE World Heavyweight Champion due to a career-threatening injury. If his current status proves to be as serious this time around, is history destined to repeat itself for his current reign as Intercontinental Champion? Could he conceivably be stripped of a second title in two consecutive years?

WWE Network: Daniel Bryan wins the WWE World Heavyweight Title at WrestleMania 30

Perhaps The Authority should, in fact, step in. Bryan himself has proclaimed that a titleholder needs to be a fighting champion, always ready to give the WWE Universe the show they deserve. If the bearded Superstar can’t provide that level of competition due to injury or otherwise, even he would argue it’s only fair that he should step aside for someone else who can.

It’s very possible that this swell of speculation is all for nothing. Certainly, The Beard could emerge on Raw or SmackDown, this week or the next, to clarify that he’s ready to return — be it after a few more weeks of recoup or, better still, that he is good to go now. In that case, there then would remain one more very important question: Should Bryan come back to defend the title, will he be the same athlete that we have come to know?

For instance, could a reemerging WWE’s “Yes!” Man be forced to change his style in order to continue to compete? Might he take on more of a brawling style rather the oft-aerial technical specialist we have come to know and love?

Though we are sure Bryan himself would answer his naysayers with a resounding “No!” until a clear answer is provided, the WWE Universe waits with bated breath to see its Intercontinental Champion restored and fighting to the tune of “Yes!” in mass unison.

Will WWE fans learn of Daniel Bryan’s (and the Intercontinental Championship’s) fate ahead? Stick with WWE programming and WWE.com for the latest updates.