Originally published on ProWrestlingSheet.

Pro Wrestling Sheet has learned Daniel Bryan agreed to return to WWE back in May ... and the initial pitch called for SmackDown Live's new General Manager to come back much sooner.

Sources tell us the original suggested timeline called for Vince McMahon to announce the brand split and WWE Draft the night after Money in the Bank, as well as the return of Daniel Bryan.

We're told he would have also announced that Shane McMahon and Stephanie McMahon would continue running the flagship show and Bryan would've butt heads with them leading to the draft.

No word on why the storyline was altered -- or when Mick Foley was brought into the picture -- but as usual, plans can change at the drop of a dime in WWE.

Watch their returns below.