Daniel Bryan was finally cleared by doctors and can resume in-ring competition. Just hours after WWE made the big announcement, the SmackDown Live general manager addressed the crowd and shared an emotional speech.

And without a shock, this provided a giant and much-needed boost to the long-struggling SmackDown Live ratings. According to Showbuzz Daily (h/t WrestlingInc.com), this week's episode brought in 2.888 million viewers.

This was a major jump from the 2.771 million views SmackDown got last week. On top of that, it was the blue brand's best viewership since Apr. 11, 2017 (per WrestlingInc.com). If you don't recall, that was during the WW Superstar Shake-Up - and saw AJ Styles beat Sami Zayn and Baron Corbin in a Number One Contender bout for the United States Championship.

SmackDown Live attendance and ratings have been notably dropping through the first three months of 2018. But if this week's episode was an indication of anything, Bryan's return to the ring will only bring them back up.

The end of the show saw Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn confront Bryan, who tried fighting the duo off before getting overpowered and brutally attacked. Dave Meltzer of Wrestling Observer Live reported that the plan is for Bryan and Shane McMahon to face Owens and Zayn in a tag team match at WrestleMania 34 in New Orleans.

Bryan's return and announcement will easily go down as one of the most memorable moments in SmackDown history. The former World Champion reluctantly retired two years ago, following the advice of doctors after a series of concussions and other brain injuries.

Determined to get back into the ring, Bryan and wife Brie Bella sought consultation from multiple doctors across the country. With WWE doctor Joseph Maroon and others clearing him, Bryan will make a remarkable return to professional wrestling.

And it couldn't come at a much better time for SmackDown Live.

NEXT: BACKSTAGE UPDATES ON WHY DANIEL BRYAN WAS CLEARED TO COMPETE