I'm usually not one for tinfoil hat theories, but in this case I think it sounds about right that Vince is afraid of Bryan. Reigns is more protected than Cena ever dreamed of being. Seems really fishy, especially when they let guys like Tommy Dreamer wrestle. He's just old and stubborn, cares more about proving a point, and it's not like Bryan was huge money anyway. His merchandise sold just ok, and ratings didn't really skyrocket with him on top.
If Reigns got hurt for WM, I think you would "miraculously" see Bryan back. To put it another way, if there was a WCW nipping at Vince's heels, you would see Bryan back.
I'm kinda torn. I love seeing all these talented guys under one roof, but lack of competition really sucks. I miss WCW.