Sadness, gratitude, joy… those are just some of the emotions the WWE Universe is currently going through. As speculated, Daniel Bryan did in fact appear on this week’s episode of Monday Night RAW, but it wasn’t the kind of homecoming the fans in Seattle were expecting. While the entire WWE Universe has been clamoring for Bryan to return to in – ring competition, the news that broke out earlier today sent the entire wrestling fraternity into a state of disbelief. The former WWE World Heavyweight champion has announced his retirement from WWE.
Bryan had earlier sent out a tweet, announcing his decision to retire from WWE, given his history with concussions and injuries. While Bryan has been training for an in – ring return, even though the WWE medical team hasn’t cleared him for competition, Bryan talked about undergoing further tests last week. This further strengthened WWE’s case of not clearing Daniel Bryan, and knowing the dangers involved, Bryan took the most sensible decision of calling it a career. In just a matter of hours, the anticipation turned into a morose, somber atmosphere, and just like that, Bryan has wrestled his last match in WWE.Bryan’s journey to the pinnacle of sports entertainment has been a long, tedious one. While everyone around the superstar told him he couldn’t do what he wanted to, the “Yes Man” always remained optimistic. Bryan has always thanked the WWE Universe for being the driving force behind his success, and two years after main eventing WrestleMania 30, Daniel Bryan’s WWE career has come to an abrupt end. While it has been speculated that WWE were under the impression that Bryan wouldn’t be cleared for in – ring competition again, very few saw the bearded superstar’s announcement coming.
They say the true greats aren’t proud of their accolades, and are gracious in victory and in defeat, and Daniel Bryan is perhaps the greatest of them all. Through good, bad and indifferent, Daniel Bryan has been a shining example for every other human being. From being an advocate to protecting the climate and the environment, to being genuinely one of the nicest people to talk to, Daniel Bryan’s rise in popularity didn’t come about as a surprise. While it takes a relatively long time for the WWE superstars to win the adulation of the WWE Universe, Daniel Bryan has achieved a cult status, and has become an inspiration for millions around the world.
Daniel Bryan has been a journeyman, and has traveled all over the world honing his craft and plying his trade as a professional wrestler. From wrestling in high school gyms to gas stations, to main eventing WrestleMania in front of 70,000 members of the WWE Universe, Daniel Bryan’s tale is nothing short of inspiring. As Bryan understandably wavered during his speech on this week’s edition of RAW, the entire arena in Seattle rallied behind their favorite hero. Three years after the “Yes Movement” began in WWE, Daniel Bryan has decided to bring down the curtains on his career. In a relatively short amount of time, Bryan has cemented his legacy in the industry, and has opened doors for individuals who otherwise wouldn’t have dreamt of becoming a WWE superstar.
The likes of Sami Zayn and Neville credit Daniel Bryan for paving way for their entry into WWE, and Bryan, without his knowledge has touched millions of lives around the world. From being an inspiration to kids such as Connor “The Crusher” Michalek to proving that no obstacle is too big to conquer, Daniel Bryan has truly become a global icon. Standing at 5’8” and weighing just over 200 pounds, Bryan never truly looked like a future WWE World Heavyweight champion. But Bryan managed to cross those hurdles and created a legacy that will be remembered for a long time to come.
So where does Bryan go from here? Bryan has spent quite a lot of time farming, and has talked about starting a family with his wife and WWE Diva, Brie Bella. While it might take some time for Bryan to truly let the occasion sink in, this is nothing but the beginning of a new chapter in the life of Daniel Bryan. While the entire arena in Seattle shed tears of joy, sorrow and gratitude, this won’t be the last time the WWE Universe gets to see the former WWE World Heavyweight champion. Needless to say, the entire wrestling fraternity is grateful to Daniel, and although the WWE Universe would miss the high octane action and the ‘YES!’ chants, it would be more appropriate to say thank you, Daniel Bryan.