Pro wrestling has been lacking emotion or big “must-see” moments lately, but that certainly wasn’t the case last month when Daniel Bryan (born Bryan Danielson) officially announced his retirement on Monday Night Raw. That night, there were “YES!” chants, tears and laughter shared, as the WWE Universe got the opportunity to say goodbye and thank you to one of the most beloved performers to ever compete inside a wrestling ring.  

Was this a shocker? No, considering Bryan’s career has been in limbo for most of 2015. The underdog mascot of the WWE has been dealing with major injuries and surgeries ever since his career defining win at WrestleMania 30.

Pushing his body to the max for 16 years, Bryan won over fans with his high-flying, innovative matches. Unfortunately, a price paid for that intense, stiff style of working, was a shortened career. 

While the NFL has been dealing with a much-publicized campaign regarding concussions and head trauma, Bryan’s retirement serves as a reminder that professional wrestlers are in an even higher-risk category. There’s no off-season in wrestling. They don’t have the luxury of wearing helmets and pads. Just last week, Hall of Famer Kevin Nash announced that he will donate his brain for CTE research after his death.

Daniel Bryan loved being a professional wrestler so much that he almost was literally willing to die for it.

Thankfully, he didn’t cross that line.

But let’s not dwell on what’s come to an end. Let’s celebrate the amazing career Bryan was able to build and share with us all.

Respect The Beard

I was never a Daniel Bryan fanatic, but I respected the man and enjoyed watching him perform. He was a professional wrestler through and through. He wasn’t a bodybuilder turned wrestler. He wasn’t a former football player turned wrestler. He wasn’t even an aspiring actor turned wrestler (a la his NXT “coach” The Miz). No, Daniel Bryan was a professional wrestler from day one.

Before arriving to the WWE, he was a seasoned competitor. Far from being a rookie, the “The American Dragon” was the king of the indie circuit, wrestling around the world, including Japan and stateside in promotions like Ring of Honor (ROH).   

Due to his short size and build, naysayers never thought he’d be a top guy in the business. But just like Shawn Michaels, Chris Jericho and other “small” guys before him, that ended up being a bunch of BS.

Erle Tompkins

Even though he had a clean-cut look for a good chunk of his career, he’s famous for looking like a Goat. In the latter years he had a mangy wild beard and long, slicked-back hair, which worked perfectly for his non-corporate persona. People loved him because he didn’t fit a certain mold. He’s a tree-hugging hippie and former vegan. Hell, the man composts his own poop (as seen on E!’s Total Divas). All he has to do is start eating trash and he’s full goat!

NO! NO! NO!

The “good guy” Daniel Bryan is what most people will remember. I on the other hand, preferred the “bad guy” Daniel Bryan. The man who would chant "NO! NO! NO!” instead of “YES! YES! YES!” Bryan naturally transitioned into the role of a heel, allowing his personality and comedic talents to shine.  

His onscreen romance with AJ Lee provided countless moments of laughter and entertainment. She was infatuated with him, while he was infatuated with the world heavyweight championship.

The WWE has had its share of complicated romances such as Eddie Guerrero and Chyna, Edge and Lita and of course, “Macho Man” Randy Savage and Miss Elizabeth. Lee and Bryan were by far the most entertaining. They had great chemistry as an awkward, dysfunctional couple that never saw eye to eye, in and out of the ring.

Team Hell No

Out of the ashes of his relationship with AJ came an unwanted partnership with the devil’s favorite demon, Kane. In-between attending anger management classes and constant infighting, the two polar opposites were able to become tag team champions.

Bryan perfectly played the part of a man on hinge, as you didn’t know if he was going to breakdown and cry or just lose it and destroy everything around him. Their contrasts in appearance and wrestling style created an unforgettable team. What we loved were their skits, which would have them “hugging it out” or giving us a horrible Run DMC impersonation, like this classic:

The King of the Indies 

Daniel Bryan is the face of modern indie wrestling. That’s a big statement to say, but not many will argue that point. While his accolades in the WWE are impressive and he’s a sure Hall of Famer, Bryan’s influence on the indie circuit and this generation of wrestlers is what his real legacy will be tied to.

Just like current NBA players appreciate Kobe Bryant’s impact on their sport, the majority of the WWE locker room acknowledges Daniel Bryan as a man who paved the way for them. Guys like Seth Rollins, Dean Ambrose, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn watched and studied his matches, adapting his style and making it their own. His work ethic and how he carried himself, set the example of what a pro-wrestler should be.

Because of trailblazers like him and CM Punk, NXT is a reality. That brand would look vastly different if he didn’t open the doors for independent wrestlers, who are now a staple of the roster.

No one knows what the future holds for Daniel. He’ll probably start a family with his wife Brie Bella, or could easily go live in a cabin in the woods and fall off the radar.  Even though he will never perform in the ring again, the “YES!” chants will be ready if he decides to grace us with an appearance here and there.