Daniel Bryan is one of the most beloved wrestlers on the WWE , with his infectious "YES!" chanting he rose to main event status thanks to the power of the people.
An emotional WrestleMania moment was the highlight of his career cut short by injuries as he saw off Triple H before defeating both Randy Orton and Batista to become World HeavyWeight Champion at WrestleMania 30.
The 34-year-old also had a memorable Intercontinental Championship reign that he was forced to give up to a serious concussion injury, and the company have been reluctant to allow to compete since.
With his recent retirement announcement via Twitter, fans all around the globe have been heartbroken that the superstar who was idolised for is kind personality and technical brilliance in the ring will never set foot in a WWE ring to compete again.
Social Media Reactions
Many fans were obviously upset regarding the news and see the superstars retirement as one of the worst statements to hear this year, with John Cena, Seth Rollins and Randy Orton all injured the possible return of Daniel Bryan would have given the company a much needed ratings boost but that scenario now looks set to be squashed.
The announcement draws flashbacks to when popular star Edge (Adam Copeland) was forced to retire due to neck injuries, on the post Monday Night Raw following WrestleMania 27. The 'Rated R Superstar' gave an emotional speech before he was serenaded by fans cries of "Thank you, Edge."
Many fans were sympathetic towards the difficult task of retirement, acknowledging the sacrifice the leader of the YES movement has made throughout his career, the underdog was never given a boost until fans got behind him and catapulted him the to main event scene.
Mutual Respect
Upon seeing the tweet, other superstars not just in WWE but in rival companies offered their condolances towards his retirement plans. Sammi Zayn of NXT was one of the first to publicly speak out and has often spoken about his admiration for the superstar who is set to make a speech on Raw tonight.
Zayn gave love towards the wrestler on Twitter thanking him for his efforts in "breaking down barriers" not only on the main Roster but in the developmental company, hailing Bryan as allowing stars who would normally be glanced over to stand out.
Former Opponent Johhy Gargano now currently with Absolute Intense Wrestling wrestled Bryan while he was under the ring name 'The American Dragon', the 28-year-old said the WWE star was the "best wrestler I've been in the ring with."
Commentator Michael Cole also spoke of his "honor" in being able to "add a voice" to the 34-year-old's "accomplishments", the 'voice of Raw' is only adding further cement to the impending retirement while many fans were hoping for a Mark Henry- esque ploy in which his announcement turned out to be untrue.
Could it be a ruse?
The underlying hope for many is that the announcement is a ploy to boost the falling ratings, any appearance by Bryan will draw huge television numbers and give the company a much needed boost. The belief on Twitter is growing with many already giving their views on the possibility.
With the storylines as of late seemingly quite weak a bold 'fake retirement' narrative may seem a controversial move but with numbers dropping quick it may brove to be a wise option in the build up to WrestleMania 32.