Daniel Bryan’s early retirement was heartbreaking for fans and himself, but doing it in front of his home crowd in Seattle, Washington put a positive spin on the saddening moment.
Bryan never wanted to retire, it seemed like he was doing all he could to return to performing for the WWE. He was making all the noises on social media about getting the WWE to clear and even going for a number of tests with concussion and brain specialists to prove to the WWE that he was ready to return.
There had even been reports that Bryan had attempted to hand in his notice to the WWE so he could be freed from his contract, allowing him to go and work on the independent circuit for companies like Ring of Honor and New Japan. The WWE just would not allow it.
In parts of his WWE Network special, Bryan notes that the WWE were doing the right thing and that it was Vince McMahon’s idea to retire in front of the Seattle crowd. Bryan spoke about that further this week.
The thought process of retiring
Speaking to The Daily World, Bryan described the process to retiring and how his decision came to be. He said that Vince called him up on a Saturday and told him he wanted him to retire on Monday Night Raw, in Seattle. Bryan said that he “didn’t know” if he “was ready.”
After going about his day and speaking to his wife, former WWE Diva Brie Bella, Bryan said he “realised the WWE is never going to allow me to wrestle again.” Bryan then made the decision that would allow his family and friends to attend his retirement in his home state.
What is Bryan up to post-wrestling?
Much was made of what Bryan was going to do when he moved on from the WWE. Initial thoughts suggested that he could become a trainer at the WWE Performance Centre, and while that hasn’t happened yet, it could be a possibility for the future.
Bryan has been working with Nikki Bella, Brie’s sister, ahead of her return to the WWE from injury.
Bryan is also a part of the WWE’s broadcast team for the Cruiserweight Classic tournament. Bryan has wrestled a number of superstars involved and will bring a different and much more up to date insight on the tournament. He will be joined by SmackDown lead commentator, Mauro Ranallo.