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|name= Bryan Danielson
  
|name= Bryan Danielson
 
|image= Daniel bryan.jpg
  
|image= Daniel bryan.jpg
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|real= Bryan Lloyd Danielson
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|real=
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|born=
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|born= May 22, 1981 (age 35)<br>Aberdeen, Washington, United States
  
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|height= 5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
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|height= {{height|ft=5|in=10}}
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|weight= 210 lb (95 kg)
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|weight= {{convert|210|lb|kg|abbr=on}}
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|status= Retired
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|status=
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|trained=
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|trained= Masato Tanaka<br>Rudy Boy Gonzalez<br>Shawn Michaels<br>Texas Wrestling Academy<br>William Regal
  
 
|debut= December 1999
  
|debut= December 1999
 
|billed= Aberdeen, Washington
  
|billed= Aberdeen, Washington
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|other= American Dragon<br>Daniel Bryan
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|other=
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|caption =|birthname = Bryan Lloyd Danielson|birth_date = {{birth date and age|1981|5|22|mf=y}}|birth_place = Aberdeen, Washington, USA|resides = Phoenix, Arizona, USA|spouse = {{marriage|Brie Bella|April 11, 2014}}|children = 1|family = Nikki Bella (sister-in-law)<br>[[John Laurinaitis|Johnny Ace]] (step-father-in-law)|names = American Dragon<br>Bryan Danielson|trainer = [[Masato Tanaka]]<br>Rudy Boy Gonzalez<br>Shawn Michaels<br>Texas Wrestling Academy<br>William Regal}}
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}}
  
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'''Bryan Lloyd Danielson''' (born May 22, 1981) is an American professional wrestler. Danielson wrestled for various companies in Japan, winning the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] in [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] (NOAH) and the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] (with [[Christopher Daniels|Curry Man]]) in [[New Japan Pro Wrestling]] (NJPW).
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'''Bryan Lloyd Danielson''' (born May 22, 1981)<ref name="slam">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/danielson_bryan.html|title=Bryan Danielson|last1=Milner|first1=John M.|last2=Clevett|first2=Jason|accessdate=February 20, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> is an American retired professional wrestler currently signed to WWE under the ring name '''Daniel Bryan''',<ref name="slam" /> where he is the on-screen general manager of ''SmackDown Live''.
 
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In WWE, Bryan held the WWE World Heavyweight Championship three times and the World Heavyweight Championship once, in addition to being a one-time United States Champion, a one-time Intercontinental Champion, and a one-time WWE Tag Team Champion as part of Team Hell No (with Kane). He was also the 2011 SmackDown Money in the Bank winner and the 2013 Superstar of the Year Slammy Award winner. He is the 26th Triple Crown Champion and the 15th Grand Slam Champion in WWE history and headlined several major pay-per-view events, including SummerSlam in 2013 and WrestleMania XXX.
  
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Danielson was previously signed to the WWE, then known as the WWF, for an 18-month period from 2000–2001. Prior to joining WWE for his second stint in 2009, Danielson wrestled for various companies internationally using both his real name and the ring name (and later nickname) "American Dragon".<ref name="slam" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dgusa.tv/bio/bryan-danielson|title=Bryan Danielson|accessdate=July 25, 2009|publisher=[[Dragon Gate USA]]}}</ref> He wrestled for Ring of Honor (ROH) from 2002 to 2009, being recognized as a "Founding Father" of the promotion, where he was a one-time ROH World Champion, as well the final Pure Wrestling Champion (unifying the Pure title with the World title). He was the first winner of ROH's annual Survival of the Fittest tournament in 2004. Along with CM Punk, Seth Rollins and Kevin Owens, Danielson is one of four men to have won a world championship in both WWE and ROH.
  
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Danielson also wrestled extensively in Japan, winning the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] in [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] (NOAH) and the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] (with [[Curry Man]]) in [[New Japan Pro Wrestling]] (NJPW). Between WWE, ROH, and Japanese promotions, he held 11 total championships, including five world titles. Danielson also won numerous titles on the independent circuit, including two PWG World Championships, the FIP Heavyweight Championship, and the wXw World Heavyweight Championship.
  
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In 2016, at age 34, Danielson retired from professional wrestling due to medical issues (including seizures) arising from multiple concussions and a brain lesion. Later that year in July, Danielson was named the General Manager of ''SmackDown Live'' following the return of the WWE brand extension.
  
   
 
== Early life ==
  
== Early life ==
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== Professional wrestling career ==
  
== Professional wrestling career ==
   
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=== Early career (1999–2000) ===
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=== Japan and other promotions (2001–2004, 2009) ===
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Danielson first toured Japan with [[Cho Sento Puroresu FMW|Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling]] (FMW) with Lance Cade, a fellow trainee from the TWA, competing in several tag team matches.<ref name="OWOW" /><ref name="Gerweck">{{cite web|url=http://www.gerweck.net/americandragon.htm|title=Bryan Danielson|publisher= Gerweck|accessdate=July 18, 2009}}</ref> He returned to Japan after his release from the WWF, competing in Japan's premier promotion, [[New Japan Pro Wrestling]] (NJPW), where he used his American Dragon persona, and donned a red, white, and blue mask reminiscent of a dragon.<ref name="Mask">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/pictures/a/americandragon/07.jpg|title=Dragon mask|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=June 9, 2009}}</ref> As a part of the junior heavyweight division, Danielson had success in both singles and tag team competition in the company, winning (without wearing a mask) the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] with [[Christopher Daniels|Curry Man]] on March 12, 2004.<ref>{{cite web|title=NJPW Hyper Battle tour results|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/hyper01.php|publisher=Strong Style Spirit|accessdate=July 8, 2007|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070929104623/http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/hyper01.php <!-- Bot retrieved archive -->|archivedate=September 29, 2007}}</ref>
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After Danielson graduated from high school in 1999, he decided to pursue wrestling professionally and attempted to train at Dean Malenko's wrestling school. When it closed he trained under Shawn Michaels and Rudy Gonzalez at the Texas Wrestling Academy (TWA).<ref name="BalSun2" /><ref name="fiery words">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/09/14/1838600.html|title=Fiery words from American Dragon|date=September 21, 2006|last=Clevett|first=Jason|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> He debuted in the TWA, and on March 21, 2000, won his first title when he teamed with Spanky to win the TWA Tag Team Championship, defeating Jeromy Sage and Ruben Cruz.<ref name="slam" />
  
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=== World Wrestling Federation/Entertainment ===
  
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==== Memphis Championship Wrestling (2000–2001) ====
  
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While touring the country he was signed to a developmental deal by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) to work in their developmental system, and was assigned to Memphis Championship Wrestling (MCW). There, Danielson gained exposure, and was trained by WWF competitor William Regal, whom he credited as instrumental in the development of his career.<ref name="BalSun2" /> During this time Danielson adopted his moniker "American Dragon".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=21327|title=Wrestling Observer – headlines|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|publisher=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> WWF severed its ties with MCW in 2001, releasing Danielson from his contract, but not before he won the MCW Light Heavyweight Championship and the MCW Tag Team Championship with Spanky.<ref name="slam" />
  
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After 18 months with the company, Danielson was released from his WWF contract in July 2001. Danielson revealed in his 2015 autobiography that he was close to being called up to the main roster during the 2001 Royal Rumble match. He explained the WWF thought of using him as one of their key figures in the newly created cruiserweight division which was inspired by World Championship Wrestling (WCW).
  
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==== Enhancement talent (2003) ====
  
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Danielson went on to make four non contracted appearances for the renamed World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) in 2003 on its secondary programming, ''Velocity'' and ''Heat'', initially as enhancement talent before being allowed to compete in longer matches; he wrestled Jamie Noble at a ''Velocity'' taping in January, Rico at a ''Heat'' taping in February, John Cena at a ''Velocity'' taping also in February and making his final appearance in November in a tag team match against Paul London and Spanky at a ''Velocity'' taping in which Danielson was partnered with John Walters.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030116.html|title=SmackDown! January 16, 2003|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|date=January 16, 2003|accessdate=July 9, 2009}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030123.html|title=SmackDown!|date=January 23, 2003|accessdate=January 23, 2003|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
  
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=== Japan (2001–2004) ===
  
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Danielson first toured Japan with [[Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling]] (FMW) with Lance Cade, a fellow trainee from the TWA, competing in several tag team matches.<ref name="OWOW" /><ref name="Gerweck">{{cite web|url=http://www.gerweck.net/americandragon.htm|title=Bryan Danielson|publisher= Gerweck|accessdate=July 18, 2009}}</ref> He returned to Japan after his release from the WWF, competing in Japan's premier promotion, [[New Japan Pro Wrestling]] (NJPW), where he used his American Dragon persona, and donned a red, white, and blue mask reminiscent of a dragon.<ref name="Mask">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/pictures/a/americandragon/07.jpg|title=Dragon mask|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=June 9, 2009}}</ref> As a part of the junior heavyweight division, Danielson had success in both singles and tag team competition in the company, winning (without wearing a mask) the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] with [[Christopher Daniels|Curry Man]] on March 12, 2004.<ref>{{cite web|title=NJPW Hyper Battle tour results|url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/hyper01.php|publisher=Strong Style Spirit|accessdate=July 8, 2007|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20070929104623/http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/hyper01.php <!-- Bot retrieved archive -->|archivedate=September 29, 2007}}</ref>
  
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=== Ring of Honor ===
  
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==== Founding father (2002–2005) ====
  
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In 2002, Danielson joined the independent promotion Ring of Honor (ROH), where he is acknowledged as a "Founding Father" of the company.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bryan Danielson: The American Dragon (2 Disc Set)|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/product/bryan-danielson-american-dragon-2-disc-set|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|accessdate=September 16, 2012|archivedate=September 16, 2012|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/6Aid4r45S|quote=One of the founding fathers of Ring of Honor, Bryan Danielson fought to earn his reputation as one of the best wrestlers in the world from day one and helped put ROH on the wrestling map.}}</ref> He competed in the main event of the company's debut show, ''The Era of Honor Begins'', in a three-way match against Low Ki and Christopher Daniels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/columns/50208/|title=The-Independent-Mid-Card-01.30.07:-Danielson-vs.-Rave.htm 411mania.com: Wrestling – The Independent Mid-Card 01.30.07: Danielson vs. Rave|publisher=411 Mania}}</ref> One of his matches, with Austin Aries, lasted eighty minutes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/040807.html|title=Testing the Limit|publisher=Online World of Wrestling| accessdate=June 9, 2009}}</ref> One of the more notable rivalries he had in the early years in the company was with Homicide; the two fought numerous matches with a variety of stipulations, culminating in a steel cage match at ''The Final Showdown'', won by Danielson.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/050513.html|title=Final Showdown|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|date=May 13, 2004}}</ref>
  
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Despite winning the company's inaugural Survival of the Fittest tournament in 2004, championship gold eluded him. In 2005, Danielson announced in the company's newsletter, the ROH Newswire, that he had quit ROH after being frustrated by his inability to defeat Austin Aries for the ROH World Championship. It was later revealed Danielson had become frustrated in general with professional wrestling and planned to take some time off to evaluate his career options.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlemag.com/news/index.php?p=376|title=Danielson evaluates options|work=[[Ring of Honor]]|publisher=Wrestle Mag}}</ref> Danielson had several dates booked in Europe and Japan, however, leading fans to believe that the periodical was likely a storyline claim for Danielson's absence during this period. In May 2005, rumors started that Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) was interested in signing Danielson, and he also had some more tryout matches with WWE at that time, but none of these events led to anything and he remained in ROH.<ref name="OWOW" />
  
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==== ROH World Champion (2005–2006) ====
  
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Danielson defeated James Gibson for the ROH World Championship at ''Glory by Honor IV'' on September 15, 2005.<ref name="slam" /><ref name="ROHworld">{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohworldtitle.php|title=Ring of Honor Title|accessdate=April 5, 2010|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/24/15320|title=Glory By Honor IV|last=Keller|first=Wade|authorlink=Wade Keller|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The rest of the year saw Danielson have successful title defenses even against wrestlers from other companies, such as Pro Wrestling Noah (NOAH) star Naomichi Marufuji, at ''Final Battle 2005''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/051217.html|title=Final Battle 2005|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
  
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At the beginning of 2006, Chris Hero, a representative from Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), invaded ROH and targeted Danielson; the two exchanged words over the Internet before having a match together, with nearly the entire roster of both companies embarking on an interpromotional feud.<ref>Meltzer, Bill. "The ROH-CZW Philly Turf War." ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'' May 2006: 40–43.</ref> Danielson became personally invested in this feud, and invaded CZW himself,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/czw/060114.html|title=Combat Zone Wrestling|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|date=January 14, 2006| accessdate=July 8, 2009}}</ref> which led to him having physical altercations with a number of CZW wrestlers. Hero intensified the rivalry, leading to the two wrestling at ROH's ''Hell Freezes Over'' event, where Danielson successfully defended the ROH World Championship.<ref name="Hell">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/060114.html|title=ROH Hell Freezes Over|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|date=January 14, 2009|accessdate=July 8, 2009}}</ref> He soon filled the vacant slot on ROH's five-man team which participated in one of CZW's more popular attractions, a steel cage match called the Cage of Death, a ten-man tag team match in which a man from each team starts in the cage, and a random wrestler enters periodically thereafter. During the match he turned on his team by assaulting his rival, Samoa Joe, before leaving the match and effectively abandoning his involvement in the animosity between the two promotions.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/060715.html|title=Cage of Death|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> As the interpromotional hostility with CZW heightened, Danielson also defended against challengers from the rival company, who had signed an open contract for any CZW wrestler willing to challenge for the ROH World Championship. Former champion Samoa Joe also challenged Danielson at "Fight Of The Century" on August 5th, but their match ended in a 60 minute draw.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/060805.html|title=Fight of the Century Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|date=August 5, 2006|accessdate=June 8, 2009}}</ref>
  
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ROH, while having the ROH World Championship, faced the issue of having another title with seemingly equal value, the ROH Pure Championship. Danielson and the ROH Pure Champion Nigel McGuinness had a match to unify the titles. They met at April 29 in a match fought under pure wrestling rules and McGuinness left Danielson outside the ring after a chair shot to win by countout; this was enough to retain the Pure title, but not to win Danielson's World Championship. They had another unification match in McGuinness' native England, where ROH declared there would be a winner, with a title changing hands by countout and disqualification and a draw forcing a restart.<ref name="nigelfeud">{{cite web|last=DeRosenroll|first=Mike|title=ROH History: Classic Feud – History of Nigel McGuinness vs. Bryan Danielson|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_35663.shtml|publisher=PWTorch|accessdate=November 15, 2010|date=September 26, 2009}}</ref> Danielson won the match on August 12 and retired the Pure title as its last champion.<ref name="ROHpure" /><ref name="Unified">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/060812.html|title=Unified|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|date=August 12, 2006|accessdate=July 8, 2009}}</ref> During a match with Colt Cabana on August 26, Danielson separated his shoulder,<ref name="slam" /> tearing two tendons in it, and he tore another tendon in his chest.<ref name="OWOW" /> Danielson returned at ''Glory by Honor V: Night 2'', and was challenged by KENTA, a guest competitor from NOAH, due to the two company's talent exchange agreement; Danielson again retained his championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/content/2006-ring-honor-results|title=2006 Ring of Honor Official results|date=September 16, 2007|quote=Bryan Danielson defeated Kenta to retain the ROH World Title|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]}}</ref> At the last ROH's event of 2006, ''Final Battle'', Danielson's fifteen-month title reign finally ended after he lost to Homicide at his 39th defense, and he subsequently took time off from wrestling in order to heal his shoulder.<ref name="slam" /><ref name="ROHworld" />
  
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==== Final feuds and departure (2007–2009) ====
  
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On May 11, 2007, Danielson returned to ROH at ''Reborn Again'', and defeated Shane Hagadorn and Adam Pearce in separate matches. On May 12, ROH filmed its first pay-per-view, Respect is Earned, which had Danielson team with ROH World Champion Takeshi Morishima against Nigel McGuinness and Kenta. Danielson's team won after Danielson made Kenta tap out to his signature submission hold, the Cattle Mutilation. Danielson vied to contend for the ROH World Championship by defeating McGuinness at ''Domination'', which appeared on the company's next pay per view, Driven.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/070609.html|title=ROH Domination|date=June 9, 2007|accessdate=July 3, 2009}}</ref> This allowed him, now as a face, to challenge Morishima for the title at ''Manhattan Mayhem'' in a losing effort;<ref>{{cite web|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/070825.html|title=ROH Manhattan Mayhem|date=August 25, 2007|accessdate=June 9, 2009}}</ref> he also suffered a legitimate detached retina.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com|title=Danielson injured|last=Sapolsky|first=Gabe|accessdate=June 9, 2009|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]}}</ref> Following surgery, he fought Morishima again in a match at Man Up, but the referee stop the match since Danielson was unable to respond to him.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_23805.shtml|title=ROH PPV Report: Coverage of "Man Up" PPV|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=February 27, 2010|date=December 2, 2007}}</ref> In a rematch at Rising Above, Morishima was disqualified.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/071229.html|title=Rising Above|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|date=December 29, 2007|accessdate=July 9, 2009}}</ref> Morishima returned to the company at ''Final Battle'' in a match billed as a "Fight Without Honor"; both men were allowed weapons, and which Danielson won.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/_081227/|title=Final Battle 2008|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|date=December 27, 2008|accessdate=May 19, 2012}}</ref> Danielson commented in March 2012 on how he felt validated at ''Final Battle 2008'', because he and Morishima managed to get 2,500 people to see the show in New York City.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE News: D-Bryan radio interview – career validation came at ROH event, not at WM28; why WWE didn't like him at first; using WM27 disappointment with Sheamus as motivation|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_59753.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=April 29, 2012}}</ref>
  
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The following months, Danielson worked with Austin Aries again as friendly rivals exchanging victories,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/071102.html|title=ROH Glory by Honor VI: Night 1|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=June 9, 2009}}</ref> including a match on pay-per-view at Take No Prisoners, which Danielson won. He helped Aries as a partner in order to take on The Age of the Fall; the two wrestled all members of the group in a series of different stipulation matches, and teaming together frequently to challenge members Jimmy Jacobs and Tyler Black for the ROH World Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/_080606/|title=ROH Up for Grabs|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=September 6, 2009}}</ref>
  
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As part of ROH's agreement with Pro Wrestling Noah, the company held a show in Japan; at ''Tokyo Summit'', Danielson wrestled GHC Junior Heavyweight Champion Yoshinobu Kanemaru and won the championship. Following his victory, he announced that Noah would allow him defend the title in Ring of Honor,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/_080914/|title=Tokyo Summit|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|date=September 14, 2008|accessdate=June 9, 2009}}</ref> with his first defense being at ''Glory By Honor VII'', defeating Katsuhiko Nakajima.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noah.puroresufan.com/?p=14|title=Glory by Honor VII|publisher=Puroresu Fan}}</ref> This was his only successful defense, however, as he returned to Japan on October 13 to lose the title to KENTA.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://noah.puroresufan.com/?p=84|title=NOAH Autumn Navigation 2008, Hiroshima Green Arena|date=October 13, 2008|publisher=Puroresu Fan}}</ref> Following his loss, Danielson challenged McGuinness for the World Championship at the next ROH pay-per-view, Rising Above, in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=34229|title=ROH Rising Above 2008|accessdate=March 4, 2015|publisher=Cagematch}}</ref> Ring of Honor made its national television debut with the program ''Ring of Honor Wrestling'', and Danielson made his television debut in the main event of its third episode by defeating Austin Aries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/_090228/|title=ROH on HDNet Tapings|accessdate=February 28, 2009}}</ref>
  
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In the fall of 2009, Danielson signed with WWE, after a farewell tour with ROH, during which he challenged Aries for the title again and lost.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1253460874.php|title=9/19 ROH Results: Chicago Ridge, IL|publisher=WrestleView|date=September 20, 2009|accessdate=June 8, 2010}}</ref> On September 26 at ''Glory by Honor VIII: The Final Countdown'', he won his last match in the company against McGuinness, who was also having his final match with the company.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1254065751.php|title=9/26 ROH Results: New York, NY|date=September 27, 2009|accessdate=January 26, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref>
  
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=== Other promotions (2003–2009) ===
  
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Aside from competing primarily in ROH, Danielson has also competed in a multitude of other independent promotions, both in the United States and abroad. In 2003, Danielson also toured the United Kingdom for British promotion, All Star Wrestling (ASW). While he was in the UK, Danielson won the World Heavvy Middleweight Championship on May 6 in an eight-man one-night tournament in Croydon defeating James Mason. He spent the next six months in the UK, working for ASW, FWA, WAW and Premier Promotions.<ref name="slam" /> He returned several times over the next five years, working for various promotions. In February 2005, at ''New Dawn Rising'', Danielson made his debut in ROH's sister promotion, Full Impact Pro (FIP), teaming up with Rocky Romero in a match against Austin Aries and Homicide.<ref>[http://www.fullimpactpro.com/results/results2005.htm#dawn Full Impact Pro]. Full Impact Pro (January 7, 2005). Retrieved on April 16, 2011.</ref> The next night at ''Dangerous Intentions'', Danielson competed in a losing effort against CM Punk,<ref>[http://www.fullimpactpro.com/results/results2005.htm#intentions Full Impact Pro]. Full Impact Pro (January 7, 2005). Retrieved on April 16, 2011.</ref> which led to a brief feud between the two.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/fip/|title=FIP Results|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|accessdate=June 9, 2009}}</ref> Danielson's biggest success came in 2006 by winning the FIP World Heavyweight Championship,<ref name="FIP">{{cite web|url=http://solie.org/titlehistories/htfip.html|title=FIP World Heavyweight Championship Title History|publisher=Solie Title Histories|accessdate=April 8, 2009}}</ref> holding the belt for eleven months before losing it to Roderick Strong.<ref name="slam" /> Danielson wrestled his last match for FIP in December 2006 at ''Florida Rumble'', in a losing effort to Erick Stevens.<ref>[http://www.fullimpactpro.com/results/results2006.htm Full Impact Pro]. Full Impact Pro. Retrieved on April 16, 2011.</ref>
  
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Danielson wrestled in the Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) promotion. He made his début in November 2003 at ''An Inch Longer Than Average'', in a losing effort to PWG Champion Frankie Kazarian.<ref>[http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2003/show0005.html An Inch Longer Than Average], prowrestlingguerrilla.com</ref> He continued to appear in PWG over the next couple of years, winning the PWG World Championship in 2007, and holding it for six months before taking an eleven-month hiatus from the company. He made his return to PWG at the 2008 Battle of Los Angeles tournament. In May 2009, he made another appearance teaming with Paul London, referring to himself as ''American Dolphin'' in a parodied manner.<ref name="AmDolph">{{cite web|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSh2s_lmthI|title=PWG One-Hundred: Paul London & Bryan Danielson|date=April 22, 2009|accessdate=April 26, 2009|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]] on [[YouTube]]}}</ref> On September 4, 2009, at ''Guerre Sans Frontières'', during his last night in PWG, Danielson defeated Chris Hero to win the PWG World Championship for the second time and immediately vacated it afterward.<ref name="Danielson2">{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/world_champion/champion014.html|title=Bryan Danielson's second reign|accessdate=September 5, 2009|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]}}</ref>
  
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Following his return from his injury in 2007, the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) published a video of Danielson stating his intent to challenge for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, as the establishment that sanctioned the title at the time, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, was relinquishing the title back to the NWA.<ref>{{cite web|title=Championship: American Dragon makes a challenge|url= http://www.nwawrestling.com/PHP-Nuke/modules.php?name=News&file=categories&op=newindex&catid=6}}</ref> A tournament, titled Reclaiming the Glory, was held to determine the new champion with Danielson making his way to finals, scheduled to compete face Brent Albright on September 1, but due to the eye injury he sustained at ''Manhattan Mayhem'',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/article.aspx?id=1556|title=ROH Newswire for the Week of August 26th|date=August 27, 2007|quote=Danielson paid the price for the hard-hitting contest. He suffered a small orbital fracture and there is something wrong with his retina.}}</ref> the NWA announced he withdrew from the tournament with and Adam Pearce replacing him; Danielson was appointed the referee of the match.<ref name="OWOW" />
  
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In 2009, Danielson's contract with Ring of Honor expired;<ref name="WV">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1239315389.php?style=dark|title=Bryan Danielson's status with ROH|date=April 9, 2009|last=Martin|first=Adam|accessdate=June 9, 2009|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> this opened up Danielson to travel to other companies more freely while competing in his home promotion.
  
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Danielson signed a short-term contract with German wrestling promotion westside Xtreme wrestling (wXw). Shortly after his début Danielson won the wXw World Heavyweight Championship against Bad Bones holding it over a month until losing it to Absolute Andy.
  
   
 
After his departure from wXw, he made his debut with Philadelphia-based independent promotion, CHIKARA to compete in their King of Trios tournament, which saw him team with Claudio Castagnoli and Dave Taylor in a contingency called ''Team Uppercut''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=2994|title=Team Uppercut|accessdate=June 20, 2009}}</ref> In the same year, it was announced Danielson would compete in [[Dragon Gate USA]] (DGUSA) in their second show, which saw him lose to [[Open The Dream Gate Championship|Open the Dream Gate Champion ]][[Naruki Doi]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Dragon Gate USA announces Bryan Danielson and Davey Richards to début with DGUSA|url=http://www.pwbts.com/messages/28732.htm}}</ref>
  
After his departure from wXw, he made his debut with Philadelphia-based independent promotion, CHIKARA to compete in their King of Trios tournament, which saw him team with Claudio Castagnoli and Dave Taylor in a contingency called ''Team Uppercut''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=2994|title=Team Uppercut|accessdate=June 20, 2009}}</ref> In the same year, it was announced Danielson would compete in [[Dragon Gate USA]] (DGUSA) in their second show, which saw him lose to [[Open The Dream Gate Championship|Open the Dream Gate Champion ]][[Naruki Doi]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Dragon Gate USA announces Bryan Danielson and Davey Richards to début with DGUSA|url=http://www.pwbts.com/messages/28732.htm}}</ref>
   
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=== Return to WWE ===
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=== Return to Dragon Gate USA (2010) ===
  +
While Danielson continued on undefeated in EVOLVE in the following day by returning to Dragon Gate USA, and submitted [[Shingo Takagi|SHINGO]] in the dark match main event ''Return of the Dragon''.<ref name="DGUSA7/24">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1280086295|title=7/24 Dragon Gate USA PPV taping in Philadelphia|date=July 25, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|accessdate=September 11, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> After the match, Danielson joined [[BxB Hulk]], [[Masato Yoshino]], Naruki Doi, and [[Neville|PAC]] as the fifth member of the stable World–1.<ref name="DGUSA7/24" /> On September 25, Danielson returned to Dragon Gate USA (despite being signed with WWE) and defeated [[YAMATO]] in the main event of the evening.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_44056.shtml|title=9/25 DGUSA results in Chicago: Bryan Danielson's next-to-last independent match, Street fight, top-notch wrestling matches|last=Fleeman Martinez|first=Luke|date=September 26, 2010|accessdate=September 26, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following day, Danielson defeated Jon Moxley.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_44065.shtml|title=9/26 DGUSA results in Milwaukee: Second detailed report on Bryan Danielson's final indep. match & post-match promo, Ricochet continues 2010 rise, traditional Dragon Gate six-man tag|last=Fleeman Martinez|first= Luke|date=September 26, 2010|accessdate=September 27, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
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==== Florida Championship Wrestling (2009−2010) ====
  
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Danielson re-signed with WWE in August 2009.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/114206/More-WWE-News:-WWE-Signs-Danielson,-Considering-Other-ROH-Wrestlers.htm|title=More WWE News: WWE Signs Danielson, Considering Other ROH Wrestlers|author=Ashish|date=August 24, 2009|accessdate=June 8, 2010|publisher=411Mania}}</ref> He made his WWE debut on January 4, 2010, in a dark match prior to ''Raw'', defeating Chavo Guerrero.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_37865.shtml|title=WWE News: Bryan Danielson débuts in Dark Match at tonight's Raw TV taping|date=January 4, 2010|last=Tucker|first=Benjamin|accessdate=January 5, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> He went to Florida to train with Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), the WWE developmental territory, to acclimate himself to his new work environment and work on his "ring rust".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1262967244.php?style=dark|title=Update on Danielson's WWE status|date=January 8, 2008|last=Martin|first=Adam|accessdate=January 11, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> He debuted at the FCW television tapings on January 14, and lost to [[Low Ki|Kaval]].<ref name="OWOW" /> At the February 11 tapings, Danielson was renamed Daniel Bryan.<ref name="DanielBryan">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_38969.shtml|title=WWE News: Bryan Danielson gets a name change?|accessdate= January 12, 2010|date= January 12, 2010|last= Caldwell|first= James|publisher= Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> He later indicated that he was given a list of ten possible names to use in WWE (including Buddy Peacock and Lloyd Bonaire) and "Daniel Bryan" was one of them, while his real name was not on that list.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2012/03/14/19500066.html |title= Daniel Bryan prepares a new catchphrase for Montreal |first= Patric|last= LaPrade|work=slam.canoe.com |date= March 15, 2012|accessdate=March 15, 2012}}</ref> His name was given by William Regal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/wi/news/2012/0921/556489/daniel-bryan/|title=Daniel Bryan Talks Name Change, Who He's Dating, No Longer Being Vegan, Lawler & More|work=WrestlingInc.com}}</ref>
  
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==== ''NXT'' and The Nexus (2010) ====
  
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He made his debut on the inaugural episode of ''NXT'' on February 23, losing by submission to then World Heavyweight Champion [[Chris Jericho]]. After the match, Bryan was attacked by The Miz, his storyline mentor,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1266385708.php?style=dark|title=Cast information for WWE's NXT|date=February 17, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|accessdate=February 17, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> for disrespecting him earlier in the show.<ref name="Bishop">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/23/13003631.html|title=WWE NXT: Jericho, Bryan kick off series in style|date=February 23, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=February 24, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Over the next several weeks, Bryan failed to win a single match, but despite a record of 0–5<!-- Do not change, it was 0-5 at the time of the Pros' Poll. -->, he was ranked first in the inaugural Pros' Poll on the March 30 episode of ''NXT''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/03/24/13336841.html|title=WWE NXT: Rookies team up in both matches|date=March 24, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=April 3, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|quote=Bryan to 0–5}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/03/30/13417431.html|title=WWE NXT: Bryan laughs first, Otunga laughs last|date=March 30, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=April 3, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> After losing five more matches on ''NXT'', Bryan got his first victory on the May 10 episode of ''Raw'' by pinning Santino Marella in an eight-on-four handicap match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/10/13900881.html|title=RAW: The final show at the Igloo|date=May 10, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=May 15, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> The following night on ''NXT'', he was eliminated from the show, along with Michael Tarver, as neither man had confidence in themselves to win the competition.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/11/13914666.html|title=WWE NXT: Not 1, but 3 rookies eliminated from show|date=May 11, 2010| last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=May 15, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Despite his elimination, he appeared on the following episodes of ''NXT'', being interviewed by Matt Striker and attacking both Michael Cole and The Miz.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_41412.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE NXT TV Report 5/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of NXT on Syfy Week 13|date=May 18, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|accessdate=May 19, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/25/14089361.html|title=WWE NXT: Feud between Cole, Bryan ignites further|date=May 25, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=June 1, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>
  
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On the May 31 episode of ''Raw,'' Bryan was granted a match against the Miz by guest host Ashton Kutcher; Bryan defeated him and threw him into Cole at ringside after the match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/31/14207496.html|title=RAW: Ashton Kutcher hosts Killer show|date=May 31, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=June 1, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the June 7, 2010 episode of ''Raw'', the faction known as The Nexus (NXT rookies from season one) invaded the WWE ring, attacking John Cena and causing destruction around the ringside area. On June 11, WWE announced that Danielson was fired from WWE,<ref name="release">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/14734694|title=Daniel Bryan released|date=June 11, 2010|accessdate=June 12, 2010|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> because Bryan had been too violent, pretending to strangle ring announcer Justin Roberts with his own neck tie.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1276327124|title=New update on Danielson's release from WWE|date=June 12, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|accessdate=June 12, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> Danielson noted that WWE apologized to him for his release, claiming that they "had sponsors they had to deal with".<ref name="BalSun2" /> His release was put in a storyline, where the rest of the ''NXT'' rookies kicked him out of the group for showing remorse for his actions and declared that Bryan would never return to the WWE again.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1276572395|title=Raw Results – 6/14/10|date=June 14, 2010|last=Stephens|first=David|accessdate=June 27, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref>
  
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=== Return to the independent circuit (2010) ===
  
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After being released, Danielson received several offers to sign with other wrestling companies, being contacted by TNA, albeit indirectly, and some Japanese promotions.<ref name="BalSun2" /> Two weeks after his departure from WWE, Danielson made his return to the independent circuit on June 26, defeating Eddie Kingston at the CHIKARA event ''We Must Eat Michigan's Brain'' in Taylor, Michigan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_42202.shtml|title=6/26 Chikara in Detroit: Bryan Danielson returns to pro wrestling, is greeted by neck ties, hints at "big project" in the works|last1=Montes|first1=Nick|last2=Crawford|first2=Devin|last3=Vivyan|first3=Ric|date=June 27, 2010|accessdate= June 27, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Rather than receiving streamers, the fans instead threw neck ties in light of the Justin Roberts incident in WWE.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bishop|first=Matt|title=Danielson speaks following successful return to independent wrestling|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/26/14531491.html|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|accessdate=June 28, 2010|date=June 26, 2010}}</ref> The following day at CHIKARA's ''Faded Scars and Lines'' Danielson defeated Young Lions Cup holder Tim Donst in a non–title match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_42217.shtml|title=6/27 Chikara results in Cleveland: Bryan Danielson's second return match, Danielson mentions TNA|last=Greer|first=Paul|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=June 28, 2010|accessdate=June 28, 2010}}</ref> On July 3, Danielson returned to westside Xtreme wrestling, defeating Wade Fitzgerald and TJP in the round robin stage of the Ambition 1 tournament.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wxw-wrestling.com/index2.php?content=event_history&id=192|title=wXw "Broken Rulz X"|accessdate=July 6, 2010|publisher=westside Xtreme wrestling}}</ref> The following day, he defeated Tommy End, TJP in a rematch, and finally Johnny Moss in the finals of the tournament to win Ambition 1.<ref name="Ambition1">{{cite web|url=http://www.wxw-wrestling.com/index2.php?content=event_history&id=209|title=Ambition "I"|accessdate=July 6, 2010|publisher=westside Xtreme wrestling}}</ref> On July 17, Danielson debuted in the International Wrestling Association (IWA), being booked to defeat Q.T. Marshall for the IWA Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship.<ref name="IWARICAN" /> On July 23, Danielson debuted in the fledgling EVOLVE promotion, which was originally conceived to be built around Danielson as their top star before he signed to WWE.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=DGUSA/Evolve News: Bryan Danielson back in the ring this weekend, preview for DGUSA anniversary show|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_42673.shtml|publisher=PWTorch|accessdate=September 28, 2010|date=July 23, 2010}}</ref> In the main event, he defeated Bobby Fish,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/14200/|title=Evolve report 7-23 Union City, NJ, Danielson vs. Fish|last=Risotto|first=J.D.|publisher=[[Dave Melter#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|date=July 24, 2010|accessdate=July 25, 2010}}</ref> while Danielson continued on undefeated the following day by returning to Dragon Gate USA, and submitted [[Shingo Takagi|SHINGO]] in the dark match main event ''Return of the Dragon''.<ref name="DGUSA7/24">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1280086295|title=7/24 Dragon Gate USA PPV taping in Philadelphia|date=July 25, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|accessdate=September 11, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> After the match, Danielson joined [[BxB Hulk]], [[Masato Yoshino]], Naruki Doi, and [[Neville|PAC]] as the fifth member of the stable World–1.<ref name="DGUSA7/24" /> On July 30, Danielson returned to Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, competing in a match where he defeated Roderick Strong.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_42811.shtml|title=7/30 PWG results in Reseda, Calif.: Complete real-time coverage of PWG anniversary show – Bryan Danielson, GenMe, Davey Richards vs. Chris Hero|date=July 31, 2010|last=Massingham|first=Matt|accessdate=July 31, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On August 7, Danielson unsuccessfully challenged Adam Pearce for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at the ''NWA Legends Fanfest''.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/08/14958256.html|title=Day 3 Charlotte: Old legends, live matches|date=August 8, 2010|last=Mosorjak|first=Greg|authorlink=Count Grog|accessdate= August 13, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>
  
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Despite returning to WWE on August 15, Danielson honored most of his independent bookings, making his first appearance on August 20 and defeating Jon Moxley (Later known as Dean Ambrose in WWE) at Heartland Wrestling Association's ''Road to Destiny''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://hwaonline.com/results.htm|title=HWA results|accessdate=August 23, 2010|publisher=[[Heartland Wrestling Association]]}}</ref> The following day, he was defeated by Drake Younger at Insanity Pro Wrestling's ''Ninth Anniversary Reign of the Insane''.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://insanityprowrestling.com/results-2010.html|title=2010 match results|accessdate=August 23, 2010|publisher=Insanity Pro Wrestling}}</ref> The day after that Danielson defeated J Freddie at a Squared Circle Wrestling event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_43318.shtml|title=8/22 2CW results in New York: Bryan Danielson main-events, Jake Roberts announces retirement, American Wolves, Delaney (w/PICS)|last=Vincent|first=Patrick|date=August 23, 2010|accessdate= August 23, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On September 10, he returned to the IWA, using the name Daniel Bryan, and lost the IWA Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship to Dennis Rivera.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.iwapr.tv/index.php?page=articulo&id=1284178085|title=Ultima Hora: Se corona un Nuevo Campeon|date= September 10, 2010|accessdate=September 11, 2010|publisher=[[International Wrestling Association (Puerto Rico)|International Wrestling Association]]|language=Spanish}}</ref> The following day, Danielson returned to EVOLVE, defeating [[Munenori Sawa]] in the main event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.evolvewrestling.com/news/133.htm|title=EVOLVE 5 Results – Spoilers|date=September 13, 2010|accessdate=September 13, 2010|work=[[Evolve (professional wrestling)|EVOLVE]]}}</ref> Later that same night, Danielson wrestled for New York Wrestling Connection in a tag team match, where he and [[Tony Nese]] defeated Dimitrios Papadon and Alex Reynolds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_43721.shtml|title=9/11 NYWC results in New York: Bryan Danielson works second show on Saturday, newly signed TNA wrestler wrestle|last=Lippe|first=Kenny|date=September 12, 2010|accessdate=September 13, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On September 25, Danielson returned to Dragon Gate USA and defeated [[YAMATO]] in the main event of the evening.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_44056.shtml|title=9/25 DGUSA results in Chicago: Bryan Danielson's next-to-last independent match, Street fight, top-notch wrestling matches|last=Fleeman Martinez|first=Luke|date=September 26, 2010|accessdate=September 26, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> The following day, Danielson defeated Jon Moxley.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_44065.shtml|title=9/26 DGUSA results in Milwaukee: Second detailed report on Bryan Danielson's final indep. match & post-match promo, Ricochet continues 2010 rise, traditional Dragon Gate six-man tag|last=Fleeman Martinez|first= Luke|date=September 26, 2010|accessdate=September 27, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On October 1, Danielson wrestled the last of his independent matches by defeating [[Shelton Benjamin]] at a Northeast Wrestling event.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1286734725|title=Danielson works his final indy show on October 1|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=October 10, 2010|accessdate=October 10, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref>
  
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=== Second return to WWE ===
  
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==== United States Champion (2010–2011) ====
  
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On August 15, Danielson returned to WWE as Daniel Bryan at SummerSlam, where he was revealed as the surprise seventh member of Team WWE for the seven-on-seven elimination tag team match against The Nexus, the other ''NXT'' season one competitors. At the event, Bryan was one of the two final members of Team WWE, and managed to eliminate two members of the Nexus, but was eliminated by Wade Barrett after The Miz, whose place he took in Team WWE, attacked him. Despite this, Team WWE won the match.<ref name="SummerSlam2010">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/08/15/15031141.html|title=Rumored return helps Team WWE fend off Nexus at SummerSlam|date=August 15, 2010|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|accessdate=August 16, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1281927624|title=SummerSlam: Team WWE vs. Team Nexus|date=August 15, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|accessdate=August 16, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> The following night, he was revealed as part of the ''Raw'' roster. He feuded with The Miz, with both interfering in each other's matches, and The Miz being aided by Alex Riley, his rookie from the second season of ''NXT''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/16/15045006.html|title=RAW: Nexus rebounds; Darren Young exiled|date=August 16, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=August 17, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> At Night of Champions, Bryan defeated The Miz to win the United States Championship, his first championship in WWE.<ref name="US1" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/09/20/15407301.html|title=Few gimmicks, more title changes at Night of Champions|date=September 20, 2010|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|accessdate=September 20, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>
  
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He then successfully defended the championship two weeks later by defeating The Miz and John Morrison in a triple threat submissions count anywhere match at Hell in a Cell. Bryan went on to challenge then Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler to a Champion vs. Champion match at Bragging Rights as a special attraction ''SmackDown'' vs. ''Raw'' match, defeating Ziggler in a highly acclaimed match. Bryan went on to successfully defend his United States title against Ted DiBiase at Survivor Series.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/10/04/15570631.html|title=Hell in a Cell: Betrayal, fan interference, and flying shoes|date=October 4, 2010|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|accessdate=October 4, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/22/16270746.html|title=RAW: The Miz cashes in as Nexus costs Orton WWE title|date=November 22, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=November 24, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the November 30 episode of ''NXT'', it was announced that Bryan was returning to the show as the Pro to ''NXT'' Rookie Derrick Bateman on season four.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/30/16381991.html|title=WWE NXT: Season 3 mercifully ends with new breakout diva crowned|date=November 30, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=December 1, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_45683.shtml|title=WWE News: NXT Season 4 cast – full list of Pros & Rookies for the new season of NXT, plus noticeable absences|date=November 30, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|accessdate=December 1, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
  
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In late 2010, The Bella Twins began competing for Bryan's affection, leading to them supporting him at ringside and competing in mixed tag team matches together. On the January 24, 2011 episode of ''Raw'', it was revealed that Bryan had been secretly dating Gail Kim, who began accompanying him to ringside.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/24/17020501.html|title=RAW: Punk, Barrett battle for the Royal Rumble|date=January 24, 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=February 5, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref name="GailKim">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/31/17106691.html|title=RAW: Jerry Lawler on the road to Wrestlemania|date=January 31, 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=February 5, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On the March 14 episode of ''Raw'', Bryan lost the United States Championship to Sheamus ending his reign at 176 days.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/14/17616206.html|title=RAW: Cena wrecked on the Road to Wrestlemania|date=March 14, 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=March 22, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Bryan was originally scheduled to have his rematch against Sheamus for the United States Championship on the main card at WrestleMania XXVII, but the match was rescheduled as a dark lumberjack match that ended in a no contest when the lumberjacks fought among themselves to trigger the start of a battle royal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemaniaxxvii/over-the-top-rope-battle-royal|title=The Great Khali won the Over-the-Top-Rope WrestleMania Battle Royal|date=April 3, 2011|last=Powers|first=Kevin|accessdate=April 15, 2011|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref> Bryan lost his title rematch the next night on ''Raw'', after which he was saved from Sheamus by the debuting [[Místico|Sin Cara]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_49042.shtml|title= Caldwell's WWE Raw results 4/4: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live Raw – The Rock & Austin live, fall-out from WrestleMania 27, Sin Cara début|date=April 4, 2011|accessdate=July 11, 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
  
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==== World Heavyweight Champion (2011–2012)<!-- Let's keep the header SHORT. -->====
  
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On April 26, Bryan was drafted to the ''SmackDown'' brand as part of the 2011 supplemental draft.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_49587.shtml|title=WWE News: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of WWE Supplemental Draft – Daniel Bryan first draft pick|date=April 26, 2011|accessdate=April 26, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> Bryan debuted for the ''SmackDown'' brand on the May 6 episode, when he lost to Sheamus.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/05/07/18116736.html|title=Smackdown: Peeps have a say|date=May 7, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|accessdate=May 7, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Cody Rhodes then started a feud with Bryan by attacking him after losing their match and placing a paper bag on his head. Bryan then aligned with Sin Cara to feud with Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/04/18237591.html|title=Smackdown: Christian's patience wearing thin|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|date=June 4, 2011|accessdate=June 18, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/11/18270206.html|title=Smackdown: Factions renewed and rejected|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|date=June 11, 2011|accessdate=June 18, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> On June 28, Bryan returned to ''NXT'' to manage Derrick Bateman once again.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_51100.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE NXT results 6/28: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of NXT Season 5, Week 17 – Latest elimination, how will WWE address Chavo's release?|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 28, 2011|accessdate=July 11, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
  
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On July 17 at Money in the Bank, Bryan won the SmackDown Money in the Bank ladder match which earned him a World Heavyweight Championship match at any point within the following year.<ref name="MoneyintheBank2011">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wadekellerdotcom/51486.shtml|title=WK'S WWE Money in the Bank PPV blog 7/17: Ongoing live coverage of Punk vs. Cena, Orton vs. Christian, Show vs. Henry, more|last=Keller|first=Wade|authorlink=Wade Keller|date=July 17, 2011|accessdate=July 17, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On the July 22 episode of ''SmackDown'', Bryan declared he would cash in his Money in the Bank briefcase at WrestleMania XXVIII.<ref name="SD2207">{{cite web|last=Michael|first=Burdick|title=SmackDown results: Calamity after the storm|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2011-07-22/results|publisher=[[WWE]]|date=July 22, 2011|accessdate=July 23, 2011}}</ref> After several months of losing matches, Bryan began a feud with then World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry on the November 4 episode of ''SmackDown'', after Henry challenged Bryan to a non-title match to prove that Bryan could not become champion. During the match, Big Show knocked out Henry, making Bryan lose by disqualification. Big Show, as a friend of Bryan, then urged a groggy Bryan to cash in his championship match, but Henry recovered and attacked both Bryan and Big Show before the match could start.<ref>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 11/4: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes in a Street Fight|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_54868.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=November 4, 2011|accessdate=November 27, 2011}}</ref> After losing a rematch, Bryan suffered attacks from Henry the following two weeks.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cupach|first=Mike|title=Cupach's WWE SmackDown report 11/11: Alt. perspective review of Smackdown from England, Mike's Reax to key matches & overall show|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_55099.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=November 13, 2011|accessdate=November 27, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 11/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Randy Orton & Sheamus vs. Wade Barrett & Cody Rhodes|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_55299.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=November 18, 2011|accessdate=November 27, 2011}}</ref> On November 25 at ''SmackDown'', Henry was knocked out again by Big Show, at which point Bryan cashed in his briefcase for a title match and quickly pinned Henry. However, ''SmackDown'' authority figure Theodore Long revealed that Henry was not medically cleared to compete and voided the match, so Henry remained champion and the briefcase was returned to Bryan.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cupach|first=Mike|title=Cupach's WWE SmackDown report 11/25: Alt. perspective of Survivor Series fall-out, live Smackdown set-up, Mike's Reax|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_55507.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=November 25, 2011|accessdate=November 27, 2011}}</ref> Bryan later admitted he betrayed his principles by not waiting for WrestleMania, but explained he felt strongly about exacting revenge on Henry and realised he may not make it to WrestleMania due to Henry's continued attacks.<ref>{{cite web|title=Video – Bryan explains MITB cash-in attempt, agrees he's a hypocrite|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_55511.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=November 26, 2011|accessdate=November 27, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 11/28: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Piper's Pit with Cena, WWE Title match|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_55559.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=November 28, 2011|accessdate=November 30, 2011}}</ref> Regardless of his briefcase, Bryan won a four-way match on the same episode of ''SmackDown'' to become the contender for Henry's championship.<ref>{{cite web|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|title=Smackdown: Give and take|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/11/26/19023496.html|work=Slam Sports!|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|date=November 26, 2011|accessdate=November 27, 2011}}</ref> On the live November 29 episode of ''SmackDown'', Henry managed to pin Bryan to retain his title in a steel cage match.<ref>{{cite web|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 11/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the live Tuesday night special, including Daniel Bryan vs. Mark Henry for the World Title in a Steel Cage|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_55591.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=November 29, 2011|accessdate=November 30, 2011}}</ref> Also in November, Bryan started being involved in a romantic storyline with AJ.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/11/12/18959426.html|title=Smackdown: Eye of the Viper|date=November 12, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|accessdate=December 12, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/11/30/19037686.html|title=Smackdown: Christmas in November|date=November 30, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|accessdate=December 12, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>
  
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Bryan cashed in his Money in the Bank contract on December 18 at TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs against Big Show, who had just defeated Henry and subsequently received a DDT onto a steel chair, which allowed Bryan to secure a pinfall victory and become the World Heavyweight Champion, thus making him also the first ever wrestler from ''NXT'' to win a WWE world championship.<ref name="world1">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/25050101|title=Daniel Bryan's first World Heavyweight Championship reign|accessdate=February 25, 2012|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref><ref name="TLC2011">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE TLC PPV REPORT 12/18: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – TLC, Table, Ladder, Chair matches|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_56118.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 8, 2012}}</ref> In the following weeks, tension was teased between Bryan and Big Show, with Big Show unhappy about Bryan taking the world championship from him, and Bryan being displeased about Big Show's lack of appreciation for Bryan's help in matches against Henry.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cupach|first=Mike|title=CUPACH'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 12/30: Alt. perspective review of final Smackdown of 2011, Mike's Reax to Orton write-off|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_56446.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 8, 2012}}</ref> As World Heavyweight Champion, Bryan began a slow heel turn as he gradually showed signs of overconfidence and arrogance,<ref>{{cite web|title=First match revealed for tonight's Raw|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_56768.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 10, 2012|quote=In the video, Bryan plays up his new over-confident, success-has-gone-to-his-head persona interacting with Kingston outside of the venue in Corpus Christi, Texas.}}</ref> with Bryan beginning to partake in excessive victory celebrations, even when he won his matches by disqualification or count-out.<ref>{{cite web|last=Giannini|first=Alex|title=Has Daniel Bryan surpassed Miz's dark side?|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2012-01-27/bryan-miz-ego|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=March 24, 2012}}</ref> Also, despite AJ's declaration of love for Bryan,<ref>{{cite web|last=Scannell|first=Robin|title=SMACKDOWN STORYLINE TRACKER 1/6 & 1/13 – World Title & IC Title pictures, Sheamus-Barrett, McIntyre Strike Three, Santino Assistant GM|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/hitsandmisses/article_59032.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=March 24, 2012}}</ref> Bryan avoided saying that he loved her in return.<ref>{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN BLOG 1/27: Final Royal Rumble hype barely touches on the Rumble match, but does hype Bryan vs. Show vs. Henry|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/kellerstake/article_57479.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=March 24, 2012}}</ref>
  
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In January 2012, Bryan successfully defended his title three times; the first occasion against Big Show when Bryan goaded Mark Henry into attacking him and causing a disqualification; the second occasion a no disqualification rematch with Show which ended abruptly after Show accidentally ran into AJ, hospitalising her within the storyline for which Bryan blamed him; the third occasion against Henry in a lumberjack match when Bryan provoked the lumberjacks to interfere and cause a no contest.<ref>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 1/6: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Daniel Bryan vs. Big Show for the World Title|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_56699.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 8, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_56931.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 1/13: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Daniel Bryan vs. Big Show, no count-out, no-DQ, for the World Title|accessdate=January 14, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=Smackdown Results – 1/20/12|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1327174845|publisher=Wrestleview|accessdate=January 22, 2012}}</ref> This culminated in a triple threat steel cage match to exclude outside interference; at the 2012 Royal Rumble event, Bryan escaped the cage after freeing himself from Big Show's grasp to retain his championship.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Royal Rumble report 1/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Rumble match, Punk-Ziggler, Cena-Kane, steel cage|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_57526.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 30, 2012}}</ref>
  
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At Elimination Chamber, Bryan defeated Big Show, Cody Rhodes, The Great Khali, Santino Marella, and Wade Barrett in an Elimination Chamber match to retain the World Heavyweight Championship. After the match, Royal Rumble winner Sheamus attacked Bryan and chose him as his WrestleMania opponent for the World Heavyweight Championship.<ref name="SmackDown">{{cite web|title=World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan won the SmackDown Elimination Chamber Match|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2012/smackdown-elimination-chamber-2012|publisher=WWE|last=Giannini|first=Alex|date=February 19, 2012|accessdate=February 19, 2012}}</ref> In March, Bryan began to mistreat AJ, publicly demanding her to shut up and claiming that she always got in his way.<ref>{{cite web|last=Scannell|first=Robin|title=SMACKDOWN STORYLINE TRACKER 3/9 – Sheamus-Bryan, GM Feud, Orton-Kane, McIntyre re-hired|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_59202.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=March 24, 2012}}</ref> Despite these actions, AJ continued to stand by Bryan.<ref>{{cite web|last=Grate|first=Jake|title=Is AJ blinded by her love for Daniel Bryan?|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2012-03-16/blinded-by-love|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=March 24, 2012}}</ref> Bryan's reign as world champion ended at 105 days when Sheamus defeated him in eighteen seconds at WrestleMania XXVIII due to Bryan being distracted with receiving a good luck kiss from AJ.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE WRESTLEMANIA 28 PPV REPORT 4/1: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Rock-Cena, Taker-Hunter, Punk-Jericho|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_59831.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=April 2, 2012}}</ref> On the following ''SmackDown'', Bryan blamed AJ for his world title loss and ended their relationship.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_60112.shtml|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 4/6: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio|last=Parks|first=Greg|date=April 6, 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=April 8, 2012}}</ref> Despite AJ's attempts to mend their relationship, Bryan cruelly rebuffed her multiple times, leaving AJ an emotional wreck.<ref>{{cite web|last=Scannell|first=Robin|title=SMACKDOWN STORYLINE TRACKER – entire April from WM28 to Extreme Rules: Sheamus-Bryan, Bryan-A.J., People Power, Legends, WM28 re-matches hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_60879.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=May 1, 2012}}</ref> At Extreme Rules, Bryan failed to regain the World Heavyweight Championship from Sheamus in a 2-out-of-3 falls match, losing two falls to one.<ref name="sheamusvbryan">{{cite web|title=World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan – 2-out-of-3 Falls Match|author=Alex Giannini|date=April 9, 2012|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2012/world-heavyweight-champion-sheamus-vs-daniel-bryan-submission-match|accessdate=April 11, 2012|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>
  
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==== Team Hell No <!-- Let's keep the header SHORT. --> (2012–2013) ====
  
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The following night on ''Raw'', Bryan became the number one contender to CM Punk's WWE Championship when he won a Beat the Clock challenge by defeating Jerry Lawler in under three minutes.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/30: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw Starring Brock Lesnar – PPV fall-out, Triple H returns|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_60937.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=May 1, 2012|date=April 30, 2012}}</ref> Bryan received his title shot at Over the Limit and suffered a controversial loss; when Bryan rolled back onto his shoulders as he applied the ''"Yes!" Lock'', Punk tapped out immediately after the referee counted a pinfall win for Punk.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE OVER THE LIMIT PPV REPORT 5/20: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Cena-Johnny, Punk-Bryan|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_61620.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=May 27, 2012}}</ref> Shortly before Over the Limit, Bryan interfered in a match between Punk and Kane to frame Punk attacking Kane with a steel chair, leading to a three-way feud.<ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 5/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Sheamus vs. Orton|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_61569.shtml|last=Parks|first=Greg}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 5/21: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #990 – Over the Limit PPV fall-out|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_61661.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=February 27, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 5/28: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #991 – Show vs. Brodus teased main event, Punk-Bryan, no Cena|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_61856.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=February 27, 2013}}</ref> During this time, a jilted AJ turned her affections to both Punk and Kane.<ref name="Three">{{cite web|last=Giannini|first=Alex|title=Monster and the Madwoman?|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/what-is-aj-thinking/|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=June 10, 2012|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/68JVPUMP0|archivedate=June 10, 2012}}</ref> On the June 1 episode of ''SmackDown'', Bryan's interference caused WWE Championship match between Punk and Kane to end in a double disqualification,<ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 6/1: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including C.M. Punk vs. Kane for the WWE Title|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_62013.shtml|last=Parks|first=Greg|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=February 27, 2013}}</ref> resulting in a triple threat match being set up at No Way Out, where Punk managed to retain the title after AJ distracted Kane.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE No Way Out report 6/17: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Cena vs. Show, potential "firings," who will A.J. choose?|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_62544.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=June 23, 2012}}</ref> On the June 25 episode of ''Raw'', Bryan defeated Punk and Kane in a non-title three-way elimination match to earn another shot at the WWE Championship.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 6/25: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #995 – Cena vs. Jericho, MITB hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_62762.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=February 27, 2013|last=Caldwell|first=James}}</ref> At Money in the Bank, Bryan failed to capture the WWE Championship again from Punk in a no disqualification match with AJ as special guest referee.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE MITB PPV REPORT 7/15: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Punk vs. Bryan, Sheamus vs. Del Rio, two MITB matches|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_63339.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=July 29, 2012}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', AJ accepted Bryan's marriage proposal,<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/16: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #998 – MITB PPV fall-out, Cena's announcement|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63388.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=February 27, 2013}}</ref> On ''Raw 1000'', Bryan's storyline wedding ended in failure when AJ left Bryan at the altar and instead accepted Mr. McMahon's offer of the position of permanent Raw General Manager. Bryan's night turned from bad to worse as he was later attacked by The Rock and insulted by celebrity Charlie Sheen.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/23: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #999 – WWE recognizes 1,000 episodes, WWE Title match, Lesnar, Rock, DX, wedding|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63621.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=July 29, 2012}}</ref>
  
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AJ's rejection of Bryan turned him into an angry and bitter individual and resulted in Bryan lashing out at audiences.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/30: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #1,000 – Punk explains heel turn, #1 contender match main event, Orton returns, Summerslam hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63818.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=August 4, 2012}}</ref> AJ continued to exact her revenge on Bryan by denying him a WWE Championship shot and instead forcing him to face Kane at SummerSlam,<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 8/6: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – HBK live appearance, Lesnar in the building, Summerslam hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_64047.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=August 19, 2012}}</ref> where Bryan emerged victorious.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE SUMMERSLAM PPV REPORT 8/19: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Lesnar vs. Triple H, Punk vs. Cena vs. Show|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_64430.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=August 20, 2012}}</ref> As a result of Bryan and Kane's issues, AJ enrolled them in anger management classes hosted by Dr. Shelby,<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 8/27: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Triple H addresses retirement, Cena-Punk continues, cage main event|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_64638.shtml|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=September 16, 2012}}</ref> and they were later forced to "hug it out".<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 9/3: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Punk returns home, Anger Management|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_64825.shtml|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=September 16, 2012}}</ref> At the arrangement of Dr. Shelby and AJ, the two adversaries formed a team whose constant bickering and infighting even during matches inadvertently resulted in them defeating The Prime Time Players (Titus O'Neil and Darren Young) to become the number one contenders to the WWE Tag Team Championship on the September 10 episode of ''Raw''<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 9/10: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Hart back in Montreal, final PPV hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65047.shtml|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=September 16, 2012}}</ref> and then defeating champions Kofi Kingston and R-Truth to win the Tag Team Championship at Night of Champions.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS PPV REPORT 9/16: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Punk vs. Cena, six title matches|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_65243.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=February 23, 2013}}</ref>
  
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Bryan and Kane made their first successful title defense the following night on ''Raw'', defeating the former champions in a rematch.<ref>{{cite web|title= CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 9/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – PPV fall-out, Cena & Sheamus vs. Punk & Del Rio "super main event"|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65279.shtml|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=October 21, 2012}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw'', "Team Hell No" was chosen as the official team name via a Twitter poll while Team Rhodes Scholars (Cody Rhodes and Damien Sandow) started a feud with Bryan and Kane, turning Bryan face once again.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 9/24: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Cena announcement, Lawler interview, latest on WWE Title picture|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65455.shtml|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=October 21, 2012}}</ref> On October 28 at Hell in a Cell, Team Hell No lost to the Rhodes Scholars via disqualification, but retained their title.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE HELL IN A CELL PPV REPORT 10/28: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Did WWE pull the trigger on Ryback as top champ?|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_66245.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=October 29, 2012}}</ref> This was followed by a rematch on the November 14 ''Main Event'', where Team Hell No defeated the Rhodes Scholars to retain the WWE Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|title=CUPACH'S WWE MAIN EVENT RESULTS 11/14: Cody injured in Tag Title match, Miz-Ziggler, what changed from the taping to TV?|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_66648.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=February 27, 2013}}</ref> On the November 26 episode of ''Raw'', after Kane lost to WWE Champion CM Punk in a non-title match, he was assaulted by The Shield (Dean Ambrose, Seth Rollins, and Roman Reigns). Bryan and Ryback, who both attempted to save Kane, suffered a similar fate.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 11/26: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – The Shield speaks, Cena-Ziggler|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_66855.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=December 5, 2012}}</ref> This attack had the effect of uniting Bryan and Kane, and after The Shield and Team Hell No, along with Ryback, attacked each other on the December 3 episode of ''Raw'', all six men were decreed to face each other in a Tables, Ladders, and Chairs match at TLC,<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 12/3: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – McMahon returns, Punk takes a Test|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_66980.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=December 5, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=WWE NEWS: WWE officially announces TLC main event change; will Ryback still get a WWE Title shot?|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_66817.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=December 5, 2012}}</ref> where The Shield was victorious after pinning Bryan.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE TLC PPV RESULTS 12/16: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of final 2012 PPV – Cena vs. Ziggler main event, Shield makes a statement|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_67280.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=December 17, 2012}}</ref> Team Hell No went on to defend the Tag Team titles through the end of the year, retaining against Team Rhodes Scholars on the following ''Main Event'',<ref>{{cite web|title=CUPACH'S WWE MAIN EVENT RESULTS 12/19: Kane & Bryan defend Tag Titles, Players vs. Team Co-Bro|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwsuperstarsreport/article_67391.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=February 27, 2013}}</ref> and against 3MB ([[Drew Galloway|Drew McIntyre]] and Heath Slater) on the December 31 episode of ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 12/31: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of New Year's Eve episode – Champion's Choice Night ends with Cena dressing down Ziggler|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_67506.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=February 27, 2013}}</ref> Bryan ended 2012 having wrestled the second most TV/PPV matches that year with 90.<ref>{{cite web|title=FINAL 2012 WWE WRESTLER STATS: Who was WWE's top workhorse in 2012?, Who lost the most televised matches?, more categories for Superstars & Divas|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_67590.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 13, 2013}}</ref>
  
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On January 27 at the 2013 Royal Rumble, Team Hell No retained the WWE Tag Team Championship against Team Rhodes Scholars.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE Tag Team Champions Team Hell No def. Team Rhodes Scholars|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2013/wwe-tag-team-champions-team-hell-no-vs-team-rhodes-scholars-26083871|publisher=WWE|accessdate=January 29, 2013}}</ref> During the Royal Rumble match, Bryan eliminated Kane and was in turn thrown out of the ring by Antonio Cesaro; Kane caught Bryan before he touched the floor and despite Bryan's begging, dropped him to complete Bryan's elimination.<ref>{{cite web|title=Full list of Royal Rumble Match participants and eliminations|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2013/royal-rumble-match-26080784/page-5|publisher=WWE|accessdate=January 29, 2013}}</ref> On the February 4 episode of ''Raw'', Bryan was inserted into the World Heavyweight Championship number one contender Elimination Chamber match when he defeated Rey Mysterio, after which, the returning Mark Henry attacked both men.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE Raw Report CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 2/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – WWE explains many things, Punk-Jericho main event, Bruno HOF Video|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_68402.shtml|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=February 27, 2013}}</ref> On February 17 at Elimination Chamber, Bryan was the first man eliminated from the match, courtesy of Henry.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE ELIMINATION CHAMBER PPV RESULTS 2/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Rock-Punk II, Elimination Chamber match, Shield beats Team Cena|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_68713.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=February 27, 2013}}</ref> On April 7 at WrestleMania 29, Team Hell No defeated Dolph Ziggler and Big E Langston for another successful title defense.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE WRESTLEMANIA 29 PPV RESULTS: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV from MetLife Stadium – Rock-Cena II, Taker-Punk, Lesnar-Hunter, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_69830.shtml}}</ref> Team Hell No rekindled their rivalry with The Shield the following night on ''Raw'', after saving The Undertaker from an ambush by them.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/8: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – WM29 fall-out, new World Champ, no Rock, Taker live, crowd takes over|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69884.shtml}}</ref> On the April 22 episode of ''Raw'', Team Hell No and The Undertaker were defeated by The Shield in a six-man tag team match.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/22 (Second Hour): Shield vs. The Undertaker six-man tag match, Ryder squashed|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70166.shtml}}</ref> The Shield went on to take out Undertaker and rack up wins over Bryan and Kane in both singles and tag matches that also included WWE Champion John Cena.<ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 4/26: Complete coverage of the loaded Friday night show, including Undertaker vs. Ambrose, Henry vs. Orton|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70252.shtml|first=Greg|last=Parks|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/29 (Hour 3): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – New Main Event of WWE Champ & Tag Champs vs. Shield, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70289.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=June 16, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 5/3: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday night show, including Daniel Bryan vs. Ryback, Kane vs. Dean Ambrose|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70373.shtml|first=Greg|last=Parks|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 5/10: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Daniel Bryan vs. Dean Ambrose, Jack Swagger vs. Big E. Langston|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70521.shtml|first=Greg|last=Parks|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> On May 19 at Extreme Rules, Bryan and Kane lost the WWE Tag Team Championship to Shield members Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns, ending their reign at 245 days.<ref>{{cite web|last=Bishop|first=Matt|title=Lesnar finishes off Triple H at Extreme Rules|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2013/05/19/20834561.html|work=SLAM! Wrestling|accessdate=May 26, 2013}}</ref>
  
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==== "Yes!" Movement<!-- Let's keep the header SHORT. --> (2013–2014) ====
  
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As Bryan being pinned led to the loss of the tag team titles, Bryan became obsessed about proving that he was not the weak link of Team Hell No and, as a result, Bryan became even more aggressive, but his overzealous behavior led to Team Hell No losing their rematch against Rollins and Reigns on the May 27 episode of ''Raw''.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cupach|first=Michael|title=CUPACH'S WWE SMACKDOWN BLOG 5/24: Thoughts on Shield's latest six-man tag victory, two title matches, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70847.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=June 9, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 5/27 (Hour 2): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Memorial Day Raw – Tag Title match, HBK cameo, bizarre App Poll|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70880.shtml}}</ref> When Kane tried to reassure Bryan, he replied with harsh rebukes that alienated Kane from him and, as a result, Bryan was paired with Randy Orton despite their poor relationship to face a common enemy in The Shield.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cupach|first=Michael|title=CUPACH'S WWE SMACKDOWN BLOG 5/31: Thoughts on Shield vs. D-Bryan collision course, Sandow the Carny, plus Mike's Reax|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70992.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=June 9, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 6/7: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Randy Orton, Kane, Daniel Bryan on Miz TV setting up the TV main event|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_71147.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=June 9, 2013}}</ref> During this storyline, Bryan was praised as the best performer in WWE and having an unmatched connection with crowds by critics, peers and veterans of the professional wrestling industry.<ref>{{cite web|title=EXCLUSIVE: Former WCW Champ offers praise for Daniel Bryan, which former WWE Champ does Bryan remind him of?|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_71173.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=June 15, 2013|quote=WWE star Daniel Bryan continues to receive praise from his peers and veterans in the wrestling business... Diamond Dallas Page offered his viewpoint on Bryan's current hot run and compared Bryan to former WWE champion Eddie Guerrero ... that son-of-a-b---- was as big and bad and electric and more over than anyone out there}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=WWE NEWS: D-Bryan gets very strong endorsement during Raw|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_71054.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=June 15, 2013|quote="I may be the best in the world at what I do, but @WWEDanielBryan is the best performer in the entire business right now. #muchrespect", Jericho tweeted.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=TUCKER ON RAW 6/3: DVR Guide & Instant Reaction to the Daniel Bryan & Friends Show|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_71055.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=June 15, 2013|quote=Bryan has become the number one reason to watch WWE television. His performances tonight out-shined every single member of the roster by a mile. He showed incredible range in his moveset and an un-matched connection with the crowd ... ... he was the true, unquestionable star of tonight's broadcast}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Shore's WWE Smackdown Hitlist: Smackdown is Daniel Bryan, Ryback kills Kofi Kingston, Damien Sandow and Sheamus goof around, Curtis Axel is still uninspiring|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/shoreeditorials/article10031648.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|accessdate=June 15, 2013|quote="Holy crap! Daniel Bryan's explosion of offense at the end of the show was crazy hot... [...] Either way they go, Daniel Bryan is going to be very, very successful if he can keep that level of crowd response going".}}</ref>
  
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On the June 14 episode of ''SmackDown'', Bryan (with Kane and Orton as his tag team partners) ended The Shield's unpinned and unsubmitted streak in a televised six-man tag match by forcing Rollins to submit.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE NEWS: Significant Smackdown SPOILER for Friday's episode (w/Analysis of potential fall-out scenarios)|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_71216.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=June 15, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Plummer|first=Dale|title=Smackdown!: The Shield handed their first loss heading into Payback|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/06/14/20901596.html|work=SLAM! Wrestling|accessdate=June 15, 2013}}</ref> Two days later at Payback, Bryan and Orton's poor teamwork resulted in an unsuccessful challenge for Rollins and Reigns' WWE Tag Team Championship.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE PAYBACK PPV RESULTS 6/16 (Hour 3): Cena vs. Ryback main event, Tag Title match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_71318.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=June 21, 2013|last=Caldwell|first=James}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', while the status of Team Hell No was left up in the air after both members considered individual pursuits, Bryan and Orton faced off in a no disqualification match that Orton won via referee stoppage after Bryan suffered a legit nerve injury,<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 6/17 (Hour 2): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Orton vs. Bryan, A.J. Lee-Stephanie McMahon promo exchange, U.S. Title match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71352.shtml}}</ref> which was a stinger resulting in Bryan being unable to feel both his arms for the rest of the match.<ref name="NOLAback">{{cite web|last1=Guillot|first1=Gene|title=WWE's Daniel Bryan healthy and excited to return to New Orleans|url=http://www.nola.com/festivals/index.ssf/2015/01/wwes_daniel_bryan_healthy_and.html|work=[[The Times-Picayune]]|accessdate=January 9, 2015}}</ref> Four days later on ''SmackDown'', Bryan defeated Orton, but to Bryan's dismay, it was via countout.<ref>{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 6/21: Complete coverage of Friday night show, including Bryan vs. Orton main event|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_71464.shtml}}</ref> On the next ''Raw'', Bryan decisively defeated Orton via submission in a street fight,<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 6/24 (Hour 3): Punk in singles action, MITB match participants announced, Bryan vs. Orton main event represents major career moment for Bryan|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71502.shtml}}</ref> and later continued his hot streak by picking up wins over Sheamus and Christian.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/8 (Hour 1): Bryan vs. Sheamus tears it up, The Shield in tag action|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71806.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=August 3, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Cupach|first=Michael|title=CUPACH'S WWE SMACKDOWN BLOG 7/12: Thoughts on last week's Smackdown including Motivated Orton, Corny Ziggler, Streaking Bryan, Vickie kicked out, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_72012.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=August 3, 2013}}</ref> On July 14 at Money in the Bank, Bryan competed in the WWE Championship Money in the Bank ladder match; during the match, Bryan was attacked by Curtis Axel, a non-participant, which ultimately prevented Bryan from winning the match that was won by Orton.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE MITB PPV RESULTS 7/14 (Hour 3): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV – Cena vs. Henry, MITB All-Stars|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_71944.shtml}}</ref>
  
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{{Quote box|width=35%|align=right|quote="He's the most technically proficient wrestler the WWE main-event scene has seen possibly since Bret Hart, and he connects with the crowd (the whole crowd — sorry, Mr. Cena) in a near-euphoric way we haven't seen consistently since The Rock in his prime."|source=—David Shoemaker of Grantland, while declaring Bryan as the MVP for the ''WWE Midseason Awards'' in October 2013<ref name=NOLAback/>}}
  
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On the July 15 episode of ''Raw'', WWE Champion John Cena picked Bryan to be his opponent for the WWE title match at SummerSlam.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/15 (Hour 3): Punk-Heyman epic promo exchange, Jericho vs. RVD, Cena picks his Summerslam PPV opponent|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71984.shtml}}</ref> This led to Bryan being embroiled (in real life) in the McMahon family's internal feud, with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon against Bryan due to Bryan's image not fitting of McMahon's vision of a typical WWE wrestler, while WWE COO Triple H was in support of Bryan.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL ON RAW: "What?!" to "Yes!" – Is D-Bryan vs. McMahon the new Stone Cold vs. McMahon?|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/caldwellstake/article_72353.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=August 3, 2013}}</ref> On the July 22 episode of ''Raw'', Triple H called Bryan a "B+ Player" and made him run a gauntlet match to prove his worth as number one contender. He defeated Jack Swagger and Antonio Cesaro in succession, but his third opponent Ryback was disqualified after powerbombing Bryan through a table.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/22 (Hour 3): Bryan wrestles three times, including epic battle vs. Cesaro, Punk-Heyman confrontation, RVD in action|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72161.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=August 3, 2013}}</ref> The following week on ''Raw'', Bryan was forced to face Kane and emerged victorious, but Kane attacked Bryan after the match.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/29 (Hour 3): Cena vs. Ryback tables main event, Bryan vs. Kane, Wyatts, McMahons to give Bryan a "corporate make-over?"|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72346.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=August 3, 2013}}</ref> On August 18 at SummerSlam, Bryan defeated Cena to win his first WWE Championship. However, after the match, special referee Triple H performed his "Pedigree" finishing move on Bryan, leading to Randy Orton cashing in his Money in the Bank contract to win the title from Bryan.<ref>{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE SSLAM PPV RESULTS 8/18 (Hour 3): Cena vs. Bryan WWE Title main event, did Orton cash in?|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_72779.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|last=Caldwell|first=James}}</ref>
  
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{{Quote box|width=35%|align=right|quote="When [Vince McMahon] had HHH call Bryan a B+ player, that is because Vince saw Bryan that way. Vince was just going to screw Bryan in the storylines and then push him down the card."|source=—Dave Scherer of PWInsider.com's analysis of Bryan's feud with the Authority<ref name="InsiderHowWhy">{{cite web|last1=Scherer|first1=Dave|title=How and why everything went so badly wrong for WWE last night at the Rumble|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=91127|website=PWInsider.com|accessdate=14 March 2015}}</ref>}}
  
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The next night on ''Raw'', Triple H and the McMahons endorsed Orton as "the face of the WWE", forming The Authority faction, claiming that the company was looking for Orton as champion instead of Bryan, who also assumed the top babyface role in WWE with Cena being out injured.<ref>{{cite web|title=RAW NEWS: Cena gone 4–6 months, Triple H explanation, WWE Title & World Title pictures, RVD, new tag team, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_72813.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=August 20, 2013}}</ref> With Triple H threatening to fire anyone who disobeyed him, Bryan was left alone to take on and suffer attacks from Orton and the Shield.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 8/26 (Hour 3): Bryan runs The Shield gauntlet and pays the price, Orton vs. Christian, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72957.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=August 31, 2013}}</ref> On September 15 at Night of Champions, Bryan defeated Orton to regain the WWE Championship,<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE NEWS: New WWE champion at Night of Champions, but for how long?, plus Heyman's new associate, title match results, TNA stars spotlighted, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_73334.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=September 17, 2013}}</ref> but was stripped of the title the following night on ''Raw'' by Triple H after referee Scott Armstrong said he had made a fast-count the previous night resulting in Bryan's win, while Bryan denied that Armstrong was working for him.<ref>{{cite web|title=RAW NEWS: Bryan stripped of WWE Title & title held up, Dusty returns & gets KO'ed, locker room revolt, Ryback/Heyman, new #1 contenders, more post-PPV developments|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_73376.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=September 17, 2013}}</ref> Armstrong was then kayfabe fired by The Authority. Bryan and Orton faced off again for the vacant title on October 6 at Battleground, but the match ended in a no contest after Big Show interfered and knocked out both men.<ref>{{cite web|title=BATTLEGROUND PPV RESULTS 10/6 (Hour 3): WWE Title match, power outage situation, Punk vs. Ryback|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_73743.shtml}}</ref> Bryan once again challenged Orton for the vacant championship at Hell in a Cell, but was unsuccessful after the special guest referee Shawn Michaels superkicked Bryan for attacking Michaels' best friend Triple H.<ref>{{cite web|last=Waldman|first=Jon|title=Hell in a Cell: The usual suspects end up on top|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/10/27/21226396.html|work=SLAM! Wrestling|accessdate=November 1, 2013}}</ref> The following night on ''Raw'', Bryan confronted Michaels, who offered a handshake, but Bryan put Michaels in the ''"Yes!" Lock''.<ref name="Raw11142013">{{cite web|last=Asher|first=Matthew|title=Raw: Fallout from Hell in the Cell is very intriguing|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/10/29/21229336.html|work=SLAM! Wrestling|accessdate=November 14, 2013}}</ref>
  
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{{Quote box|width=35%|align=right|quote="I wasn't supposed to be anywhere near the top of the card. I think I was scheduled to wrestle Sheamus, and probably be 5th or 6th match from the top, and maybe get a 10 minute match if we were lucky, but because of fan support, all of the sudden now I'm doing 2 matches and I'm in the main event of WrestleMania."|source=—Bryan on the original plans for him for WrestleMania XXX<ref name=AltNation15/>}}
  
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Later that same night, Bryan was attacked by The Wyatt Family.<ref name="Raw11142013" /> As a result, Bryan had a "Battle of the Beards"<ref>[http://www.wwe.com/videos/daniel-bryan-vs-luke-harper-smackdown-nov-22-2013-26165615 Daniel Bryan vs. Luke Harper: SmackDown, Nov 22, 2013 | WWE.com] caption: Daniel Bryan faces off with Luke Harper in an unofficial "Battle of the Beards".</ref> with Luke Harper while allying himself with CM Punk, and the "The Beard And The Best"<ref>15 November 2015 [http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/smackdown-november-15-2013/smackdown-five-point-preview-nov-15-2013-26163836 Will Bryan & Punk "survive" until Survivor Series?] by Jake Grate: With the mysterious and brutal Wyatts seemingly never far away, will The Beard and The Best be able to focus on the always-dangerous combination of the Intercontinental Champion and The Human Wrecking Ball?</ref><ref>25 November 2015 [http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-11-25/cm-punk-daniel-bryan-the-wyatt-family-photos CM Punk & Daniel Bryan vs. The Wyatt Family - 2-on-3 Handicap Match: photos | WWE.com] captions 1+2: It's "The Beard" ... And "The Best!"</ref> duo defeated [[Luke Harper]] and Erick Rowan of The Wyatt Family at Survivor Series,<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE S. Series PPV results 11/24 (Hour 3): Orton vs. Big Show main event, Bryan & Punk, PPV-closing face-off|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_74738.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=November 27, 2013}}</ref> but the entire Wyatt Family defeated Bryan in a handicap match at TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs,<ref>{{cite web|last=Howell|first=Nolan|title=TLC: Randy Orton crowned new WWE World Heavyweight Champion|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2013/12/15/21339031.html|work=SLAM! Wrestling|accessdate=December 18, 2013}}</ref> with Wyatt attempting to recruit Bryan in the previous weeks.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tucker|first=Benjamin|title=Tucker on Raw 12/2: DVR Guide & Instant Reaction to TLC main event hype & meaningless segments|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_74900.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 2, 2014}}</ref> On the final ''Raw'' of 2013, Bryan defeated Harper and then Rowan in a gauntlet match so that he could face Wyatt, whereupon Harper and Rowan interfered for a disqualification and beat him down. Bryan then acknowledged that no matter how many times the fans chanted "Yes!" or supported him, it wasn't enough for "the machine", so he gave up and decided to join The Wyatt Family.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 12/30: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live 2013 finale – Bryan gives up and gives in, Brock Lesnar returns, Shield shows cracks, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_75386.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 2, 2014}}</ref> On the January 13 episode of ''Raw'', after Wyatt and Bryan lost to The Usos in a tag team steel cage match, Wyatt was attempting to "Sister Abigail" Bryan, but Bryan attacked him and the rest of the family. Afterwards Bryan discarded the blue overalls he had been wearing as a member of the Wyatt Family, scaled the cage, and led the live "Raw" audience in a "Yes! chant".<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 1/13: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Big show-closing angle involving Daniel Bryan, Hall of Fame, Rumble hype, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_75656.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 14, 2014}}</ref> At the Royal Rumble pay-per-view, despite Bryan losing to Wyatt in a singles match and later not participating in the Royal Rumble match, the audience continued to chant for Bryan during the Rumble match and the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match.<ref>{{cite web|title=Upset fans overshadow Batista's big win at uneven 2014 Royal Rumble|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/01/27/21426481.html|work=SLAM! Sports: Wrestling|publisher=[[Canoe.ca|Canadian Online Explorer]]|accessdate=January 28, 2014|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Folck|first=Josh|title=WWE Royal Rumble: Pittsburgh fans voice displeasure about main events|work=The Express-Times|publisher=[[The Express-Times|Lehigh Valley]]|accessdate=January 28, 2014|url=http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/entertainment-general/index.ssf/2014/01/wwe_royal_rumble_pittsburgh_fa.html}}</ref>
  
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On the January 27 episode of ''Raw'', Bryan qualified for the Elimination Chamber match for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at the eponymous pay-per-view by teaming up with John Cena and Sheamus to defeat The Shield via disqualification. Meanwhile, he also continued his feud with The Authority,<ref>{{cite web|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|title=Raw: The Yes Movement keeps rolling in Cleveland|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/01/28/21429231.html|work=SLAM! Wrestling|accessdate=February 25, 2014}}</ref> as Kane attacked him on multiple occasions, attempting to injure Bryan before his Elimination Chamber match.<ref>{{cite web|last=Asher|first=Matthew|title=Raw: Is there a new "Face" of the WWE?|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/02/04/21444851.html|work=SLAM! Wrestling|accessdate=March 13, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|title=Raw: Cesaro, Cena shine in Mile High showdown|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/02/18/21477556.html|work=SLAM! Wrestling|accessdate=March 13, 2014}}</ref> At the Elimination Chamber event, Bryan survived until he was one of the final two participants in the Elimination Chamber match, but defending champion Randy Orton retained after Kane interfered in the match by attacking Bryan.<ref name="ecSLAM">{{cite web|last=Asher|first=Matthew|title=Wyatts win, Batista bombs and Randy retains at the Elimination Chamber|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/02/24/21490956.html|work=SLAM! Wrestling|accessdate=February 25, 2014}}</ref>
  
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On the March 10 episode of ''Raw'', Bryan and multiple fans occupied the ring
  
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(while WWE road crew members dressed in Daniel Bryan T-shirts posed as fans outside the ring) and refused to leave, resulting in an irate Triple H agreeing to Bryan's demand for a match at WrestleMania XXX, with the stipulation that the winner would be inserted into the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at the event.<ref>{{cite web|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|title=Raw: Yes, the WrestleMania card gets a big twist|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/03/11/21525946.html|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|accessdate=March 13, 2014}}</ref> At WrestleMania XXX, Bryan defeated Triple H and was inserted into the title match, but Triple H attacked Bryan after their match. Despite a storyline injury and interference from The Authority and a crooked referee, Bryan prevailed over Batista and champion Randy Orton in the WrestleMania main event to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. (Batista tapped out to the "Yes-lock") <ref>{{cite web|last=Howell|first=Nolan|title=WrestleMania XXX brings the beginning and end of eras|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2014/04/06/21585306.html|work=Slam! Wrestling|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]|accessdate=April 9, 2014}}</ref> ''Pro Wrestling Torch'' editor Wade Keller analysed (and Danielson later confirmed in his memoir) that Bryan's WrestleMania journey was due to several factors: the fans' rejection of Batista and continual support of Bryan over the previous six months (even when he joined the Wyatt Family), as well as CM Punk legitimately walking out on WWE after the Royal Rumble.<ref>{{cite web|title=Saturday's ask PWTorch staff: Has WWE celebrated two separate 50 year anniversaries? Is Bryan's main event WM30 an "I told you so" moment for Triple H? Was Vince upset at Punk sitting with Dana White? Why do babyfaces win at house shows?|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Ask_the_Editor_18/article_77324.shtml}}</ref> Both Bryan and Chris Jericho later said that Bryan's original WrestleMania XXX opponent was supposed to be Sheamus.<ref name="AltNation15">{{cite web|title=Interview: WWE’s Daniel Bryan Talks James Hetfield, Vince McMahon, Triple H & Brock Lesnar|url=http://www.alternativenation.net/daniel-bryan-interview|publisher=Alternative Nation|date=January 13, 2015|accessdate=January 30, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=WWE star Chris Jericho on Vince McMahon rejecting the idea of tattooing C.M. Punk as part of an angle, says Brian Gewirtz is near genius, why he didn't work WrestleMania 30|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/article.php?WWE-star-Chris-Jericho-on-Vince-McMahon-rejecting-the-idea-of-tattooing-C.M.-Punk-as-part-of-an-angle-says-Brian-Gewirtz-is-near-genius-why-he-didn-t-work-WrestleMania-30-39356|accessdate=October 18, 2014|website=prowrestling.net}}</ref>
  
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{{Quote box|width=35%|align=right|quote="I don't know how my life got to be like this... I'm just a normal dude. I was never a special athlete. I wasn't great at any sports or anything like that. And now an arena full of people were chanting, 'You deserve it'. And I don't know what I've done to deserve it."|source=—Bryan reacts to the events of the ''Raw'' after WrestleMania XXX<ref name=NOLAback/>}}
  
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The ''Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter'' wrote, "Leading into WrestleMania 30, the Daniel Bryan vs. Triple H program was the top draw of ''Raw'' each week. Coming out of WM30, Bryan as new WWE World Hvt. champion has been solidified as a ratings draw".<ref>{{cite web|title=Raw TV quarter-hour ratings – Daniel Bryan draws big numbers post-Mania, plus very detailed report on the other segments that boosted Raw|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_77624.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=19 March 2015}}</ref> This trend continued until at least May 2014.<ref>{{cite web|title=Raw quarter-hour TV ratings – Daniel Bryan, Jackman, other segments give Raw a boost this week|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_78083.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=19 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Raw TV quarter-hour ratings – details on Daniel Bryan retaining top position, how other segments fared|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_78252.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=19 March 2015}}</ref>
  
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On the ''Raw'' following WrestleMania, Triple H used his authority to grant himself a title match against Bryan. Bryan was then attacked by Orton, Batista, and Kane just before the match. The match ended in a no contest and Bryan's retention when The Shield interfered to chase away Bryan's adversaries.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 4/7: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – WM30 fall-out, WWE Title match teaser, Bryan's first night as champ, Warrior, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_77571.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=April 8, 2014}}</ref> Stephanie McMahon enticed Kane to return to his masked self; Kane complied and was granted a future title match against Bryan, and proceeded to carry out a brutal attack against Bryan which led to a scripted injury to give Bryan time off to mourn his recently deceased father.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw result 4/21: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Return of the Champ leads to injury angle, IC Title #1 contender tourney continues|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_77892.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=May 6, 2014}}</ref> At Extreme Rules, Bryan defeated Kane in an Extreme Rules match to retain his title.<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's Extreme Rules PPV results 5/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV – Bryan vs. Kane, Evolution vs. Shield, Cena vs. Wyatt steel cage match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_78185.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=May 6, 2014}}</ref>
  
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==== Intercontinental Championship, Major injuries, and in-ring retirement (2014–2016) ====
  
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At some point in time, Bryan lost all strength in his right arm.<ref name="NOLAback" /> This caused Bryan to announce on the May 12 episode of ''Raw'' that he would have to undergo neck surgery. That same night, he was attacked by Kane and stretchered away. On May 15, Bryan underwent successful neck surgery, with a cervical foraminotomy to decompress the nerve root having been performed.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/daniel-bryan-surgery-update-26306396|title=Daniel Bryan undergoes successful neck surgery|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=May 15, 2014}}</ref>(in storyline) When Bryan refused to relinquish his title on May 26, Stephanie McMahon threatened to fire Bryan's wife Brie Bella if Bryan did not give up his championship at Payback.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE Raw: no resolution on world title situation|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe/37189|publisher=Wrestling Observer|accessdate=May 29, 2014}}</ref> The ultimatum resulted in Brie Bella "quitting" WWE so that Bryan did not have to give up his championship at Payback.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Asher|first1=Matthew|title=Shield gets suicidal and Cena looks for some Payback against Wyatt|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/06/01/21709566.html|website=slam.canoe.com|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|accessdate=June 2, 2014}}</ref> However, when it was revealed that Bryan would not be able to compete at Money in the Bank and defend his title, the Authority stripped him of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship on the June 9 episode of ''Raw'', ending Bryan's third reign at 64 days.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 6/9: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Daniel Bryan's WWE Title status, Cena joins Shield for main event, Bray Wyatt returns, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_78923.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=July 21, 2014}}</ref> Due to his injury, Bryan was largely off WWE television during this period.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=WWE news: News Reports – Daniel Bryan stops home invasion|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_79803.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=September 18, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=Report: The Daniel Bryan Effect – How Bryan's injury absence has affected Raw TV ratings since Extreme Rules, plus comparison to post-Mania Season in past years|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_79552.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=September 18, 2014}}</ref> Months after the neck surgery, Bryan's strength still had not returned to his arm.<ref name="NOLAback" /><ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=Caldwell's WWE MITB PPV report 6/29 (Pre-Show): Daniel Bryan returns, addresses health & potential return|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_79315.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=December 31, 2014}}</ref> Several doctors felt a second surgery was needed, while others told Bryan he would not be able to return to wrestling. Bryan contemplated further elbow surgery, but instead went to Denver to undergo the ''Muscle Activation Techniques'' program, which successfully returned the strength to his right arm. To prepare for his in-ring return, he trained in kickboxing and jujitsu.<ref name="NOLAback" />
  
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Bryan returned to WWE television on the November 24 episode of ''Raw'', taunting the recently deposed Authority. As the guest General Manager for that episode of ''Raw'' and the next episode of ''SmackDown'' for November 28, Bryan arranged for the punishments of those allied with The Authority. Apart from announcing a Chairs match between Kane and Ryback for TLC, Bryan also affirmed that he would return soon.<ref>{{cite web|last1=McCarron|first1=Rob|title=WWE Raw TV report: Daniel Bryan returns to run the show|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe-news/40064-wwe-raw-tv-report|publisher=Wrestling Observer|accessdate=December 2, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|title=Smackdown!: The New Day dawns on Friday night|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/11/29/22102971.html|publisher=Slam! Wrestling|accessdate=December 2, 2014}}</ref>
  
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On the December 29, 2014, episode of ''Raw'', Bryan declared that he would be able to continue wrestling and would be participating in the 2015 Royal Rumble match.<ref>{{cite web|title=WWE news: Daniel Bryan makes announcement on Raw|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_82497.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=December 30, 2014}}</ref> In an interview, Bryan said he told management that he wished to be the "face of ''SmackDown''" to increase the show's viewership.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=Report: "Main Event Guy" Daniel Bryan – will 2015 be different than how 2014 ended?, what has mgmt. said about top-rope diving headbutt?, when Bryan was cleared, ideas for Smackdown, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_82784.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=30 January 2015}}</ref> Bryan returned to the ring on the January 15, 2015, episode of ''SmackDown'', with his opponent Kane being disqualified due to The Authority's interference; later in the episode, Bryan won the six-man tag main event.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rehal|first1=Sumit|title=WWE Smackdown Results: Daniel Bryan returns to the ring to battle The Authority as Seth Rollins calls out champion Brock Lesnar|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/wwe-smackdown-results-daniel-bryan-returns-to-the-ring-to-battle-the-authority-as-seth-rollins-calls-out-champion-brock-lesnar-9985103.html|website=[[The Independent]]|accessdate=30 January 2015}}</ref> On the next week's ''SmackDown'', despite more interference by The Authority, Bryan defeated Kane in a no disqualification main event to keep his Royal Rumble match spot.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Rehal|first1=Sumit|title=WWE Smackdown Results: Daniel Bryan defeats Kane in a no disqualification match as Ryback and Dolph Ziggler return to action ahead of the Royal Rumble|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/wwe-smackdown-results-daniel-bryan-defeats-kane-in-a-no-disqualification-match-as-ryback-and-dolph-ziggler-return-to-action-ahead-of-the-royal-rumble-10001250.html|website=[[The Independent]]|accessdate=30 January 2015}}</ref> Bryan entered the 2015 Royal Rumble match at number 10, managing one elimination,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=Royal Rumble PPV Report 1/25: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Lesnar vs. Cena vs. Rollins for WWE Title, Royal Rumble, post-PPV Network show|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_82945.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=26 January 2015}}</ref> before being eliminated by Bray Wyatt in the first half of the match.{{Quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="Bryan came in like a homecoming hero and was gone, just a few minutes later, like a freshman nerd. [...] Beyond that, the lion's share of the WWE audience wants him to be a top guy – and are willing to pay for that."|source=—Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com on Bryan's showing in the 2015 Royal Rumble match<ref>{{cite web|last1=Johnson|first1=Mike|title=WWE Network-Royal Rumble Fallout Updates|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=91132|website=PWInsider.com|accessdate=27 January 2015}}</ref>}} This caused the Philadelphia crowd to repeatedly chant for him during the second half of the match, while booing other wrestlers entering the match, including eventual winner and fellow "guy" Roman Reigns.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rock's role, crowd response to Rumble winner, Bully Ray returns & other surprise entrants, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_82942.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=26 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Schwartz|first1=Nick|title=Daniel Bryan was eliminated early from the Royal Rumble and fans are furious|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/01/wwe-daniel-bryant-royal-rumble-eliminated-reaction|publisher=[[USA Today]]|accessdate=26 January 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=WWE Royal Rumble 2015: Live coverage, results, photos, reaction & more|url=http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2015/01/wwe_royal_rumble_2015_live_cov.html|accessdate=26 January 2015|work=[[The Plain Dealer]]}}</ref>
  
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{{Quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="His workrate in the ring and what he gives through the match just means so much more to the wrestling fans than anything else... His run [as champion] was cut short and I think fans wanted to see him get that [WrestleMania] moment that he deserves... WWE put a line through that."|source=—Bret Hart in March 2015<ref>{{cite web|title=The Case of Daniel Bryan – Bret Hart & Bryan discuss not being in WM31 main event, is IC Title match a better spot?|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_83873.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=17 March 2015}}</ref>}}
  
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On the January 29 episode of ''SmackDown'', Bryan ended his feud with Kane by defeating him in a casket match.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|title=Smackdown!: Daniel Bryan and Kane fight over a casket on a live Smackdown!|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2015/01/29/22208966.html|publisher=Slam! Wrestling|accessdate=30 January 2015}}</ref> On the February 2 episode of ''Raw'', Bryan defeated Seth Rollins, earning the right to face Roman Reigns at Fastlane; the winner of the Fastlane match would challenge Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania 31 for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. At Fastlane, Bryan lost to Reigns, failing to make his entry to WrestleMania main event.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Clapp|first1=John|title=Roman Reigns vs. Daniel Bryan (Winner faces Brock Lesnar at WrestleMania)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2015/roman-reigns-daniel-bryan-27067174|publisher=WWE|accessdate=3 February 2015}}</ref>
  
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Following Fastlane, Bryan became involved in the Intercontinental Championship picture for WrestleMania, where he was one of multiple wrestlers who came to possess champion Bad News Barrett's title belt while defeating Barrett in non-title matches.<ref>{{cite web|last1=McCarron|first1=Rob|title=WWE Raw TV Report: Undertaker's response, Brock Lesnar stands there, Cena vs Rusev official|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe-news/41561|website=f4wonline.com|accessdate=13 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|title=Smackdown!: It's all about the Intercontinental Title|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2015/03/05/22271606.html|website=[[Canoe.ca]]|accessdate=13 March 2015}}</ref> Bryan announced his entry into the multi-man ladder match for the Intercontinental title at WrestleMania on the March 12 episode of ''SmackDown''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Parks|first1=Greg|title=WWE SmackDown report 3/12: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Thursday show, including a six-man tag match featuring Wrestlemania I.C. Title match participants|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_83808.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=13 March 2015}}</ref> After Bryan was pinned twice within a week by fellow ladder match entrant Dolph Ziggler, the ''Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter'' reported that "WWE has made it clear where Bryan stands after starting to lose regularly now".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=WWE Raw results 3/23|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_84035.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=24 March 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|title=Smackdown!: Seth Rollins, J & J Security can't keep the Viper out of the building|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2015/03/19/22298146.html|website=[[Canoe.ca]]|accessdate=24 March 2015}}</ref>
  
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WWE's storylines for Bryan since his return were widely criticized. Dave Scherer of ''Pro Wrestling Insider'' questioned "bringing Bryan back for the Rumble in the first place" if there was no intention of letting Bryan win.<ref name="InsiderHowWhy" /> Benjamin Tucker of ''Pro Wrestling Torch'' criticized WWE for having "watered down" Bryan's babyface character to a "sneaky, backstabbing, cheap, aggravating jerk" for the feud against Roman Reigns.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tucker|first1=Benjamin|title=Raw Instant Reaction 2/16: WWE's morally bankrupt roster collides with final Fast Lane PPV hype|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_83375.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=14 March 2015}}</ref> Mike Tedesco of ''WrestleView'' wrote in March that WWE "killed Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton dead in the last two months. It takes a special bunch of nincompoops to pull that off".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=3/9 Raw: WWE has a lot of work to do|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/featured-articles/53433|website=wrestleview.com|accessdate=14 March 2015}}</ref> Jake Barnett of ''Pro Wrestling Dot Net'' said that Bryan being labelled a 'turd' was "asking fans to disbelieve what they see with their own eyes" and "will do nothing to calm down the conspiracy theorists who insist WWE is intentionally cooling off Bryan to make Reigns look better in comparison".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Barnett|first1=Jake|title=WWE Smackdown Hit List: Daniel Bryan is apparently a turd, Roman Reigns is bailed out by Mark Henry, and The Divas are still waiting for a chance...|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/article.php?41319|website=prowrestling.net|accessdate=15 March 2015}}</ref> In a piece for the ''Wrestling Observer'', Zach Dominello was "dumbfounded and disheartened" that "after returning from a very serious injury, WWE’s bright idea is to put Bryan in one of the most dangerous matches possible at WrestleMania", while having "dragged Bryan down to the levels of R-Truth and Stardust".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Dominello|first1=Zach|title=On WWE: Daniel Bryan, the IC title, the Network and the changing face of wrestling|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe-news/41589|website=f4wonline.com|accessdate=14 March 2015}}</ref>
 
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Bryan won the Intercontinental Championship ladder match at WrestleMania 31.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wortman|first1=James|title=Daniel Bryan won the Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/31/intercontinental-championship-ladder-match-27145665|publisher=WWE|accessdate=29 March 2015}}</ref> This made him one of six wrestlers at the time to achieve WWE's new "Grand Slam" due to winning every active title in WWE (except for female-exclusive titles), while also making him WWE's 26th Triple Crown Champion <ref name="auto">{{cite web|title=6 Superstars who have won every active title: Photos|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/6-superstars-who-have-won-every-active-title-photos|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=4 April 2015|archivedate=4 April 2015|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404082614/http://www.wwe.com/inside/6-superstars-who-have-won-every-active-title-photos}}</ref> having won the WWE Championship, the World Heavyweight Championship, Tag Team Championship and the Intercontinental Championship. (The qualifications for the Triple Crown required either the WWE or World Heavyweight Championship, along with the Tag Team and Intercontinental Championship. Bryan had already won both the WWE Championship and the World Heavyweight Championship before the titles were unified.) Bryan is one of only 3 wrestlers that have been all of the following: WWE World Heavyweight Champion, WWE Champion, World Heavyweight Champion, Intercontinental Champion, and Tag Team Champion. Triple H and Randy Orton are the other 2 wrestlers.<ref name="auto1">{{cite web|title=The new Grand Slam winners: The six Superstars who have won every active championship: Daniel Bryan|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/new-grand-slam-winners/page-6|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=10 August 2015}}</ref> At the ''Raw'' after WrestleMania 31, Bryan defeated Dolph Ziggler for his first successful title defense; however, after the match, Bryan and Ziggler were attacked by Barrett only for Sheamus to return and chase off Barrett before attacking Bryan and Ziggler.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Tylwalk|first1=Nick|title=Raw: Lesnar runs wild, as does the crowd|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2015/03/30/22317816.html|website=[[Canoe.ca]]|accessdate=25 April 2015}}</ref> Bryan faced Sheamus on that week's ''SmackDown'' and lost the match by countout when Barrett interfered.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2015-04-02/results-april-2-2015-27256690/page-10|title=Sheamus def. Daniel Bryan by Count-out|work=WWE.com|date=April 2, 2015}}</ref> During the match, Bryan hit his head on the announce table and suffered an unplanned cut on his forehead which caused him to bleed and later acquired stitches for the wound.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/daniel-bryan-gets-stitches-smackdown-fallout-april-02-2015-27259736|title=Daniel Bryan gets stitches: SmackDown Fallout - April 02, 2015 (1:22)|work=WWE.com|date=April 2, 2015}}</ref> His final in-ring match was teaming up with United States Champion John Cena and defeating WWE Tag Team Champions Cesaro and Tyson Kidd via submission.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzMDOSlsmpI Daniel Bryan's final match: Daniel Bryan & John Cena vs. Cesaro & Kidd: SmackDown, Apr. 16, 2015]
  
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</ref>
  
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{{Quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote="[Professional wrestling] is a far better place because of his involvement. There were things dating back to 2001 that he was involved with that changed the underground foundation of the industry, and over the past few years, significantly changed talent evaluation at the highest level of the industry."|source=—Dave Meltzer in 2016, reflecting just after Bryan's retirement<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/daily-update-daniel-bryan-retirement-raw-tonight-207221|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|author=Meltzer, Dave|work=Wrestling Observer|title=Daniel Bryan to announce retirement|accessdate=10 February 2016}}</ref>}}
  
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Following the April 14 ''SmackDown'' taping, WWE pulled Bryan from wrestling on the remainder of WWE's touring of Europe as a "precautionary measure".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Johnson|first1=Mike|title=Top star removed from WWE European tour|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=93086|website=pwinsider.com|accessdate=28 April 2015}}</ref> Bryan's scheduled title defense at Extreme Rules on April 26 against Bad News Barrett was later cancelled as Bryan was "medically unable to compete".<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=Big change to Extreme Rules line-up - Daniel Bryan is off, Bryan's opponent shifted to pre-show match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_84677.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=28 April 2015}}</ref> Less than a week later, WWE stopped advertising Bryan from all future live events or television tapings.<ref>{{cite web|title=Daniel Bryan pulled from lineups|url=http://prowrestling.net/article.php?42020|website=prowrestling.net|accessdate=29 April 2015}}</ref> After about a month off television, Bryan returned on the May 11 episode of ''Raw''. However, he announced that after having undergone an MRI, he would be out for an unknown period of time, and could possibly have to retire; the nature of his injuries were not revealed. Therefore, he relinquished the Intercontinental Championship.<ref name="unknown">{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=WWE Raw results 5/11: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw - final Payback PPV hype, D-Bryan announces future, Triple H returns, more developments|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_84927.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=12 May 2015}}</ref> On the Elimination Chamber pre-show later that month, Bryan stated that he would eventually wrestle again.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2015/wwe-elimination-chamber-2015-results-27431961|title=WWE Elimination Chamber 2015 results|website=WWE.com|accessdate=1 June 2015}}</ref> In July, Bryan revealed that his injury was concussion-related and claimed that he had been cleared to return to the ring by external medical professionals and was waiting for WWE to clear him.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Shoemaker|first1=David|url=http://grantland.com/the-triangle/cheap-heat-podcast-daniel-bryan-on-his-hazy-medical-status-and-his-future-in-wwe/|title=‘Cheap Heat’ Podcast: Daniel Bryan on His Hazy Medical Status and His Future in WWE|date=July 23, 2015|accessdate=February 9, 2016|work=Grantland}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Daniel Bryan confirms he has been dealing with a concussion, says he will wrestle somewhere even if WWE doesn't clear him|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/article.php?43277|website=prowrestling.net|accessdate=24 July 2015}}</ref> During his time away, he trimmed his signature beard and cut his hair short,<ref>http://www.pwmania.com/daniel-bryan-trims-his-beard-photo-wwe-nxt-talent-makes-in-ring-debut-cameron-red-carpet-video</ref> donating his hair to Wigs 4 Kids, a charity similar to that of Locks of Love.<ref>http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/672521-wigs-4-kids-has-gratitude-for-daniel-bryan#/slide/1</ref>
  
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On February 8, 2016, Bryan announced his retirement due to medical reasons via Twitter.<ref name="Retirement" /> Later on that day's episode of ''Raw'', emanating live from Seattle, Washington (Bryan's home state) Bryan gave a retirement speech, expressing his gratefulness for the happiness wrestling had brought him.<ref name="Retire">{{Cite web|title=WWE star Daniel Bryan is retiring after receiving 'a lot of concussions'|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/35529795/wwe-star-daniel-bryan-is-retiring-after-receiving-a-lot-of-concussions|access-date = 2016-02-09}}</ref> The following day on ESPN, Bryan revealed that he suffered 10 documented concussions while wrestling, but more might have been undocumented or misdiagnosed. He also said a recent EEG reflex test revealed slowing and a small subacute or chronic lesion in his brain's temporoparietal region, which explained Bryan's post-concussion seizures (previously hidden by him) and led to his retirement decision.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=14750304|title=Daniel Bryan on concussions: You have a responsibility to yourself|date=February 9, 2016|accessdate=February 9, 2016|work=[[ESPN]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Daniel Bryan tells ESPN he suffered post concussion seizures|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/02/09/daniel-bryan-tells-espn-he-suffered-post-concussion-seizures-and-hid-that-for-a-long-time-offers-more-details-regarding-the-testing-that-led-to-his-retirement/|website=prowrestling.net|accessdate=13 February 2016}}</ref>
  
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On ''Thank You Daniel'', a WWE Network tribute to Bryan, he confirmed that he has been asked about working for WWE in a different capacity, but Bryan compared this to "a partner breaking up with you, getting married to someone else and then asking you to be best friends", expanding to say that he needs time to heal emotionally before he can agree to such an offer, while WWE confirmed that Bryan would continue to appear for the WWE in a non in-ring role alongside his wife Brie Bella, who now serves as a WWE Ambassador<ref>{{cite news|author=Matthew Artus|url=http://www.wwe.com/article/brie-bella-interview-retirement-rumors-wrestlemania-32|title=Exclusive Interview: Brie Bella on WrestleMania 32 and her future in WWE|quote=I'm going to be an ambassador for WWE. But I'm going to try motherhood.|date=April 18, 2016|work=[[WWE]].com|accessdate=June 24, 2016}}</ref> following her retirement from in-ring competition at WrestleMania 32.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BDw6KM4saNC/|title=thebriebella Instagram|website=[[Instagram]]|access-date=June 24, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Matthew Artus|url=http://www.wwe.com/article/brie-bella-interview-retirement-rumors-wrestlemania-32|title=Exclusive Interview: Brie Bella on WrestleMania 32 and her future in WWE |quote = Yes. WrestleMania 32 was my last match.|date=April 18, 2016|work=[[WWE]].com|accessdate=June 24, 2016}}</ref>
  
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Bryan, now an officially recognized WWE Legend,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=WWE announces Daniel Bryan is part of the Cruiserweight Classic broadcast team, bracket special to air|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/06/22/wwe-announces-daniel-bryan-is-part-of-the-cruiserweight-classic-broadcast-team-bracket-special-to-air/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=June 22, 2016|accessdate=August 4, 2016}}</ref> is co-hosting the WWE Network summer series WWE Cruiserweight Classic alongside ''SmackDown Live'' commentator Mauro Ranallo.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/cruiserweightclassic/article/cruiserweight-classic-hosts-revealed|title=Daniel Bryan and Mauro Ranallo to host WWE Cruiserweight Classic|date=June 22, 2016|work=[[WWE]].com|accessdate=July 12, 2016}}</ref>
  
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==== ''SmackDown Live'' general manager (2016−present) ====
  
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On the July 18 episode of ''Raw'', Bryan was appointed by Shane McMahon as the new general manager of ''SmackDown Live''.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=Raw Update – WWE announces Raw & SD General Managers|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/18/raw-update-wwe-announces-raw-smackdown-general-managers/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=18 July 2016|accessdate=20 July 2016}}</ref> Along with McMahon, Bryan played a vital role in the WWE draft with the duo selecting WWE Champion Dean Ambrose as their overall first pick for ''SmackDown Live''. At Battleground, Bryan appeared during the Social Media Lounge segment with host Tom Phillips, discussing his role as General Manager of ''SmackDown Live'' along with ''Raw'' General Manager, Mick Foley. Bryan would make multiple appearances throughout the night including with Dean Ambrose to end the pay-per-view after the champion successfully defending the championship against Seth Rollins and the returning Roman Reigns of the ''Raw'' brand in a triple threat match up. Bryan regularly appears on ''Talking Smack'', a post-''SmackDown Live'' interview show on the WWE Network.
  
   
 
== Persona ==
  
== Persona ==
 
Danielson spent the majority of his career without an overt character in favor of becoming popular with the fans through his monikers, signature mannerisms, and wrestling ability. His attire has varied, as well, with the majority of his tenure wearing a pair of short trunks,<ref>Murphy, Dan. "Report Cards of the Stars". ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'' July 2008. 152.</ref> but also ventured into wearing a mask for a time in Japan as an extension of his "American Dragon" persona.<ref name="Mask" />
  
Danielson spent the majority of his career without an overt character in favor of becoming popular with the fans through his monikers, signature mannerisms, and wrestling ability. His attire has varied, as well, with the majority of his tenure wearing a pair of short trunks,<ref>Murphy, Dan. "Report Cards of the Stars". ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'' July 2008. 152.</ref> but also ventured into wearing a mask for a time in Japan as an extension of his "American Dragon" persona.<ref name="Mask" />
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A notable part of Danielson's persona are his mannerisms and the reaction he inspires from the crowd during the course of his matches that include:
  
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* During his time in Ring of Honor, Danielson made his way to the ring to his entrance song, "The Final Countdown"; once in the ring, he stood on the top turnbuckle and sang the refrain along with the fans in attendance.<ref name="final countdown">Castle, Al. "The Best in the World: Is this more than hype?" ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'' February 2009. 50.</ref>
  
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* After winning the ROH World Championship, Danielson displayed traits of a heel-like persona, starting to behave more aggressively and threatening to the fans, as well as taking more liberties with the rules. Despite his rulebreaking character, he still retained a certain level of popularity with the fans, as well as his upholding of the company's ''Code of Honor'', ROH's storyline rules of wrestler conduct, allowing him to perform as a more neutral character.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_22907.shtml|title=ROH News: Spoiler-free preview of ROH's Driven PPV|date=September 21, 2007|last=Detrick|first=Jason|accessdate=July 8, 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
  
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* As a heel, applying a submission hold while the opponent gets a part of their body in the ring ropes, leading to the referee counting to five (not releasing the hold by the count of five would result in a disqualification); as the referee would be about to disqualify Danielson, the latter would release the hold, instructing the referee: "I have till five!".<ref name="AmDrag">{{cite web|url=http://www.worldwrestlinginsanity.com/ROH110505.htm|title=Ring of Honor|last=Lipinski|first=Keith|accessdate=June 10, 2009}}</ref>
  
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* During his initial reign as ROH World Champion, telling the ring announcer to add an extra note about him appertaining to the current circumstances around his match; this was generally insulting the crowd or his opponent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/ubbthreads/showthreaded.php?Number=5855428|title=Favorite Bryan Danielson intro|publisher=411 Mania|date=September 15, 2007|accessdate=July 14, 2009}}</ref>
  
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* At the beginning of Danielson's ROH matches the crowd chanted, "You're gonna get your fucking head kicked in!" at Danielson's opponent.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_21053.shtml|title=Radican's ROH Respect Is Earned Report 7/20: ongoing "virtual time" coverage of PPV|date=July 20, 2007|last=Radican|first=Sean|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=July 14, 2009}}</ref>
  
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* After winning WWE's World Heavyweight Championship, Bryan began shouting "Yes!" repeatedly on his way to the ring and after defeating an opponent. Danielson credits mixed martial arts fighter Diego Sanchez with the inspiration.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_59756.shtml|title=Video – Bryan reveals "Yes!" inspiration, Nigel would have been bigger WWE star?|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=''Pro Wrestling Torch''|date=March 30, 2012|accessdate=April 3, 2011}}</ref><ref name="GQ">{{cite web|url=http://www.gq.com/entertainment/tv/blogs/the-stream/2012/04/daniel-bryan-on-wrestlemania-his-history-with-the-wwe-and-being-a-vegan-pro-wrestler.html?mbid=social_retweet|title=Video – Daniel Bryan on Wrestlemania, His History with the WWE, and Being a Vegan Pro fWrestler|last=Breihan|first=Tom|publisher=''[[GQ]]''|date=April 11, 2012|accessdate=April 12, 2011}}</ref> This chant grew in popularity, and has been even heard outside WWE events, at Major League Baseball, National Hockey League and National Basketball Association games,<ref name="GQ" /><ref name="BalSun1">{{cite web|last=Ocal|first=Arda|title='Incredible' support from fans has WWE superstar Daniel Bryan primed for Extreme Rules (Page 1)|url=http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2012-04-27/sports/bal-daniel-bryan-incredible-support-from-fans-has-wwe-superstar-primed-for-extreme-rules-20120427_1_sheamus-chant-wwe-events|publisher=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|accessdate=April 29, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=67348|title=THE DANIEL BRYAN LOVE CONTINUES|last=Johnson|first=Mike|publisher=''Pro Wrestling Insider''|date=April 3, 2012|accessdate=April 5, 2012}}</ref> and even at music concerts, in particular at Andrew W.K. concerts in both Glasgow and Manchester, UK.<ref>{{cite web|last=Geddes|first=Jonathan|title=Andrew WK, the Garage, Glasgow|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/arts-ents/music/andrew-wk-the-garage-glasgow.17318862|publisher=[[The Herald (Glasgow)|The Herald]]|accessdate=April 25, 2012|date=April 16, 2012}}</ref> After turning heel at the start of 2012, Bryan slowly turned against the fans and after WrestleMania XXVIII he began chanting "No!" instead of "Yes!" Bryan claimed that the fans were mocking him by chanting "Yes!" so he chanted "No!" back at them. This then further encouraged the crowd to chant "Yes!" at him to annoy him as he was a villain. Shortly after turning face, Bryan began saying "Yes!" again, but would still shout "No!" when in a negative situation or showing disdain towards a critique, which also involves crowd participation.
  
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* Bryan's "Yes!" chant again entered popular culture in late 2013 and early 2014. During Michigan State's regular-season victory over arch-rival Michigan, Spartans guard Travis Jackson celebrated a touchdown with a "Yes!" chant.<ref>{{cite episode|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/michigan-state-university-leads-up-a-daniel-bryan-yes-chant-during-a-msu-basketb-26174700|title=Top-5 OT Thriller|series=SportsCenter|network=[[ESPN]]|date=January 7, 2014|accessdate=February 10, 2014}} (republished by [[WWE]])</ref> On January 7, the university honored the football team, fresh off victory in the Rose Bowl, during halftime of the men's basketball home game against Ohio State. Jackson again led Bryan's chant, this time with the entire home crowd, especially the student section, joining in. The event quickly went viral and drew extensive coverage on ESPN's ''SportsCenter''. One contributor to Yahoo! Sports speculated that this event and the associated media coverage led WWE to turn Bryan away from The Wyatt Family.<ref name="Michael">{{cite news|url=http://sports.yahoo.com/news/did-michigan-state-university-change-course-wwe-history-154200564--spt.html|title=Did Michigan State University Change the Course of WWE History?|first=Patrick|last=Michael|publisher=Yahoo! Sports |date=January 15, 2014|accessdate=January 30, 2014}}</ref> In the wake of Bryan's championship victory at WrestleMania XXX, the Pittsburgh Pirates began using the "Yes!" chant as a rallying cry, gradually replacing the Zoltan gesture the Pirates had been using the previous two years. It is said that Pirates first baseman Gaby Sánchez, a huge wrestling fan, was behind the team using the "Yes!" chants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://extramustard.si.com/2014/04/16/daniel-bryan-yes-chant-pittsburgh-pirates/|title=Daniel Bryan's 'Yes' Chant Has Invaded Major League Baseball|author=Dan Treadway|work=SI.com}}</ref> In May, members of the San Francisco Giants started using the chant and hand gesture to celebrate home runs. This led to Bryan performing the chant at a Giants playoff game and actively supporting the team all the way to the World Series, which the Giants won against the Kansas City Royals in seven games. Bryan was also a part of the team's victory parade.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.csnbayarea.com/giants/rewind-blanco-runs-giants-kick-it-old-school-beat-braves|title=Rewind: Blanco runs, Giants kick it old school to beat Braves|last=Baggarly|first=Andrew|authorlink=Andrew Baggarly|work=[[Comcast SportsNet Bay Area]]|date=May 14, 2014}}</ref> Fans of the New York Islanders now use the "Yes" chant after every Islanders goal scored during home games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2014/11/14/pht-morning-skate-yes-isles-fans-indeed-stole-chant-from-wwe|title=PHT Morning Skate: Yes! Isles fans indeed stole chant from WWE|last=O'Brien|first=James|date=November 14, 2014}}</ref>
  
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* On several occasions, such as during the 2013 Slammy Awards, fans have successfully hijacked segments in which Bryan was either not involved in, or involved only secondarily, with his "Yes!" chant. In the case of the "Championship Ascension Ceremony", the fan's continuing "Yes!" chants forced John Cena to go off-script and acknowledge Bryan (especially since the show was held in Seattle), since that segment was supposed to be about Cena and Randy Orton's impending title unification match.<ref name="Michael" />
  
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* Danielson, who was a vegan in his day-to-day life previously, incorporated his vegan lifestyle into his heel persona to elicit heat from the crowd.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_59384.shtml|title=WWE News: D-Bryan interview – stiff match vs. Sheamus at WM28?, reaction to playing heel vegan, health issues discovered pre-WWE, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=''Pro Wrestling Torch''|date=March 21, 2012|accessdate=April 6, 2012}}</ref><ref name="RVAMAGhumble">{{cite web|title=The World's Most Humble Man: An Interview With WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan|url=http://rvamag.com/articles/full/21044/the-worlds-most-humble-man-an-interview-with-wwe-superstar-daniel-bryan|last=Nunnally|first=Doug|date=June 7, 2013|accessdate=June 7, 2013|work=RVA Magazine}}</ref>
  
   
 
== Other media ==
  
== Other media ==
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Danielson was prominently featured in the ''Wrestling Road Diaries'' documentary, which was filmed in 2009 before he signed with WWE.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wrestling Road Diaries DVD Trailer|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/22107-video-the-wrestling-road-diaries-dvd-trailer|publisher=WrestleView|accessdate=October 8, 2013}}</ref> Danielson is a fan of indie rock music and recorded a single with Kimya Dawson that was a tribute to wrestling legend "Captain" Lou Albano.<ref name="GQ" />
 +
Danielson was prominently featured in the ''Wrestling Road Diaries'' documentary, which was filmed in 2009 before he signed with WWE.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wrestling Road Diaries DVD Trailer|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/22107-video-the-wrestling-road-diaries-dvd-trailer|publisher=WrestleView|accessdate=October 8, 2013}}</ref> Danielson is a fan of indie rock music and recorded a single with Kimya Dawson that was a tribute to wrestling legend "Captain" Lou Albano.<ref name="GQ">{{cite web|url=http://www.gq.com/entertainment/tv/blogs/the-stream/2012/04/daniel-bryan-on-wrestlemania-his-history-with-the-wwe-and-being-a-vegan-pro-wrestler.html?mbid=social_retweet|title=Video – Daniel Bryan on Wrestlemania, His History with the WWE, and Being a Vegan Pro fWrestler|last=Breihan|first=Tom|publisher=''[[GQ]]''|date=April 11, 2012|accessdate=April 12, 2011}}</ref>
   
 
Danielson's relationship with his wife Brie Bella, including their wedding<ref name="eonlinewedding" /> is regularly covered in the WWE reality series ''Total Divas'' on the E! Network.<ref name="Total Divas">{{cite web|title=Total Divas Brie Bella and WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan Get Engaged – See the Ring!|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/464169/exclusive-total-divas-brie-bella-and-wwe-superstar-daniel-bryan-get-engaged-see-the-ring|work=E! Network}}</ref>
  
Danielson's relationship with his wife Brie Bella, including their wedding<ref name="eonlinewedding" /> is regularly covered in the WWE reality series ''Total Divas'' on the E! Network.<ref name="Total Divas">{{cite web|title=Total Divas Brie Bella and WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan Get Engaged – See the Ring!|url=http://www.eonline.com/news/464169/exclusive-total-divas-brie-bella-and-wwe-superstar-daniel-bryan-get-engaged-see-the-ring|work=E! Network}}</ref>
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Danielson has cited a number of wrestlers as influences to his style, including [[Toshiaki Kawada]], [[Mitsuharu Misawa]], and William Regal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://members.tripod.com/~kaientapes/amdrint.html|title=American Dragon Bryan Danielson interview|accessdate=June 10, 2009}}</ref> He has also made mention of modeling his wrestling off of the work of Dean Malenko and [[Chris Benoit]] in his early career, then using Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a platform to develop his own style.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/interviews/default.asp?aID=20899|title=2007 Bryan Danielson interview|last=Alvarez|first=Bryan|publisher=Figure 4 Weekly|accessdate=June 21, 2009}}</ref>
  
Danielson has cited a number of wrestlers as influences to his style, including [[Toshiaki Kawada]], [[Mitsuharu Misawa]], and William Regal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://members.tripod.com/~kaientapes/amdrint.html|title=American Dragon Bryan Danielson interview|accessdate=June 10, 2009}}</ref> He has also made mention of modeling his wrestling off of the work of Dean Malenko and [[Chris Benoit]] in his early career, then using Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a platform to develop his own style.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/interviews/default.asp?aID=20899|title=2007 Bryan Danielson interview|last=Alvarez|first=Bryan|publisher=Figure 4 Weekly|accessdate=June 21, 2009}}</ref>
   
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In 2009, Danielson relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he began training in mixed martial arts at Randy Couture's Xtreme Couture gym.<ref name="BalSun2">{{cite web|last=Ocal|first=Arda|title='Incredible' support from fans has WWE superstar Daniel Bryan primed for Extreme Rules (Page 2)|url=http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2012-04-27/sports/bal-daniel-bryan-incredible-support-from-fans-has-wwe-superstar-primed-for-extreme-rules-20120427_1_sheamus-chant-wwe-events/2|publisher=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|accessdate=April 29, 2012}}</ref><ref name="WV" /> He was also roommates with Xtreme Couture's head grappling trainer, Neil Melanson.<ref name="BalSun2" />
 +
In 2009, Danielson relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he began training in mixed martial arts at Randy Couture's Xtreme Couture gym.<ref name="BalSun2">{{cite web|last=Ocal|first=Arda|title='Incredible' support from fans has WWE superstar Daniel Bryan primed for Extreme Rules (Page 2)|url=http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2012-04-27/sports/bal-daniel-bryan-incredible-support-from-fans-has-wwe-superstar-primed-for-extreme-rules-20120427_1_sheamus-chant-wwe-events/2|publisher=[[The Baltimore Sun]]|accessdate=April 29, 2012}}</ref><ref name="WV">{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1239315389.php?style=dark|title=Bryan Danielson's status with ROH|date=April 9, 2009|last=Martin|first=Adam|accessdate=June 9, 2009|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> He was also roommates with Xtreme Couture's head grappling trainer, Neil Melanson.<ref name="BalSun2" />
   
 
During his time as ROH World Champion, Danielson was appointed the head trainer of the ROH Wrestling Academy, replacing Austin Aries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/Article.aspx?id=761 |title=ROH Wrestling |publisher=ROH Wrestling |date= |accessdate=June 10, 2012}}</ref> He relinquished the position to Delirious in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/article.aspx?id=1527|title=Delirious head trainer|accessdate=June 10, 2009|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080610060903/http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/article.aspx?id=1527|archivedate=June 10, 2008}}</ref>
  
During his time as ROH World Champion, Danielson was appointed the head trainer of the ROH Wrestling Academy, replacing Austin Aries.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/Article.aspx?id=761 |title=ROH Wrestling |publisher=ROH Wrestling |date= |accessdate=June 10, 2012}}</ref> He relinquished the position to Delirious in 2007.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/article.aspx?id=1527|title=Delirious head trainer|accessdate=June 10, 2009|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20080610060903/http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/article.aspx?id=1527|archivedate=June 10, 2008}}</ref>
Line 208: Line 46:
 
Danielson became a vegan in 2009, after getting elevated liver enzymes and several staph infections.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.peta2.com/2011/04/vegan-wwe-superstar-daniel-bryan.html|title=Vegan WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan|date=April 1, 2011|accessdate=June 23, 2011|publisher=Peta}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://tsmradio.com/coltcabana/2011/11/09/aow-68-daniel-bryan/|title=AOW 68: Daniel Bryan « Art Of Wrestling|publisher=Tsmradio.com|date=November 9, 2011|accessdate=June 10, 2012}}</ref> In 2012, he was awarded a Libby Award from PETA for being the "Most Animal-Friendly Athlete".<ref>{{cite web|title=Bryan tops pro athletes for PETA award|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_57116.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 19, 2012}}</ref> In honor of Danielson, Mayor Micah Cawley of Yakima, Washington declared January 13 "Daniel Bryan Day".<ref>{{cite web|title=peta2 names Bryan "Most Animal-Friendly Athlete"|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/daniel-bryan-peta2|publisher=[[WWE]]|quote=Last Friday, Mayor Micah Cawley of Yakima, Wash., declared Jan. 13 “Daniel Bryan Day” in honor of The Submission Specialist, who hails from nearby Aberdeen, Wash.}}</ref> In September 2012, Danielson revealed that he was no longer a vegan due to his inability to find vegan food while travelling on the road for WWE.<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Adam|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/35768-daniel-bryan-on-no-longer-being-vegan-jerry-lawler|title=Daniel Bryan on no longer being vegan, Jerry Lawler|date=September 15, 2012|accessdate=September 15, 2012|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> He later elaborated that he had developed a soy intolerance and could not find enough non-soy-based vegan food, but he still keeps a mostly vegan diet on the road. On Twitter, he stated that he has vitiligo.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tweet Number 97214858474422272|url=https://twitter.com/WWEDanielBryan/status/97214858474422272|author=Daniel Bryan|date=July 30, 2011|accessdate=October 31, 2014|quote=@tarynlove77 It's vitiligo, not any artificial patch, which is an autoimmune disease you can look up on Wikipedia.|work=[[Twitter]]}}</ref> Danielson has stated in his book that he does not drink due to his father's past as an alcoholic.
  
Danielson became a vegan in 2009, after getting elevated liver enzymes and several staph infections.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.peta2.com/2011/04/vegan-wwe-superstar-daniel-bryan.html|title=Vegan WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan|date=April 1, 2011|accessdate=June 23, 2011|publisher=Peta}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://tsmradio.com/coltcabana/2011/11/09/aow-68-daniel-bryan/|title=AOW 68: Daniel Bryan « Art Of Wrestling|publisher=Tsmradio.com|date=November 9, 2011|accessdate=June 10, 2012}}</ref> In 2012, he was awarded a Libby Award from PETA for being the "Most Animal-Friendly Athlete".<ref>{{cite web|title=Bryan tops pro athletes for PETA award|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_57116.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=January 19, 2012}}</ref> In honor of Danielson, Mayor Micah Cawley of Yakima, Washington declared January 13 "Daniel Bryan Day".<ref>{{cite web|title=peta2 names Bryan "Most Animal-Friendly Athlete"|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/daniel-bryan-peta2|publisher=[[WWE]]|quote=Last Friday, Mayor Micah Cawley of Yakima, Wash., declared Jan. 13 “Daniel Bryan Day” in honor of The Submission Specialist, who hails from nearby Aberdeen, Wash.}}</ref> In September 2012, Danielson revealed that he was no longer a vegan due to his inability to find vegan food while travelling on the road for WWE.<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Adam|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/35768-daniel-bryan-on-no-longer-being-vegan-jerry-lawler|title=Daniel Bryan on no longer being vegan, Jerry Lawler|date=September 15, 2012|accessdate=September 15, 2012|publisher=WrestleView}}</ref> He later elaborated that he had developed a soy intolerance and could not find enough non-soy-based vegan food, but he still keeps a mostly vegan diet on the road. On Twitter, he stated that he has vitiligo.<ref>{{cite web|title=Tweet Number 97214858474422272|url=https://twitter.com/WWEDanielBryan/status/97214858474422272|author=Daniel Bryan|date=July 30, 2011|accessdate=October 31, 2014|quote=@tarynlove77 It's vitiligo, not any artificial patch, which is an autoimmune disease you can look up on Wikipedia.|work=[[Twitter]]}}</ref> Danielson has stated in his book that he does not drink due to his father's past as an alcoholic.
   
  +
On April 11, 2014, Danielson married WWE Diva Brie Bella, with whom he had been in a relationship for nearly three years.<ref name="RVAMAGhumble">{{cite web|title=The World's Most Humble Man: An Interview With WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan|url=http://rvamag.com/articles/full/21044/the-worlds-most-humble-man-an-interview-with-wwe-superstar-daniel-bryan|last=Nunnally|first=Doug|date=June 7, 2013|accessdate=June 7, 2013|work=RVA Magazine}}</ref><ref name="eonlinewedding">{{cite web|last=Kirk|first=Kamala|title=Total Divas’ Brie Bella and WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan Are Married – See the Wedding Pics!|url=http://www.eonline.com/shows/total_divas/news/530653/total-divas-brie-bella-and-wwe-superstar-daniel-bryan-are-married-see-the-wedding-pics|work=E! Online|accessdate=April 12, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=WWE newswire: Bryan & Brie wedding details, who attended?; Ultimate Warrior Saturday updates, Batista DVD cover art|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_77697.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=July 26, 2014}}</ref> On April 6 2016, nearly two months since Danielson's retirement, Bella also retired part-time from wrestling in order to start a family with him.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://comicbook.com/2016/04/06/brie-bella-officially-retires-from-wwe/|title=Brie Bella Officially Retires From WWE|website=Comicbook.com|access-date=2016-04-06}}</ref>
−
Danielson described himself in ranking in the bottom 1 percentile for ambition in a personality test WWE gave him. In response, he said, "I have no ambition for what society says is important as far as things like money, and all that kind of stuff. What I am ambitious about is I want to be the best wrestler that I can possibly be."<ref>{{cite web|last1=Mazzarone|first1=Mike|title=Interview: WWE’s Daniel Bryan Talks James Hetfield, Vince McMahon, Triple H & Brock Lesnar|url=http://www.alternativenation.net/daniel-bryan-interview/|accessdate=27 February 2015}}</ref>
  
   
−
In October 2012, a social media campaign was started in an attempt to help Connor Michalek meet Danielson, his personal hero. Michalek was aged six at the time, and suffered from cancer of the brain and spine.<ref>{{cite web|title=Online effort to help 6-year-old fighting brain cancer meet WWE star succeeds|url=http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/local/6-year-old-fighting-brain-cancer-hopes-online-effo/nSZBb/|publisher=[[WXPI]]|accessdate=19 March 2015}}</ref> The campaign succeeded, with Danielson meeting Michalek at the Consol Energy Center in December 2012,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Noel|first1=Carly|title=Pittsburgh boy battling cancer meets hero, WWE star Daniel Bryan|url=http://www.wpxi.com/news/entertainment/pittsburgh-area-boy-battling-cancer-meets-hero-wwe/nTZfX/|publisher=[[WXPI]]|accessdate=19 March 2015}}</ref> and again in October 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=Video: Local boy fighting cancer reunited with WWE star|url=http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/video-local-boy-fighting-cancer-reunited-wwe-star/nbJFs/|publisher=[[WXPI]]|accessdate=19 March 2015}}</ref> Michalek was an inspiration to Danielson due to "the way he approached life and the joy that he had" while never complaining. Michalek, at ringside at WrestleMania XXX, was the first person Danielson embraced after he won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.<ref name="FoxAUConnor">{{cite web|last1=Ryan|first1=Nathan|title=WWE superstar Daniel Bryan opens up on winning the championship and losing loved ones|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/more-sports/story-e6frf56c-1227268415803|publisher=[[Fox Sports]]|accessdate=19 March 2015}}</ref>
  
−  
−
On April 11, 2014, Danielson married WWE Diva Brie Bella, with whom he had been in a relationship for nearly three years.<ref name="RVAMAGhumble" /><ref name="eonlinewedding">{{cite web|last=Kirk|first=Kamala|title=Total Divas’ Brie Bella and WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan Are Married – See the Wedding Pics!|url=http://www.eonline.com/shows/total_divas/news/530653/total-divas-brie-bella-and-wwe-superstar-daniel-bryan-are-married-see-the-wedding-pics|work=E! Online|accessdate=April 12, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=WWE newswire: Bryan & Brie wedding details, who attended?; Ultimate Warrior Saturday updates, Batista DVD cover art|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_77697.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|accessdate=July 26, 2014}}</ref> On April 6 2016, nearly two months since Danielson's retirement, Bella also retired part-time from wrestling in order to start a family with him.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://comicbook.com/2016/04/06/brie-bella-officially-retires-from-wwe/|title=Brie Bella Officially Retires From WWE|website=Comicbook.com|access-date=2016-04-06}}</ref>
  
−  
−
{{Quote box|width=35%|align=right|quote="The hard part about the professional low point and personal low point coming at the same time is that wrestling is always how I've dealt with personal issues. People think what we do is entertainment but this is how I express myself. To not be able to do that while going through this personal loss is very difficult."|source=—Danielson on losing his loved ones and requiring surgery back in 2014<ref name=FoxAUConnor/>}}
  
 
On April 21, 2014, WWE announced the death of Danielson's father. He insisted on performing that night on ''Raw'' as scheduled, but left for home immediately after his segment had aired.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/daniel-bryan-father-passes-away|title=Daniel Bryan's father passes away|publisher=WWE Official Website|date=April 21, 2014|accessdate=April 22, 2014}}</ref>
  
On April 21, 2014, WWE announced the death of Danielson's father. He insisted on performing that night on ''Raw'' as scheduled, but left for home immediately after his segment had aired.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/daniel-bryan-father-passes-away|title=Daniel Bryan's father passes away|publisher=WWE Official Website|date=April 21, 2014|accessdate=April 22, 2014}}</ref>
   
−
Danielson described his WrestleMania XXX victories and his marriage shortly after as high points in his professional and personal life, but within two months he then experienced personal low points – the deaths of his father and Connor Michalek – followed by a professional low point of requiring surgery.<ref name="FoxAUConnor" />
 +
Danielson described his WrestleMania XXX victories and his marriage shortly after as high points in his professional and personal life, but within two months he then experienced personal low points – the deaths of his father and Connor Michalek – followed by a professional low point of requiring surgery.<ref name="FoxAUConnor">{{cite web|last1=Ryan|first1=Nathan|title=WWE superstar Daniel Bryan opens up on winning the championship and losing loved ones|url=http://www.foxsports.com.au/more-sports/story-e6frf56c-1227268415803|publisher=[[Fox Sports]]|accessdate=19 March 2015}}</ref>
   
  +
During a 2014 interview, Danielson stated that he cannot swim or go deep into water due to a ruptured ear drum he suffered in an unspecified 2007 Ring of Honor match against Kenta. Danielson has never had the ruptured ear drum fixed, and he claims he still has problems hearing in his left ear.
−
In July 2014, Danielson's home in Phoenix, Arizona was broken into by two burglars. Danielson came home at that time, and managed to chase down and subdue one of the burglars with a rear naked choke until police arrived.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.independent.co.uk/news/people/wwe-star-daniel-bryan-apprehends-burglar-with-bare-naked-chokehold-9630453.html|title=WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan apprehends burglar with rear naked chokehold|work=[[The Independent]]|date=July 26, 2014|accessdate=December 31, 2014}}</ref> Based on information gleaned from the caught burglar, police apprehended three other people who were involved in burglaries throughout Arcadia and Phoenix.<ref>{{cite web|title=Yes! Former WWE champ catches suspected burglar, leads to more arrests|url=http://www.fox10phoenix.com/story/26117153/2014/07/25/yes-former-wwe-champ-catches-suspected-burglar|publisher=[[KSAZ-TV]]|accessdate=January 1, 2015}}</ref>
  
−  
−
During a 2014 interview, Danielson stated that he cannot swim or go deep into water due to a ruptured ear drum he suffered in an unspecified 2007 Ring of Honor match against Kenta. Danielson has never had the ruptured ear drum fixed, and he claims he still has problems hearing in his left ear.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/superstars-on-kenta-26490548/page-2|title=Triple H, Daniel Bryan, Cesaro and Seth Rollins on WWE’s signing of Kenta|publisher=WWE Official Website|date=July 17, 2014|accessdate=July 21, 2014}}</ref>
  
−  
−
Danielson is a supporter of Premier League club Everton,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://blog.foxsoccer.com/post/108937733022/wwe-superstar-daniel-bryan-reveals-which-epl-club?cmpid=tsmfb:fscom:foxsoccer|title=WWE superstar Daniel Bryan reveals which EPL club he supports|date=23 January 2011|accessdate=24 January 2014|publisher=[[Fox Sports]]}}</ref> and a fan of his hometown Seattle Seahawks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlezone.com/news/611105-daniel-bryan-qa-highlights|title=Daniel Bryan Q&A Highlights: Says WWE Might Never Clear Him to Return|author=Nick Paglino|date=August 20, 2015|work=Wrestlezone|accessdate=September 14, 2015}}</ref>
  
   
 
== In wrestling ==
  
== In wrestling ==
 
* '''Finishing moves'''
  
* '''Finishing moves'''
−
<!-- Do NOT change the order of the moves, as they comply with Wikipedia's Manual of Style. -->
  
−
** '''As Daniel Bryan''' <!-- DO NOT ADD UNSOURCED MOVES HERE. -->
  
−
*** Guillotine choke<ref name="Tedesco">{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=WWE Smackdown Results – 7/22/11|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1311411918|publisher=Wrestleview|date=July 22, 2010|accessdate=July 23, 2011}}</ref><ref name="wrestleview.com">{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=Smackdown Results – 7/1/11|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1309594498|publisher=Wrestleview|date=July 2, 2011|accessdate=July 4, 2011}}</ref><ref name="pwinsider.com">{{cite web|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|title=WWE RAW 1002 REPORT: WHICH MAN IN THE TRIPLE THREAT MATCH WOULD STAND TALL AT THE END?; REMEMBER YOUR KEYS WHEN YOU DRIVE A CONVERTIBLE; SAN ANTONIO APPRECIATES SHAWN MICHAELS, BUT DO LESNAR AND HEYMAN?; JERICHO TOUTS DOLPH ZIGGLER; A DIVA RETURNS TO THE RING|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=70858&p=2|accessdate=August 9, 2012|publisher=PWInsider}}</ref> – 2011
  
−
*** ''LeBell Lock''<ref name="PW3" />/''"Yes!" Lock''<ref name="WWE" />/''"No!" Lock''<ref>{{cite web|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2013/wwe-tag-team-champions-team-hell-no-vs-team-rhodes-scholars-26083871|title=WWE Tag Team Champions Team Hell No def. Team Rhodes Scholars |publisher=WWE.com|date=January 27, 2013|accessdate=July 25, 2014}}</ref> (Omoplata crossface)<ref>{{cite web|last=Martin|first=Todd|title=WWE Raw TV report by Todd Martin!|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/13563/|publisher=Wrestling Observer|accessdate=July 4, 2011}}</ref><ref name="prowrestlingguerrilla1">{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2010/show0114.html|title=Seven|work=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]|accessdate=September 6, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/superstar-hobbies-26114054/page-6|title=That's What They Do: Wildest Superstar Hobbies|publisher=Wwe.com|date=May 9, 2013|accessdate=September 16, 2013}}</ref> – 2010–2016
  
−
*** Running single leg high knee<ref>{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=PARKS'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 8/23: Complete coverage of Friday show, including Christian vs. Del Rio |url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_72914.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=August 24, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|title=Raw results: Daniel Bryan wins big at the Slammys as Cena and Orton's final face-off ends in chaos|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-12-09/wwe-raw-results-26169042|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=September 20, 2013}}</ref> – 2013–2016; adopted from [[Hideo Itami]]<ref name="WWEDB">{{cite web|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|title=Legend of The American Dragon: Daniel Bryan's unlikely rise to the WWE Title & beyond|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/history-of-daniel-bryan-part-two-26149549/page-4|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=September 20, 2013}}</ref>
  
 
** '''As Bryan Danielson/American Dragon'''
  
** '''As Bryan Danielson/American Dragon'''
 
*** Bridging dragon suplex<ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/d/daniel-bryan.html|title=Daniel Bryan profile|accessdate=March 26, 2009|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
  
*** Bridging dragon suplex<ref name="OWOW">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/profiles/d/daniel-bryan.html|title=Daniel Bryan profile|accessdate=March 26, 2009|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
−
*** ''Cattle Mutilation''<ref name="OWOW" /><ref name="Resu">{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/danielson.html|title=Bryan Danielson|last=Wilson|first=Kevin|publisher=Puroresu Central|date=July 1, 2009|accessdate=July 6, 2009}}</ref>/''Arms Across America''<ref name="NOAHbio">{{cite web|url=http://www.noah-usa.cc/internationalparticipation.html|title=International Participations|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]|accessdate=April 9, 2013}}</ref> (Bridging double chickenwing)<ref name="DGUSA">{{cite web|url=http://www.dgusa.tv/roster/danielson.htm|title=Bryan Danielson|accessdate=July 25, 2009|publisher=[[Dragon Gate USA]]}}</ref>
 +
*** ''Cattle Mutilation''<ref name="OWOW" /><ref name="Resu">{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/danielson.html|title=Bryan Danielson|last=Wilson|first=Kevin|publisher=Puroresu Central|date=July 1, 2009|accessdate=July 6, 2009}}</ref>/ (Bridging double chickenwing)<ref name="DGUSA">{{cite web|url=http://www.dgusa.tv/roster/danielson.htm|title=Bryan Danielson|accessdate=July 25, 2009|publisher=[[Dragon Gate USA]]}}</ref>
 
*** Crossface chickenwing, sometimes with bodyscissors<ref name="DBDVN2">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/DVDs_-_VGames_-_Books_25/article_24000.shtml|title=DVD Review: ROH "Death Before Dishonor, N2" (8–11–07), w/ 8-man tag, Danielson-Quackenbush|date=December 18, 2007|last=Vetter|first=Chris|accessdate=November 29, 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
  
*** Crossface chickenwing, sometimes with bodyscissors<ref name="DBDVN2">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/DVDs_-_VGames_-_Books_25/article_24000.shtml|title=DVD Review: ROH "Death Before Dishonor, N2" (8–11–07), w/ 8-man tag, Danielson-Quackenbush|date=December 18, 2007|last=Vetter|first=Chris|accessdate=November 29, 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
−
*** Crucifix position followed by multiple elbow strikes to the side of the opponent's head<ref name="Unified" /><ref name="DGUSA" /><!-- Do NOT add UBS/USB elbows. Fan names aren't allowed here, especially ones born from typos. -->
 +
*** Crucifix position followed by multiple elbow strikes to the side of the opponent's head<ref name="Unified">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/060812.html|title=Unified|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|date=August 12, 2006|accessdate=July 8, 2009}}</ref><ref name="DGUSA" />
 
*** Double wristlock to a grounded opponent followed by multiple stomps to the opponent's chest, face, and head<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/117461|title=What's All The Hubbub: ROH Undeniable|last=Hubbard|first=Aaron|date=October 6, 2009|work=411Mania|accessdate=November 29, 2009}}</ref>
  
*** Double wristlock to a grounded opponent followed by multiple stomps to the opponent's chest, face, and head<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/117461|title=What's All The Hubbub: ROH Undeniable|last=Hubbard|first=Aaron|date=October 6, 2009|work=411Mania|accessdate=November 29, 2009}}</ref>
−
*** ''LeBell Lock'' (Omoplata crossface)<ref name="prowrestlingguerrilla1" /> – 2010
 +
*** ''LeBell Lock'' (Omoplata crossface)<ref name="prowrestlingguerrilla1">{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2010/show0114.html|title=Seven|work=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]|accessdate=September 6, 2010}}</ref> – 2010
 
*** ''Regal-Plex'' (Bridging leg hook belly-to-back suplex) – adopted from William Regal<ref name="Resu" />
  
*** ''Regal-Plex'' (Bridging leg hook belly-to-back suplex) – adopted from William Regal<ref name="Resu" />
 
*** Triangle choke,<ref name="DGUSA" /> sometimes followed by multiple elbow strikes to the opponent's head<ref name="DBDVN2" />
  
*** Triangle choke,<ref name="DGUSA" /> sometimes followed by multiple elbow strikes to the opponent's head<ref name="DBDVN2" />
Line 249: Line 73:
 
** Corner elbow smash<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE NXT TV report 4/12: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of NXT on Syfy Week 8|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_40626.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=April 12, 2010|accessdate=July 4, 2011}}</ref>
  
** Corner elbow smash<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE NXT TV report 4/12: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of NXT on Syfy Week 8|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_40626.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=April 12, 2010|accessdate=July 4, 2011}}</ref>
 
** Discus elbow smash<ref name="OWOW" />
  
** Discus elbow smash<ref name="OWOW" />
  +
** Diving headbutt<ref name="OWOW" />
−
** Diving headbutt<ref name="OWOW" /> (Independent circuit)/ ''Flying Goat''<ref>{{cite web|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|title=Raw results: Heyman spoils Punk's homecoming, Bryan makes history and the Rhodes brothers strike back|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-09-23/wwe-raw-results-26150716/page-10|publisher=WWE|date=September 22, 2013|accessdate=September 28, 2013}}</ref> (WWE)
  
 
** Dragon screw<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S NXT TV REPORT 2/23: Complete coverage of the NXT début show – Chris Jericho vs. Daniel Bryan|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_39327.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=September 17, 2011}}</ref>
  
** Dragon screw<ref>{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S NXT TV REPORT 2/23: Complete coverage of the NXT début show – Chris Jericho vs. Daniel Bryan|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_39327.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=September 17, 2011}}</ref>
 
** Dragon sleeper<ref name="Trionfo">{{cite web|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|title=WWE RAW REPORT: SHIELD VERSUS BIG RED BEARDED VIPER SERIES; TRIPLE H HAS A STRANGE NIGHT IN AND OUT OF THE RING; NEW MATCHES FOR PAYBACK AND CHANGES TO SOME ALREADY ANNOUNCED; A CHAMPION RETURNS; A SECRET ADMIRER REVEALED; AND MORE|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=78185&p=2|accessdate=October 22, 2013|publisher=PWInsider}}</ref>
  
** Dragon sleeper<ref name="Trionfo">{{cite web|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|title=WWE RAW REPORT: SHIELD VERSUS BIG RED BEARDED VIPER SERIES; TRIPLE H HAS A STRANGE NIGHT IN AND OUT OF THE RING; NEW MATCHES FOR PAYBACK AND CHANGES TO SOME ALREADY ANNOUNCED; A CHAMPION RETURNS; A SECRET ADMIRER REVEALED; AND MORE|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=78185&p=2|accessdate=October 22, 2013|publisher=PWInsider}}</ref>
 
** Drop toe-hold into the turnbuckles,<ref>{{cite web|last=Namako|first=Jason|title=Smackdown Results – 10/5/12|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1349492313|publisher=Wrestleview|accessdate=October 29, 2012|quote=Bryan catches him with a drop toe hold that Del Rio face first off the middle turnbuckle.}}</ref> sometimes followed by kicking the second rope into the opponent's throat<ref>{{cite web|last=Cupach|first=Michael|title=CUPACH'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 10/26: Alt. perspective review of final HIAC PPV hype, tag champs in singles action|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=October 29, 2012|quote=Bryan gets a drop toehold on Sandow in the corner and then kicks the ropes up into his throat.|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_66218.shtml}}</ref><ref name="IN1">{{cite web|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|title=WWE RAW 1002 REPORT: WHICH MAN IN THE TRIPLE THREAT MATCH WOULD STAND TALL AT THE END?; REMEMBER YOUR KEYS WHEN YOU DRIVE A CONVERTIBLE; SAN ANTONIO APPRECIATES SHAWN MICHAELS, BUT DO LESNAR AND HEYMAN?; JERICHO TOUTS DOLPH ZIGGLER; A DIVA RETURNS TO THE RING|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=70858&p=2|accessdate=August 9, 2012|publisher=PWInsider|quote=Bryan with a drop toe hold that sends Cena into the turnbuckles and then Bryan kicks the ropes and he gets a near fall.}}</ref>
  
** Drop toe-hold into the turnbuckles,<ref>{{cite web|last=Namako|first=Jason|title=Smackdown Results – 10/5/12|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1349492313|publisher=Wrestleview|accessdate=October 29, 2012|quote=Bryan catches him with a drop toe hold that Del Rio face first off the middle turnbuckle.}}</ref> sometimes followed by kicking the second rope into the opponent's throat<ref>{{cite web|last=Cupach|first=Michael|title=CUPACH'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 10/26: Alt. perspective review of final HIAC PPV hype, tag champs in singles action|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|accessdate=October 29, 2012|quote=Bryan gets a drop toehold on Sandow in the corner and then kicks the ropes up into his throat.|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_66218.shtml}}</ref><ref name="IN1">{{cite web|last=Trionfo|first=Richard|title=WWE RAW 1002 REPORT: WHICH MAN IN THE TRIPLE THREAT MATCH WOULD STAND TALL AT THE END?; REMEMBER YOUR KEYS WHEN YOU DRIVE A CONVERTIBLE; SAN ANTONIO APPRECIATES SHAWN MICHAELS, BUT DO LESNAR AND HEYMAN?; JERICHO TOUTS DOLPH ZIGGLER; A DIVA RETURNS TO THE RING|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=70858&p=2|accessdate=August 9, 2012|publisher=PWInsider|quote=Bryan with a drop toe hold that sends Cena into the turnbuckles and then Bryan kicks the ropes and he gets a near fall.}}</ref>
 
** European uppercut<ref name="PW1" /><ref name="SuperJuniors" />
  
** European uppercut<ref name="PW1" /><ref name="SuperJuniors" />
  +
** Heel hook<ref name="Bishop">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/23/13003631.html|title=WWE NXT: Jericho, Bryan kick off series in style|date=February 23, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|accessdate=February 24, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>
−
** Heel hook<ref name="Bishop" />
  
 
** High knee from the apron to the outside of the ring<ref name="PW3">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Bragging Rights PPV results 10/24: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Orton vs. Barrett, Kane vs. Taker, Raw vs. Smackdown|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_44753.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=October 24, 2010|accessdate=July 4, 2011}}</ref><ref name="PW2">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 2/14: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live Raw – big WrestleMania 27 announcement, Cena vs. Punk, final Chamber hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_47735.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=February 14, 2011|accessdate=July 4, 2011}}</ref>
  
** High knee from the apron to the outside of the ring<ref name="PW3">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Bragging Rights PPV results 10/24: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Orton vs. Barrett, Kane vs. Taker, Raw vs. Smackdown|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_44753.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=October 24, 2010|accessdate=July 4, 2011}}</ref><ref name="PW2">{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 2/14: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live Raw – big WrestleMania 27 announcement, Cena vs. Punk, final Chamber hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_47735.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=February 14, 2011|accessdate=July 4, 2011}}</ref>
 
** Indian deathlock<ref name="OWOW" />
  
** Indian deathlock<ref name="OWOW" />
Line 268: Line 92:
 
*** Belly-to-belly<ref name="DBDVN2" />
  
*** Belly-to-belly<ref name="DBDVN2" />
 
*** Cravate<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/44482/ROH---Ring-of-Homicide-DVD-Review.htm|title=ROH – Ring of Homicide DVD Review|last=Ziegler|first=Jacob|last2=Garoon|first2=Brad|date=August 25, 2006|work=411Mania|accessdate=November 29, 2009}}</ref>
  
*** Cravate<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/44482/ROH---Ring-of-Homicide-DVD-Review.htm|title=ROH – Ring of Homicide DVD Review|last=Ziegler|first=Jacob|last2=Garoon|first2=Brad|date=August 25, 2006|work=411Mania|accessdate=November 29, 2009}}</ref>
−
*** ''Danielson Special'' (Double underhook floated over into a cross armbreaker)<ref name="SuperJuniors">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/DVDs_-_VGames_-_Books_25/article_19840.shtml|title=DVD Review: New Japan: "Best of Super Juniors," (4–16–04), with Danielson, Kazarian, Samoa Joe, X-Pac|date=March 27, 2007|last=Vetter|first=Chris|accessdate=November 29, 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>[http://wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=317 "Daniel Bryan"]. ''Wrestlingdata.com''. Retrieved March 29, 2016.</ref> - innovated
+
*** ''Danielson Special'' (Double underhook floated over into a cross armbreaker)<ref name="SuperJuniors">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/DVDs_-_VGames_-_Books_25/article_19840.shtml|title=DVD Review: New Japan: "Best of Super Juniors," (4–16–04), with Danielson, Kazarian, Samoa Joe, X-Pac|date=March 27, 2007|last=Vetter|first=Chris|accessdate=November 29, 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref><ref>[http://wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=317 "Daniel Bryan"]. ''Wrestlingdata.com''. Retrieved March 29, 2016.</ref> - innovated
 
*** German<ref name="DBDVN2" />
  
*** German<ref name="DBDVN2" />
 
*** Northern Lights<ref name="OWOW" />
  
*** Northern Lights<ref name="OWOW" />
Line 279: Line 103:
 
** Sleeper hold<ref name="PW4" /><ref name="PW2" />
  
** Sleeper hold<ref name="PW4" /><ref name="PW2" />
 
** Small package<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_IG1ltMABM|title=Watch the stunning turn of events that took place just moments after Daniel Bryan overcame Dean Ambrose|publisher=Youtube.com|date=September 9, 2013|accessdate=September 16, 2013}}</ref>
  
** Small package<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_IG1ltMABM|title=Watch the stunning turn of events that took place just moments after Daniel Bryan overcame Dean Ambrose|publisher=Youtube.com|date=September 9, 2013|accessdate=September 16, 2013}}</ref>
−
** Suicide dive<ref name="PW5" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Cupach|first=Michael|title=CUPACH'S WWE SMACKDOWN BLOG 5/3: Thoughts on brewing Tag Title feud, The Teddy Long special(s), more!|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70383.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=May 3, 2013|accessdate=September 28, 2013}}</ref> (Independent circuit)/ ''Air Goat''<ref name="AirGoat">[http://www.wwe.com/classics/classic-lists/the-50-coolest-maneuvers-of-all-time/page-5] The 50 coolest maneuvers of all time</ref> (WWE)
 +
** Suicide dive<ref name="PW5" /><ref>{{cite web|last=Cupach|first=Michael|title=CUPACH'S WWE SMACKDOWN BLOG 5/3: Thoughts on brewing Tag Title feud, The Teddy Long special(s), more!|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70383.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=May 3, 2013|accessdate=September 28, 2013}}</ref>
 
** Surfboard,<ref name="DBDVN2" /><ref name="PW1" /> sometimes while applying a dragon sleeper<ref>{{cite web|last=Cupach|first=Michael|title=CUPACH'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 8/30: Alt. perspective review of Super Smackdown, Overall Show Reax|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_15518.shtml|publisher=PW Torch|accessdate=July 3, 2011}}</ref>
  
** Surfboard,<ref name="DBDVN2" /><ref name="PW1" /> sometimes while applying a dragon sleeper<ref>{{cite web|last=Cupach|first=Michael|title=CUPACH'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 8/30: Alt. perspective review of Super Smackdown, Overall Show Reax|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TV_Reports_9/article_15518.shtml|publisher=PW Torch|accessdate=July 3, 2011}}</ref>
−
* '''Managers'''
  
−
** Dave Prazak<ref name="Hell freezes over" />
  
−
** The Miz<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1266988049|title=WWE NXT Results – 2/23/10|publisher=WrestleView|last=Stephens|first=David|date=February 24, 2010|accessdate=December 19, 2011}}</ref>
  
−
** Brie Bella<ref>{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/12/21/16627431.html|title=RAW: No Nexus, no problem|date=December 21, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|accessdate=January 7, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref>
  
−
** Gail Kim<ref name="GailKim" />
  
−
** AJ Lee<ref name="ManageTrained">{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.de/?id=2&nr=86&page=14|title=Managers and wrestlers trained}}</ref>
  
−
** Bray Wyatt<ref>{{cite web|last=Asher|first=Matthew|title=WWE Old School: Pipers and Pimps and Punks...Oh My!|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/01/06/21378956.html|work=SLAM! Wrestling|accessdate=}}</ref>
  
 
* '''Nicknames'''
  
* '''Nicknames'''
−
** "The American Dolphin"<ref name="AmDolph" />
  
 
** "The American Dragon"<ref name="OWOW" />
  
** "The American Dragon"<ref name="OWOW" />
−
** "The Beard"<ref name="BryanVsTripleH">{{cite web|last=Clapp|first=Johnny|title=Daniel Bryan vs. Triple H (If Bryan wins, he gets entered into the WWE World Heavyweight Title Match)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/daniel-bryan-randy-orton-batista|date=March 10, 2014|accessdate=March 11, 2014|work=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
  
−
** "The Best Wrestler in the World"<ref name="OWOW" /><ref name="ROHHFO">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/DVDs_-_VGames_-_Books_25/article_16099.shtml|title=Tape Review, ROH, "Hell Freezes Over," Jan. 14, 2006, with Hero-American Dragon, Styles-Sydal|last=Vetter|first=Chris|date=February 15, 2006|accessdate=April 10, 2010}}</ref>
  
−
** "The Dazzler"<ref name="OWOW" /><ref name="Beards">[http://www.wwe.com/videos/daniel-bryan-talks-about-his-beard-off-against-oakland-as-outfielder-josh-reddic-26097219 DANIEL BRYAN TALKS ABOUT HIS BEARD-OFF AGAINST OAKLAND A'S OUTFIELDER JOSH REDDICK: WWE APP EXCLUSIVE] 40 seconds into 1:10 video "You are not '''the Dazzler''', and you are not the '''King of Beards'''! That belongs to one man, and one man only! '''The Dazzler'''! Daniel Bryan."</ref>
  
−
** "G.O.A.T. (Greatest of All Time)"<ref>{{cite web|last=Herrera|first=Tom|title=Raw results: Raw General Manager AJ Lee gets the last laugh on WWE Champion CM Punk|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-07-30/wwe-raw-results-26041396/page-6|publisher=WWE|date=July 30, 2012|accessdate=October 22, 2013}}</ref>
  
−
** "The King of Beards"<ref name="Beards" />
  
−
** "The Master of the Small Package"<ref name="OWOW" />
  
−
** "Mr. Small Package"<ref name="SmallPack">[http://www.wwe.com/inside/top-25-matches-of-the-year/page-22] WWE.com's Top 25 matches of 2013: #5 Daniel Bryan vs. Antonio Cesaro (Raw; July 22)</ref>
  
 
**"The Submission Specialist"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/daniel-bryan-peta2|title=peta2 names Bryan "Most Animal Friendly Athlete"|publisher=WWE|last=Clapp|first=John|date=January 18, 2012|accessdate=January 18, 2012}}</ref>
  
**"The Submission Specialist"<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/daniel-bryan-peta2|title=peta2 names Bryan "Most Animal Friendly Athlete"|publisher=WWE|last=Clapp|first=John|date=January 18, 2012|accessdate=January 18, 2012}}</ref>
−
** "The World's Toughest Vegan"<ref>{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestling-results/wwe-smackdown-results/36732-smackdown-results---10-19-12|title=Smackdown Results – 10/19/12|publisher=WrestleView|date=October 19, 2012|accessdate=February 2, 2015}}</ref>
  
−
** "The "Yes!"<ref>{{cite web|title=AJ Lee or Charlie Sheen: Who should Daniel Bryan worry about more?|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-07-23/should-daniel-bryan-worry-about-aj-or-charlie-sheen-26040893|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=October 29, 2012|quote=Sheen replied to the bristling Bryan by offering an open challenge of sorts to the “Yes!” man to come seek him out the next time Bryan found himself in Los Angeles}}</ref>/"No!" Man"<ref>{{cite web|title=Raw results: Cena and Foley challenge Punk; Kane & Bryan get a team name|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-09-24/wwe-raw-results-26054527/page-3|publisher=[[WWE]]|accessdate=October 29, 2012|quote=Bryan got the worst of the exchange, however, as the meatball provided such a shock to his system that the "No!" man violently upheaved into a speechless Shelby's lap.}}</ref>
  
 
* '''Entrance themes'''
  
* '''Entrance themes'''
  +
** "The Final Countdown" by Europe<ref name="final countdown">Castle, Al. "The Best in the World: Is this more than hype?" ''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'' February 2009. 50.</ref> (ROH/independent circuit)
−
** "Self Esteem" by The Offspring<ref name="Music">{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/information/music/enter/|title=Wrestler Entrance Music|accessdate=December 28, 2009|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref> (Independent circuit)
  
−
** "Obsession" by Animotion<ref name="Hell freezes over">{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/39619/ROH---Hell-Freezes-Over-DVD-Review.htm|title=ROH – Hell Freezes Over DVD Review|date=April 27, 2006|last=Zeigler|first=Jacob|accessdate=February 28, 2010|publisher=411mania}}</ref> (Independent circuit)
  
−
** "The Final Countdown" by Europe<ref name="final countdown" /> (ROH/independent circuit)
  
−
** "The Rage (WWE Edit)" by Jim Johnston (WWE; August 15, 2010 – September 13, 2010)
  
−
** "Ride of the Valkyries" by Richard Wagner<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_43917.shtml|title=Keller's WWE Raw results 9/20: Ongoing coverage of fallout from Night of Champions PPV, Hell in a Cell hype|date=September 20, 2010|last=Keller|first=Wade|authorlink=Wade Keller|accessdate=September 21, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref> (WWE; September 20, 2010 – July 29, 2011)
  
−
** "Big Epic Thing" by Jim Johnston<ref>{{cite web|url=http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wwe-big-epic-thing-daniel/id458893231|title=WWE: Big Epic Thing (Daniel Bryan) – Single}}</ref> (WWE; August 5, 2011 – November 4, 2011)
  
−
**'''"Flight of the Valkyries"''' by Jim Johnston<ref>{{cite web|url=http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/wwe-flight-of-the-valkyries/id479511256|title=WWE: Flight of the Valkyries (Daniel Bryan) – Single}}</ref> (WWE; November 11, 2011–present)
  
−  
−
=== Wrestlers trained ===
  
−
* Alex Payne<ref name="ManageTrained" />
  
−
* Andrew Patterson<ref name="ManageTrained" />
 
−
* Bobby Quance<ref name="ManageTrained" />
  
−
* Cheerleader Melissa<ref name="ManageTrained" />
  
−
* Coone<ref name="ManageTrained" />
  
−
* Dan Marshall<ref name="ManageTrained" />
  
−
* Farmer Joe<ref name="ManageTrained" />
  
−
* Kafu<ref name="ManageTrained" />
  
−
* Killer J Mathias<ref name="ManageTrained" />
  
−
* Nikki Bella<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/article/nikki-bella-daniel-bryan-new-finishing-move-twitter|title=Nikki Bella learning new finishing maneuver from Daniel Bryan|date=June 17, 2016|last=Matthew|first=Artus|accessdate=July 28, 2016|publisher=[[WWE|WWE.com]]}}</ref>
  
−
* Reno<ref name="ManageTrained" />
  
−
* Rhett Titus<ref name="ManageTrained" />
  
−
* Robbie Ryder<ref name="ManageTrained" />
  
−
* Simon Gotch<ref name="ManageTrained" />
  
−
* Sara Del Rey<ref name="ManageTrained" />
  
−
* Voltage<ref name="ManageTrained" />
  
−
* Zodiac<ref name="ManageTrained" />
  
   
 
== Championships and accomplishments ==
  
== Championships and accomplishments ==
−
* '''All Pro Wrestling'''
  
−
** APW Worldwide Internet Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.titlehistories.com/All_Pro_Wrestling.htm|title=All Pro Wrestling Title Histories|accessdate=July 11, 2008|publisher=titlehistories.com}}</ref>
  
−
** King of the Indies (2001)<ref name="DGUSA" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allprowrestling.com/apwgarage/01results.html|title=All Pro Wrestling 2001 Results|accessdate=July 8, 2009|publisher=[[All Pro Wrestling]]}}</ref>
  
−
* '''All Star Wrestling'''
  
−
** ASW World Mid-Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="slam" />
  
−
* '''East Coast Wrestling Association'''
  
−
** ECWA Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with [[Low Ki]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ttecwa.html|title=ECWA Tag Team Championship}}</ref>
  
−
* '''Connecticut Wrestling Entertainment'''
  
−
** CTWE Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=86&page=11|title=Titles-Daniel Bryan}}</ref>
 
−
* '''Evolve'''
  
−
** Match of the Year (2010) <small>vs. Munenori Sawa on September 11</small><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.evolvewrestling.com/news/169.htm|title=Results Of Year End Awards|date=January 4, 2011|accessdate=January 6, 2011|work=[[Evolve (professional wrestling)|Evolve]]}}</ref>
  
−
* '''Extreme Canadian Championship Wrestling'''
  
−
** NWA Canadian Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eccw.com/championship/nwacanadianjuniorheavyweight|title=NWA Junior Heavyweight Championship|accessdate=July 8, 2009|archiveurl=http://web.archive.org/web/20090322185453/http://www.eccw.com/championship/nwacanadianjuniorheavyweight|archivedate=March 22, 2009}}</ref>
  
−
* '''Full Impact Pro'''
  
−
** FIP Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="DGUSA" />
  
−
* '''International Wrestling Association'''
  
−
** IWA Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="IWARICAN">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/49219/iwa-summer-attiude-results-bryan-danielson-wins-gold-savio-vega-and-more-from-anniversary-event-in-puerto-rico.html?p=1|title=IWA SUMMER ATTIUDE RESULTS: BRYAN DANIELSON WINS GOLD|date=July 19, 2010|accessdate=September 16, 2012}}</ref>
  
−
* '''Memphis Championship Wrestling'''
  
−
** MCW Southern Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="slam" />
  
−
** MCW Southern Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with [[Brian Kendrick|Spanky]]<ref name="slam" />
  
−
* '''NWA Mid-South'''
  
−
** NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.titlehistories.com/NWA_Southern_Junior_Heavyweight_Title.htm|title=NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Championship|accessdate=July 8, 2009}}</ref>
  
 
* '''[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]'''
  
* '''[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]'''
 
** [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions|1 time]])<ref name="DGUSA" /> – with [[Christopher Daniels|Curry Man]]<ref name="slam" />
  
** [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[List of IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Champions|1 time]])<ref name="DGUSA" /> – with [[Christopher Daniels|Curry Man]]<ref name="slam" />
 
** Best of the American Super Juniors (2004)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresumission.com/tournaments/njpw_americajr.html|title=PuroresuMission R (Reborn, Return, Revolution)|publisher=Puroresumission.com|date=|accessdate=June 10, 2012}}</ref>
  
** Best of the American Super Juniors (2004)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.puroresumission.com/tournaments/njpw_americajr.html|title=PuroresuMission R (Reborn, Return, Revolution)|publisher=Puroresumission.com|date=|accessdate=June 10, 2012}}</ref>
−
* '''Pro Wrestling Guerrilla'''
  
−
** PWG World Championship (2 times)<ref name="DGUSA" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/htpwg.html|accessdate=July 27, 2008|last=Westcott|first=Brian|title=PWG – Pro Wrestling Guerrilla PWG Heavyweight Title History|publisher=Solie}}</ref>
  
−
* '''''Pro Wrestling Illustrated'''''
  
−
** Feud of the Year (2013)<ref>{{cite journal|title=2013 Feud of the Year|year=2014|journal=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]|volume=34|issue=2|pages=34–35}}</ref> {{small|vs. The Authority}}
  
−
** Match of the Year (2013)<ref>{{cite journal|year=2014|title=2013 Match of the Year|journal=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]|volume=34|issue=2|pages=40–41}}</ref> {{small|vs. John Cena at SummerSlam}}
  
−
** Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (2014)<ref>{{cite journal|title=2014 Most Inspirational Wrestler of the Year|year=2015|journal=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]|volume=36|issue=2|pages=14–15}}</ref>
  
−
** Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (2013)<ref>{{cite journal|title=2013 Most Popular Wrestler of the Year|year=2014|journal=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]|volume=34|issue=2|pages=36–37}}</ref>
  
−
** Wrestler of the Year (2013)<ref>{{cite journal|title=2013 Wrestler of the Year|year=2014|journal=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]|volume=34|issue=2|pages=44–45}}</ref>
  
−
** PWI ranked him '''1''' of the top 500 wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2014<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2014.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2014|accessdate=December 2, 2014|work=[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database}}</ref>
  
 
* '''[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]'''
  
* '''[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]'''
 
** [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="Resu" /><ref name="DGUSA" />
  
** [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="Resu" /><ref name="DGUSA" />
−
* '''Ring of Honor'''
  
−
** ROH Pure Championship (1 time)<ref name="ROHpure">{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohpuretitle.php|title=Ring Of Honor Pure Championship|accessdate=April 5, 2010|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]}}</ref>
  
−
** ROH World Championship (1 time)<ref name="ROHworld" />
  
−
** Survival of the Fittest (2004)<ref name="slam" /><ref name="DGUSA" />
  
−
* '''''Rolling Stone'''''
  
−
** Most Painful Injury of the Year (2015)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/sports/features/wwe-wrestler-s-of-the-year-the-new-day-20151214|title=WWE Wrestler(s) of the Year|accessdate=December 14, 2015|publisher=Rolling Stone}}</ref> – shared with Cesaro and Seth Rollins
  
−
** Sporadically Active Face of the Year (2014)<ref name="rollingstone">{{cite web|url=http://www.rollingstone.com/culture/features/wwe-wrestler-of-the-year-dolph-ziggler-20141217|title=WWE Wrestler of the Year: Dolph Ziggler|last=Herzog|first=Kenny|date=December 17, 2014|accessdate=December 17, 2014|work=Rolling Stone}}</ref>
  
−
* '''Texas Wrestling Alliance'''
  
−
** TWA Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Spanky<ref name="slam" />
  
−
* '''westside Xtreme wrestling'''
  
−
** wXw World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wxw-wrestling.com/index2.php?content=title_history&id=1|title=wXw World Heavyweight Title|accessdate=May 11, 2010|publisher=Westside Xtreme Wrestling}}</ref>
  
−
** Ambition 1 (2010)<ref name="Ambition1" />
  
−
* '''World Series Wrestling'''
  
−
** WSW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/htwsw.html|accessdate=July 3, 2008|last=Pulsone|first=Mario|title=WSW – World Series Wrestling WSW Heavyweight Title History|publisher=Solie}}</ref>
  
−
* '''World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE'''
  
−
** World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="world1" />
  
−
** WWE World Championship (3 times){{Ref|1|1}}<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwechampionship/20130818-daniel-bryan|title=Daniel Bryan's first WWE Championship reign|publisher=WWE|accessdate=March 21, 2015}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwe-world-heavyweight-championship/20130915-daniel-bryan|title=Daniel Bryan's second WWE Championship reign|accessdate=March 21, 2015|publisher=WWE}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwe-world-heavyweight-championship/20140406-daniel-bryan|title=Daniel Bryan's third WWE World Heavyweight Championship reign|accessdate=March 21, 2015|publisher=WWE}}</ref>
  
−
** WWE Intercontinental Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/20150329-daniel-bryan|title=Intercontinental Championship - Daniel Bryan|accessdate=March 29, 2015|publisher=WWE}}</ref>
  
−
** WWE Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Kane<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwetag/09162012-daniel-bryan-kane|title=Team Hell No's first WWE Tag Team Championship reign|accessdate=March 21, 2015|publisher=WWE}}</ref>
  
−
** WWE United States Championship (1 time)<ref name="US1">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/unitedstates/15749366|title=Daniel Bryan's first United States Championship reign|date=September 19, 2010|accessdate=October 25, 2010|publisher=[[World Wrestling Entertainment]]}}</ref>
  
−
** Money in the Bank (SmackDown 2011)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2011/smackdown-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match|title=Daniel Bryan wins the Smack Down Money in the Bank Ladder Match|accessdate=July 17, 2011|publisher=[[WWE]]}}</ref>
  
−
** Twenty-Sixth Triple Crown Champion<ref>{{cite web|title=411’s Wrestler of the Week – Rollins Takes WOTY|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/411s-wrestler-of-the-week-rollins-takes-woty/|publisher=411Mania|accessdate=31 March 2015}}</ref>
  
−
** Fifteenth Grand Slam Champion<ref name="auto" /><ref name="auto1" />
  
−
** Slammy Awards (12 times)
  
−
*** Beard of the Year (2013)<ref name="2013 Slammys 1">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-12-09/full-slammy-award-winners-2013-26168790/page-6|title=2013 Slammy Award winners|date=December 8, 2013|accessdate=March 21, 2015|publisher=WWE}}</ref>
  
−
*** Catchphrase of the Year (2013) – {{small|YES! YES! YES!}}<ref name="2013 Slammys 1" />
  
−
*** Cole in Your Stocking (2010) – {{small|Attacking Michael Cole on ''NXT''}}<ref name="2010Slammy">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_46025.shtml|title=WWE News: Full list of 2010 Slammy Awards – , 10 announced on WWE's website|date=December 13, 2010|accessdate=December 17, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
  
−
*** Couple of the Year (2013, 2014) – with Brie Bella<ref name="2013 Slammys 1" /><ref name="2014 Slammys">{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2014-12-08/2014-slammy-award-winners-26895314/page-3|title=2014 Slammy Award winners|last=Laboon|first=Jeff|publisher=WWE|date=December 8, 2014|accessdate=March 21, 2015}}</ref>
  
−
*** Facial Hair of the Year (2012)<ref name="2012 Slammys">{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/28892-slammy-award-winners-voted-by-wwecom|title=Slammy award winners voted by WWE.com|date=December 16, 2012|accessdate=March 21, 2015|work=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]}}</ref>
  
−
*** Fan Participation of the Year (2013) – {{small|YES! YES! YES!}}<ref name="2013 Slammys 2">{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_75022.shtml|title=WWE news: Complete list of "Slammys" winners during Raw|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=December 9, 2013|accessdate=March 21, 2015|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
  
−
*** Rivalry of the Year (2014) – {{small|vs. The Authority}}<ref name="2014 Slammys" />
  
−
*** Shocker of the Year (2010) – {{small|The debut of The Nexus}}<ref name="2010Slammy" />
  
−
*** Superstar of the Year (2013)<ref name="2013 Slammys 2" />
  
−
*** Tweet of the Year (2012) – {{small|"Goat face is a horrible insult. My face is practically perfect in every way. In fact, from now on I demand to be called Beautiful Bryan"}}<ref name="2012 Slammys" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-12-17/slammy-award-winners-26077044/page-6|title=2012 WWE Slammy Awards and WWE.com Slammy Awards winners|date=December 16, 2012|accessdate=March 21, 2015|publisher=WWE}}</ref>
  
−
*** Upset of the Year (2012) – {{small|Defeating Mark Henry and Big Show at Royal Rumble}}<ref name="2012 Slammys" />
  
 
* '''''Wrestling Observer Newsletter'''''
  
* '''''Wrestling Observer Newsletter'''''
−
** Best Pro Wrestling Book (2015) <small>''Yes!'' with Craig Tello</small><ref>{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=January 25, 2016|title=January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue|journal=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=[[Campbell, California]]|issn=1083-9593|page=48}}</ref>
  
−
** Best Pro Wrestling DVD (2015) <small>''Daniel Bryan: Just Say Yes! Yes! Yes!''</small><ref>{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=January 25, 2016|title=January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue|journal=[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=[[Campbell, California]]|issn=1083-9593|page=48}}</ref>
  
 
** Best Technical Wrestler (2005–2013)<ref name="WON13">{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=January 27, 2014|title=Jan 27 2014 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2013 Annual awards issue, best in the world in numerous categories, plus all the news in pro-wrestling and MMA over the past week and more|journal=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=[[Campbell, California]]|issn=1083-9593|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/35067-jan-27-2014-wrestling-observer-newsletter-2013-annual-awards-issue-best-in-the-world-in-numerous-categories-plus-all-the-news-in-pro-wrestling-and-mma-over-the-past-week-and-more|pages=1–37}}</ref>
  
** Best Technical Wrestler (2005–2013)<ref name="WON13">{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=January 27, 2014|title=Jan 27 2014 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2013 Annual awards issue, best in the world in numerous categories, plus all the news in pro-wrestling and MMA over the past week and more|journal=[[Dave Meltzer#Wrestling Observer Newsletter|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|location=[[Campbell, California]]|issn=1083-9593|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/35067-jan-27-2014-wrestling-observer-newsletter-2013-annual-awards-issue-best-in-the-world-in-numerous-categories-plus-all-the-news-in-pro-wrestling-and-mma-over-the-past-week-and-more|pages=1–37}}</ref>
−
** Match of the Year (2007) {{small|vs. Takeshi Morishima at ROH ''Manhattan Mayhem II'' on August 25}}
  
 
** Most Outstanding Wrestler (2006–2010)
  
** Most Outstanding Wrestler (2006–2010)
 
** Most Outstanding Wrestler of the Decade (2000–2009)
  
** Most Outstanding Wrestler of the Decade (2000–2009)
−  
−
{{small|1 {{note|1}} Bryan's final reign was as WWE World Heavyweight Champion. The title was once again renamed the WWE World Championship in 2016.}}
  
−  
−
=== Other awards and honors ===
  
−
* PETA Libby Award for Most Animal-Friendly Athlete (2012)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_57116.shtml|title=Bryan tops pro athletes for PETA award|date=January 18, 2012|accessdate=March 21, 2015|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
  
   
 
==References==
  
==References==
 
<references />
  
<references />
  +
[[Category:Wrestlers]]
  +
[[Category:Gaijin]]
  +
[[Category:NJPW Roster]]
  +
[[Category:Pro Wrestling Noah Roster]]
  +
[[Category:American male professional wrestlers]]

Revision as of 18:40, 14 October 2019

Bryan Lloyd Danielson (born May 22, 1981) is an American professional wrestler. Danielson wrestled for various companies in Japan, winning the GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship in Pro Wrestling Noah (NOAH) and the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship (with Curry Man) in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW).

Early life

Danielson was born and raised in Aberdeen, Washington, to a father who was a logger and a therapist mother, who divorced when Danielson was young. Danielson has an older sister, named Billie Sue. He competed in various sports at Aberdeen-Weatherwax High School including football.[1]

Professional wrestling career

Japan and other promotions (2001–2004, 2009)

Danielson first toured Japan with Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (FMW) with Lance Cade, a fellow trainee from the TWA, competing in several tag team matches.[2][3] He returned to Japan after his release from the WWF, competing in Japan's premier promotion, New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), where he used his American Dragon persona, and donned a red, white, and blue mask reminiscent of a dragon.[4] As a part of the junior heavyweight division, Danielson had success in both singles and tag team competition in the company, winning (without wearing a mask) the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship with Curry Man on March 12, 2004.[5]

After his departure from wXw, he made his debut with Philadelphia-based independent promotion, CHIKARA to compete in their King of Trios tournament, which saw him team with Claudio Castagnoli and Dave Taylor in a contingency called Team Uppercut.[6] In the same year, it was announced Danielson would compete in Dragon Gate USA (DGUSA) in their second show, which saw him lose to Open the Dream Gate Champion Naruki Doi.[7]

Return to Dragon Gate USA (2010)

While Danielson continued on undefeated in EVOLVE in the following day by returning to Dragon Gate USA, and submitted SHINGO in the dark match main event Return of the Dragon.[8] After the match, Danielson joined BxB Hulk, Masato Yoshino, Naruki Doi, and PAC as the fifth member of the stable World–1.[8] On September 25, Danielson returned to Dragon Gate USA (despite being signed with WWE) and defeated YAMATO in the main event of the evening.[9] The following day, Danielson defeated Jon Moxley.[10]

Persona

Danielson spent the majority of his career without an overt character in favor of becoming popular with the fans through his monikers, signature mannerisms, and wrestling ability. His attire has varied, as well, with the majority of his tenure wearing a pair of short trunks,[11] but also ventured into wearing a mask for a time in Japan as an extension of his "American Dragon" persona.[4]

Other media

Danielson was prominently featured in the Wrestling Road Diaries documentary, which was filmed in 2009 before he signed with WWE.[12] Danielson is a fan of indie rock music and recorded a single with Kimya Dawson that was a tribute to wrestling legend "Captain" Lou Albano.[13]

Danielson's relationship with his wife Brie Bella, including their wedding[14] is regularly covered in the WWE reality series Total Divas on the E! Network.[15]

Danielson was one of the judges on the sixth season of Tough Enough, alongside Hulk Hogan, who was later replaced by The Miz, and Paige.[16]

Personal life

Danielson has cited a number of wrestlers as influences to his style, including Toshiaki Kawada, Mitsuharu Misawa, and William Regal.[17] He has also made mention of modeling his wrestling off of the work of Dean Malenko and Chris Benoit in his early career, then using Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a platform to develop his own style.[18]

In 2009, Danielson relocated to Las Vegas, Nevada, where he began training in mixed martial arts at Randy Couture's Xtreme Couture gym.[19][20] He was also roommates with Xtreme Couture's head grappling trainer, Neil Melanson.[19]

During his time as ROH World Champion, Danielson was appointed the head trainer of the ROH Wrestling Academy, replacing Austin Aries.[21] He relinquished the position to Delirious in 2007.[22]

Danielson became a vegan in 2009, after getting elevated liver enzymes and several staph infections.[23][24] In 2012, he was awarded a Libby Award from PETA for being the "Most Animal-Friendly Athlete".[25] In honor of Danielson, Mayor Micah Cawley of Yakima, Washington declared January 13 "Daniel Bryan Day".[26] In September 2012, Danielson revealed that he was no longer a vegan due to his inability to find vegan food while travelling on the road for WWE.[27] He later elaborated that he had developed a soy intolerance and could not find enough non-soy-based vegan food, but he still keeps a mostly vegan diet on the road. On Twitter, he stated that he has vitiligo.[28] Danielson has stated in his book that he does not drink due to his father's past as an alcoholic.

On April 11, 2014, Danielson married WWE Diva Brie Bella, with whom he had been in a relationship for nearly three years.[29][14][30] On April 6 2016, nearly two months since Danielson's retirement, Bella also retired part-time from wrestling in order to start a family with him.[31]

On April 21, 2014, WWE announced the death of Danielson's father. He insisted on performing that night on Raw as scheduled, but left for home immediately after his segment had aired.[32]

Danielson described his WrestleMania XXX victories and his marriage shortly after as high points in his professional and personal life, but within two months he then experienced personal low points – the deaths of his father and Connor Michalek – followed by a professional low point of requiring surgery.[33]

During a 2014 interview, Danielson stated that he cannot swim or go deep into water due to a ruptured ear drum he suffered in an unspecified 2007 Ring of Honor match against Kenta. Danielson has never had the ruptured ear drum fixed, and he claims he still has problems hearing in his left ear.

In wrestling

  • Finishing moves
    • As Bryan Danielson/American Dragon
      • Bridging dragon suplex[2]
      • Cattle Mutilation[2][34]/ (Bridging double chickenwing)[35]
      • Crossface chickenwing, sometimes with bodyscissors[36]
      • Crucifix position followed by multiple elbow strikes to the side of the opponent's head[37][35]
      • Double wristlock to a grounded opponent followed by multiple stomps to the opponent's chest, face, and head[38]
      • LeBell Lock (Omoplata crossface)[39] – 2010
      • Regal-Plex (Bridging leg hook belly-to-back suplex) – adopted from William Regal[34]
      • Triangle choke,[35] sometimes followed by multiple elbow strikes to the opponent's head[36]
  • Signature moves
    • Ankle lock[40]
    • Arm trap seated abdominal stretch[35][36]
    • Backflip off the top rope over a standing opponent[41] followed by a crooked arm lariat[42][43][44]
    • Cobra clutch to a facedown opponent[2]
    • Corner elbow smash[45]
    • Discus elbow smash[2]
    • Diving headbutt[2]
    • Dragon screw[46]
    • Dragon sleeper[47]
    • Drop toe-hold into the turnbuckles,[48] sometimes followed by kicking the second rope into the opponent's throat[49][50]
    • European uppercut[51][52]
    • Heel hook[53]
    • High knee from the apron to the outside of the ring[54][55]
    • Indian deathlock[2]
    • Jumping knee drop[50]
    • Multiple kick variations
      • Corner drop[51]
      • Front missile drop[51]
      • Repeated shoot to a kneeling opponent's chest followed by a roundhouse to the opponent's head, with theatrics[55][56]
      • Roundhouse[57]
      • Running big boot[2]
    • Multiple suplex variations[35]
      • Belly-to-back,[2] sometimes from the top rope[2][34]
      • Belly-to-belly[36]
      • Cravate[58]
      • Danielson Special (Double underhook floated over into a cross armbreaker)[52][59] - innovated
      • German[36]
      • Northern Lights[2]
      • Snap underhook[2][36]
      • Super[36]
      • Tiger[36]
    • Rolling fireman's carry slam[2]
    • Running leg lariat[51]
    • Single leg Boston crab[47]
    • Sleeper hold[40][55]
    • Small package[60]
    • Suicide dive[42][61]
    • Surfboard,[36][51] sometimes while applying a dragon sleeper[62]
  • Nicknames
    • "The American Dragon"[2]
    • "The Submission Specialist"[63]
  • Entrance themes
    • "The Final Countdown" by Europe[64] (ROH/independent circuit)

Championships and accomplishments

References

  1. ↑ How Daniel Bryan Became Wrestlemania's Hottest Star – Rolling Stone . Rolling Stone.
  2. ↑ 2.00 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 2.05 2.06 2.07 2.08 2.09 2.10 2.11 2.12 2.13 Daniel Bryan profile . Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2009-03-26.
  3. ↑ Bryan Danielson . Gerweck. Retrieved on 2009-07-18.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Dragon mask . Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved on 2009-06-09.
  5. ↑ NJPW Hyper Battle tour results . Strong Style Spirit. Archived from the original on 2007-09-29. Retrieved on 2007-07-08.
  6. ↑ Team Uppercut . Retrieved on 2009-06-20.
  7. ↑ Dragon Gate USA announces Bryan Danielson and Davey Richards to début with DGUSA .
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Martin, Adam 2010-07-25. 7/24 Dragon Gate USA PPV taping in Philadelphia . WrestleView. Retrieved on 2010-09-11.
  9. ↑ Fleeman Martinez, Luke 2010-09-26. 9/25 DGUSA results in Chicago: Bryan Danielson's next-to-last independent match, Street fight, top-notch wrestling matches . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2010-09-26.
  10. ↑ Fleeman Martinez, Luke 2010-09-26. 9/26 DGUSA results in Milwaukee: Second detailed report on Bryan Danielson's final indep. match & post-match promo, Ricochet continues 2010 rise, traditional Dragon Gate six-man tag . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2010-09-27.
  11. ↑ Murphy, Dan. "Report Cards of the Stars". Pro Wrestling Illustrated July 2008. 152.
  12. ↑ Wrestling Road Diaries DVD Trailer . WrestleView. Retrieved on 2013-10-08.
  13. ↑ Breihan, Tom 2012-04-11. Video – Daniel Bryan on Wrestlemania, His History with the WWE, and Being a Vegan Pro fWrestler . GQ. Retrieved on 2011-04-12.
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 Kirk, Kamala. Total Divas’ Brie Bella and WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan Are Married – See the Wedding Pics! . E! Online. Retrieved on 2014-04-12.
  15. ↑ Total Divas Brie Bella and WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan Get Engaged – See the Ring! . E! Network.
  16. ↑ The Miz takes over from Hulk Hogan as a judge on WWE's Tough Enough (2015-07-29). Retrieved on 2015-07-30.
  17. ↑ American Dragon Bryan Danielson interview . Retrieved on 2009-06-10.
  18. ↑ Alvarez, Bryan. 2007 Bryan Danielson interview . Figure 4 Weekly. Retrieved on 2009-06-21.
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 Ocal, Arda. 'Incredible' support from fans has WWE superstar Daniel Bryan primed for Extreme Rules (Page 2) . The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved on 2012-04-29.
  20. ↑ Martin, Adam 2009-04-09. Bryan Danielson's status with ROH . Wrestling Observer Newsletter. WrestleView. Retrieved on 2009-06-09.
  21. ↑ ROH Wrestling . ROH Wrestling. Retrieved on 2012-06-10.
  22. ↑ Delirious head trainer . Ring of Honor. Archived from the original on 2008-06-10. Retrieved on 2009-06-10.
  23. ↑ Vegan WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan . Peta (2011-04-01). Retrieved on 2011-06-23.
  24. ↑ AOW 68: Daniel Bryan « Art Of Wrestling . Tsmradio.com (2011-11-09). Retrieved on 2012-06-10.
  25. ↑ Bryan tops pro athletes for PETA award . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2012-01-19.
  26. ↑ peta2 names Bryan "Most Animal-Friendly Athlete" . WWE. “Last Friday, Mayor Micah Cawley of Yakima, Wash., declared Jan. 13 “Daniel Bryan Day” in honor of The Submission Specialist, who hails from nearby Aberdeen, Wash.”
  27. ↑ Martin, Adam 2012-09-15. Daniel Bryan on no longer being vegan, Jerry Lawler . WrestleView. Retrieved on 2012-09-15.
  28. ↑ Daniel Bryan 2011-07-30. Tweet Number 97214858474422272 . Twitter. Retrieved on 2014-10-31. “@tarynlove77 It's vitiligo, not any artificial patch, which is an autoimmune disease you can look up on Wikipedia.”
  29. ↑ Nunnally, Doug 2013-06-07. The World's Most Humble Man: An Interview With WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan . RVA Magazine. Retrieved on 2013-06-07.
  30. ↑ WWE newswire: Bryan & Brie wedding details, who attended?; Ultimate Warrior Saturday updates, Batista DVD cover art . Retrieved on 2014-07-26.
  31. ↑ Brie Bella Officially Retires From WWE .
  32. ↑ Daniel Bryan's father passes away . WWE Official Website (2014-04-21). Retrieved on 2014-04-22.
  33. ↑ WWE superstar Daniel Bryan opens up on winning the championship and losing loved ones . Fox Sports. Retrieved on 2015-03-19.
  34. ↑ 34.0 34.1 34.2 34.3 Wilson, Kevin 2009-07-01. Bryan Danielson . Puroresu Central. Retrieved on 2009-07-06.
  35. ↑ 35.0 35.1 35.2 35.3 35.4 35.5 35.6 Bryan Danielson . Dragon Gate USA. Retrieved on 2009-07-25.
  36. ↑ 36.0 36.1 36.2 36.3 36.4 36.5 36.6 36.7 36.8 Vetter, Chris 2007-12-18. DVD Review: ROH "Death Before Dishonor, N2" (8–11–07), w/ 8-man tag, Danielson-Quackenbush . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2009-11-29.
  37. ↑ Unified . Online World of Wrestling (2006-08-12). Retrieved on 2009-07-08.
  38. ↑ Hubbard, Aaron 2009-10-06. What's All The Hubbub: ROH Undeniable . 411Mania. Retrieved on 2009-11-29.
  39. ↑ Seven . Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. Retrieved on 2010-09-06.
  40. ↑ 40.0 40.1 Caldwell, James 2010-05-03. Caldwell's WWE Raw results 5/3: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Wayne Brady guest-hosting, Cutting Edge with Randy Orton . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2011-07-04.
  41. ↑ Cupach, Michael. CUPACH'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 6/4: Alt. perspective review of Friday's episode, Reax to Christian heel turn . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2011-12-31.
  42. ↑ 42.0 42.1 Caldwell, James 2011-02-24. Caldwell's WWE Superstars report 2/24: Complete coverage of U.S. champ Bryan vs. Ted DiBiase, tag champions in action, 2/21/11 reveal replay . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2011-07-04. “Bryan came back with a signature back flip, clothesline duck, and flying forearm smash to cut off DiBiase.”
  43. ↑ Smackdown Results – 10/12/12 . WrestleView. Retrieved on 2012-10-29. “Bryan backflips over him, ducks a clothesline, and hits a running elbow to the chest.”
  44. ↑ Trionfo, Richard. WWE RAW REPORT: TOO McMANY McMAHONS?; WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU ARE NO LONG A HEYMAN 'CLIENT'; MARK HENRY GIVES AN EMOTIONAL SPEECH; A SCARE FOR DANIEL BRYAN; IS STEPHANIE MCMAHON THE NEW KAREN JARRETT?; WHAT IF PEOPLE DON'T COME OUT DURING PROMO SEGMENTS, HOW WOULD WE GET MATCHES?; AND MORE . PWInsider. Retrieved on 2013-06-20.
  45. ↑ Caldwell, James 2010-04-12. Caldwell's WWE NXT TV report 4/12: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of NXT on Syfy Week 8 . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2011-07-04.
  46. ↑ Caldwell, James. CALDWELL'S NXT TV REPORT 2/23: Complete coverage of the NXT début show – Chris Jericho vs. Daniel Bryan . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2011-09-17.
  47. ↑ 47.0 47.1 Trionfo, Richard. WWE RAW REPORT: SHIELD VERSUS BIG RED BEARDED VIPER SERIES; TRIPLE H HAS A STRANGE NIGHT IN AND OUT OF THE RING; NEW MATCHES FOR PAYBACK AND CHANGES TO SOME ALREADY ANNOUNCED; A CHAMPION RETURNS; A SECRET ADMIRER REVEALED; AND MORE . PWInsider. Retrieved on 2013-10-22.
  48. ↑ Namako, Jason. Smackdown Results – 10/5/12 . Wrestleview. Retrieved on 2012-10-29. “Bryan catches him with a drop toe hold that Del Rio face first off the middle turnbuckle.”
  49. ↑ Cupach, Michael. CUPACH'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 10/26: Alt. perspective review of final HIAC PPV hype, tag champs in singles action . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2012-10-29. “Bryan gets a drop toehold on Sandow in the corner and then kicks the ropes up into his throat.”
  50. ↑ 50.0 50.1 Trionfo, Richard. WWE RAW 1002 REPORT: WHICH MAN IN THE TRIPLE THREAT MATCH WOULD STAND TALL AT THE END?; REMEMBER YOUR KEYS WHEN YOU DRIVE A CONVERTIBLE; SAN ANTONIO APPRECIATES SHAWN MICHAELS, BUT DO LESNAR AND HEYMAN?; JERICHO TOUTS DOLPH ZIGGLER; A DIVA RETURNS TO THE RING . PWInsider. Retrieved on 2012-08-09. “Bryan with a drop toe hold that sends Cena into the turnbuckles and then Bryan kicks the ropes and he gets a near fall.”
  51. ↑ 51.0 51.1 51.2 51.3 51.4 Parks, Greg 2011-05-27. Parks' WWE SmackDown report 5/27: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including search for a new #1 contender to the World Title . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2011-07-04.
  52. ↑ 52.0 52.1 Vetter, Chris 2007-03-27. DVD Review: New Japan: "Best of Super Juniors," (4–16–04), with Danielson, Kazarian, Samoa Joe, X-Pac . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2009-11-29.
  53. ↑ Bishop, Matt 2010-02-23. WWE NXT: Jericho, Bryan kick off series in style . Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved on 2010-02-24.
  54. ↑ Caldwell, James 2010-10-24. Caldwell's WWE Bragging Rights PPV results 10/24: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Orton vs. Barrett, Kane vs. Taker, Raw vs. Smackdown . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2011-07-04.
  55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 55.2 Caldwell, James 2011-02-14. Caldwell's WWE Raw results 2/14: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live Raw – big WrestleMania 27 announcement, Cena vs. Punk, final Chamber hype . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2011-07-04.
  56. ↑ Martin, Todd 2011-02-14. Todd Martin's Rock is War TV Report for Feb 14 . Figure 4 Weekly. Retrieved on 2011-04-08.
  57. ↑ Caldwell, James 2010-12-07. Caldwell's WWE NXT results 12/7: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of NXT Season 4, Week 1 – Season Premiere . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2011-07-04.
  58. ↑ Ziegler, Jacob 2006-08-25. ROH – Ring of Homicide DVD Review . 411Mania. Retrieved on 2009-11-29.
  59. ↑ "Daniel Bryan". Wrestlingdata.com. Retrieved March 29, 2016.
  60. ↑ Watch the stunning turn of events that took place just moments after Daniel Bryan overcame Dean Ambrose . Youtube.com (2013-09-09). Retrieved on 2013-09-16.
  61. ↑ Cupach, Michael 2013-05-03. CUPACH'S WWE SMACKDOWN BLOG 5/3: Thoughts on brewing Tag Title feud, The Teddy Long special(s), more! . Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved on 2013-09-28.
  62. ↑ Cupach, Michael. CUPACH'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 8/30: Alt. perspective review of Super Smackdown, Overall Show Reax . PW Torch. Retrieved on 2011-07-03.
  63. ↑ Clapp, John 2012-01-18. peta2 names Bryan "Most Animal Friendly Athlete" . WWE. Retrieved on 2012-01-18.
  64. ↑ Castle, Al. "The Best in the World: Is this more than hype?" Pro Wrestling Illustrated February 2009. 50.
  65. ↑ Cite error: Invalid <ref> tag; no text was provided for refs named slam
  66. ↑ PuroresuMission R (Reborn, Return, Revolution) . Puroresumission.com. Retrieved on 2012-06-10.
  67. ↑ Meltzer, Dave (January 27, 2014). "Jan 27 2014 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2013 Annual awards issue, best in the world in numerous categories, plus all the news in pro-wrestling and MMA over the past week and more". Wrestling Observer Newsletter. Campbell, California: 1–37. ISSN 1083-9593. 
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