Considering how much time and space I've dedicated to NXT, and the part that Daniel Bryan has played in it, on The Unfinished Article, it would be amiss of me not to comment on the story at the very least.
OK, so where do you start with a story that has caused more controversy and anger among wrestling fans than any other firing of a low-card performer in WWE history? It's arguable to say in history perhaps, but definitely in my lifetime, and considering the ultra-advanced information age I've grown up in, it's been a source of considerable gossip for marks all over the Internet.
But of course, when it comes to getting the marks out here to talk, WWE have been on their A-game ever since the inception of NXT. First, there was the repackaging of Danielson as Daniel Bryan, a Rookie in season one of the show, and his subsequent pairing with WWE Pro The Miz, which had the fans going crazy. You could not put two more polar opposites together.
Then, on the opening night, Danielson faced Chris Jericho in the main event, which I'm sure no one ever imagined seeing. Notwithstanding that, he was allowed to look very competitive against Y2J, which he would not be able to do on Smackdown or Raw. He also took some tremendous bumps in that match to put Jericho over, which reminded me a lot of Shawn Michaels (on his latest DVD, Michaels openly says that when he first came into WWE, himself and Marty Janetti would throw themselves all over the place in order to make their opponents look good). Fans were also sent into an online-frenzy when WWE paired Kaval, known to ROH fans as Low Ki, with. . . LayCool (Michelle McCool and Layla). Oh my. It certainly got us talking anyway.
This time, however, it was unintentional. Or, at least we think so. Following the most exciting ending to Raw in years, Daniel Bryan was released, after he choked ring announcer Justin Roberts with a tie. Someone complained and that was that. WWE do have a policy on choking after the Chris Benoit double-murder suicide, so they had to set an example, especially with Linda McMahon's election coming up. Now, I don't want to dwell on this, but I did read one blogger who was so enraged with the firing that he referred back to the Benoit thing and called him a coward and so on, which I totally disagree with altogether. I don't see the point in blaming this whole saga on something that happened nearly three years ago, especially something so tragic. I could go on for hours about the toll the business takes on one's body and mind.
Getting back to the story at hand, many have speculated that this is a fake firing, that it's an elaborate work that WWE have devised. In my opinion, that's pure bull. It's very much legit. His Twitter, the username of which he changed from DanielBryanNXT to bryandanielson, says as much really. On June 13th, he tweeted "Biding my time, waiting for the right moment to speak"; three days later, he said "Still not the right time, other than to say this: I am now available for independent bookings"; and most recently on Friday 18th, he wrote "Looks like my return to the independents will be next Saturday for @chikarapro in Detroit, MI. I'm stoked to be working with Chikara again!" That confirms it so. In one week's time, he will return to the indie scene with CHIKARA Pro Wrestling, and is also expected to perform at Absolute Intense Wrestling (AIW) that same weekend, while he's also rumoured to make an appearance at Dragon Gate (DGUSA) and Ring Of Honor (ROH) in the next few weeks (although the latter is unlikely as he will be unable to feature on TV or PPV). He has definitely severed ties with WWE. For now.
While some would feel that this is the end of Daniel Bryan and his career in the E, I'm inclined to think otherwise. This whole incident will blow over, and once the heat subsides (and Linda loses her election), Danielson will be resigned and start again. Hopefully. For pessimistic fans of the American Dragon's chances of a return, I offer this reminder, and another comparison with Shawn Michaels. The Rockers (HBK and Janetti) were impressive when they started out in the WWF/E, but had to leave the company after an incident in a bar. The two men returned a year later, and while Janetti could never make an impact as a singles competitor, Michaels went on to become arguably the greatest performer and entertainer of his generation. It would be outlandish to suggest that Danielson will replicate that, but it is important to remember that example when considering this firing. For now, let's just enjoy watching AmDrag getting back to doing what he does best on the indie circuit.
Here are a list of web pages and links, Facebook or otherwise, about Bryan Danielson:
Posts
