A Final "Thank You" to Daniel Bryan

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Last night was the hardest it's ever been to watch RAW. Not because it was a bad show, it was an alright show. It was hard to sit through because I already knew how it ended, with Daniel Bryan retiring. There was no avoiding it, I was either going to see it live and cry, or see it on YouTube and cry. I was going to cry one way or another. I've said a few things about him retiring, and showing my gratitude for all Bryan has done, but I wanted to give one last "Thank You" to the man.

First off, I want to talk about how bittersweet Bryan retiring is. As a fan, it depresses the hell out of me. Bryan was easily one of my favorite wrestlers. I remember going to my first RAW in 2013 and chanting "YES" for so long and so loud that I lost my voice. There I was the next day, voice cracking all the way through choir class, sounding like I'm going through intense puberty, and all I could think was "Man, I can't wait to do this again". And I did, four months later, I went to RAW again, and did it all again. I've never had more fun losing my voice.

Bryan had a connection with the fans I've never seen before. Sure, guys like Stone Cold and The Rock were mega-popular too, but I don't think I've ever seen their fans hijack and takeover entire segments like Bryan's has. And not too mention the fact that he was the best damn wrestler in that entire company. Aside from maybe Cesaro, I don't think anyone in WWE can work as good as he can. His matches with guys like CM Punk, John Cena, Triple H, and Randy Orton are new classics. Even his first match on NXT against Chris Jericho is one I'll never forget. He was so good and deserved to be at the top. When he finally he got there I nearly cried tears of joy. Naturally, I wouldn't want this guy to ever retire.

While I'm upset about it, I'm also happy for Daniel Bryan. He's achieved more in his career than most guys would ever dream of. He was the Ring of Honor Champion, he was the World Heavyweight Champion, and he was the WWE Champion. He's beaten the likes of Randy Orton, Triple H, and even John Cena 100% clean. He not only got to main event WrestleMania, but won after fighting his way through two matches. He had a legendary career, and nobody can take that away from him.

Along with that, I'm happy that he was able to walk away with his health. Wrestling is a high-risk buisness, there's no denying it. The wrestlers put their bodies on the line every night they perform, and Bryan is no different. There have been many wrestlers who weren't so lucky. As a fan, I would never want to see Bryan retire and keep wrestling, but I know he made the right choice. I'd rather have Bryan retire now, and be healthy and happy, then end up in a wheelchair like Dynamite Kid, or worse.

The last thing I want to write about is how Bryan inspires me. Now, I want to be a journalist. I love writing, and I love reviewing things like wrestling, films, TV showa, video games, and other things. But there's one thing I still want to be one day, and that's a professional wrestler. But, I'm also a skinny 19-year old with horrible self esteem to the point where I have trouble talking to people, even if I know them well. So the idea of me becoming a wrestler seemed like a pipe dream to me. That's when I noticed Daniel Bryan. I saw this scruffy, shorter-than-me guy, who's out there kicking ass and out working everyone else because he's the best. He made me believe in myself a little more. I still need to work towards getting in shape to wrestle, and getting money to go to wrestling school, but now I have some encouragement.

Basically what I'm trying to say is "Thank You" to Daniel Bryan. Thank you for all the years of wrestling and entertainment. Thank you for changing the way I looked at professional wrestling. And most importantly, thank you for being an inspiration for me to work hard to fulfill my dream. Thank you Daniel Bryan, for everything.

Thanks for reading.

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