WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan Forced Into Early Retirement, Gives Emotional 'Raw' Speech On USA!

Daniel Bryan became more than just a wrestler. He was the people's wrestler. His underdog story made him relatable to fans everywhere as he took to the ring time and time again with chants of "Yes!" ringing around the arena. However, there unfortunately won't be any more chants, or any more matches for Bryan; he's retiring--against his will. He took to Twitter to explain the shocking decision.

Due to medical reasons, effective immediately, I am announcing my retirement. Tonight on Raw, I'll have a chance to elaborate. #gratitude

— Daniel Bryan (@WWEDanielBryan) February 8, 2016

Bryan cited recurrent medical issues as the reason for his retirement. Specifically, repeated concussions and head trauma. He explained the decision more in depth on USA Network's Raw.

"I've been wrestling since I was 18 years old. And within the first five months of my wrestling career, I'd already had three concussions. And for years after that, I would get a concussion here and there, and it gets to the point that when you've been wrestling for 16 years, that adds up to a lot of concussions," Bryan said. "And it gets to a point where they tell you that you can't wrestle anymore. And for a long time I fought that because I had gotten EEGs and brain MRIs and neuropsychological evaluations and all of them said this: That I was fine and that I could come back and I could wrestle."

"But a week and a half ago," Bryan continued. "I took a test that said that maybe my brain isn't as OK as I thought it was."

After that Bryan officially announced his retirment. He discussed his sadness, frustration, and anger coming to the realization that his career was over. However, above all else, he expressed his gratitude. Gratitude to the fans and WWE for bringing him so much joy. Gratitude to wrestling for allowing him to love a sport in a way he never knew he could. And gratitude to the sport for bringing him together with the love of his life.

Yes, Bryan, at 34, is now out of wrestling; out of wrestling at a time when his star could seemingly go no higher. And yet, somehow it's fitting. The guy who defied all odds to make it to the pinnacle of the wrestling world by giving all his body had, could finally give no more.