Bryan Danielson

Bryan Danielson: biography

Bryan Danielson, also known by his ring name Daniel Bryan, is a professional wrestler from the United States. Danielson has had a successful career in various wrestling promotions, including WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) and AEW (All Elite Wrestling). He is presently under contract with All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and is an active member of the Blackpool Combat Club.

Childhood and youth

Bryan Danielson, known in the wrestling world as Daniel Bryan, was born on May 22, 1981, in Aberdeen, Washington. He is the son of Darlene, a therapist, and Donald "Buddy" Danielson, who worked as a lumberjack. Bryan has an older sister named Billie Sue.

Growing up, Danielson developed a passion for professional wrestling from an early age. Inspired by the likes of Japanese wrestling legends such as Jushin Liger and Dynamite Kid, he set his sights on becoming a professional wrestler himself.

During his childhood and youth, Danielson displayed a strong work ethic and dedication to his craft. He participated in various sports, including football and basketball, which helped him develop athleticism and discipline. As a teenager, he started training in amateur wrestling, honing his skills and gaining a solid foundation in grappling techniques.

Danielson's love for wrestling led him to seek out opportunities to learn and improve his craft. He attended numerous wrestling camps and clinics, seeking guidance from experienced wrestlers and trainers. His passion and commitment paid off as he began making a name for himself on the independent wrestling circuit.

In addition to his athletic pursuits, Danielson also focused on his education. He attended Aberdeen-Weatherwax High School, where he excelled academically. After graduating, he went on to pursue higher education at South Puget Sound Community College, where he continued to balance his studies with his wrestling aspirations.

Danielson's upbringing in the small town of Aberdeen played a role in shaping his down-to-earth and humble personality, which resonated with fans throughout his career. These qualities, combined with his exceptional wrestling ability, endeared him to audiences worldwide and contributed to his success as a professional wrestler.

Wrestling career

Bryan Danielson, known professionally as Daniel Bryan, has had a remarkable wrestling career that spans over two decades. From his early days on the independent circuit to his success in major promotions like WWE and AEW, Danielson has left an indelible mark on the industry.

Danielson's wrestling journey began in the late 1990s when he started competing in various independent promotions. He quickly gained a reputation as one of the most technically gifted and hardworking wrestlers in the business. Promotions like Ring of Honor (ROH), Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG), and Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW) showcased his exceptional in-ring skills and his ability to deliver intense and captivating matches.

His time in ROH, in particular, solidified his status as one of the top stars in independent wrestling. He captured the ROH World Championship multiple times, engaging in classic rivalries with the likes of Samoa Joe, Nigel McGuinness, and Austin Aries. His matches in ROH, known for their technical excellence and hard-hitting style, garnered critical acclaim and helped elevate the promotion's reputation.

In 2009, Danielson signed with WWE and adopted the ring name Daniel Bryan. Initially, he was a part of the NXT reality show competition, where he showcased his skills and developed a passionate fan following. Bryan's popularity grew as he transitioned to the main roster, where he became known for his "Yes! Yes! Yes!" chant and his underdog persona.

During his tenure in WWE, Daniel Bryan had several significant moments. He captured numerous championships, including the WWE Championship, the World Heavyweight Championship, and the Intercontinental Championship. His crowning achievement came at WrestleMania 30 in 2014 when he overcame tremendous odds to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in a triple threat match against Randy Orton and Dave Bautista.

However, injuries began to take a toll on Danielson's career, and he was forced to retire from in-ring competition in 2016 due to medical concerns. Despite the setback, his immense popularity and love for wrestling led to a triumphant return in 2018 after receiving medical clearance.

Daniel Bryan continued to captivate audiences with his performances, engaging in memorable feuds and delivering standout matches. He had notable rivalries with wrestlers like Kofi Kingston, AJ Styles, and The Miz, and his matches were often filled with drama and excitement.

In 2021, after his contract with WWE expired, Daniel Bryan made a surprising move to All Elite Wrestling (AEW). His debut at AEW All Out was met with an electric reception from the fans, further solidifying his status as a beloved figure in professional wrestling.

In AEW, Bryan Danielson has continued to showcase his technical prowess and engage in thrilling matches. He has taken on top talents like Kenny Omega and Hangman Page, demonstrating his versatility and ability to adapt to different styles of wrestling.

During the event Dominion 6.4 at Osaka-jo Hall on June 6, 2023, a pre-taped vignette marked Bryan Danielson's return to New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). In the vignette, Danielson issued a challenge to Kazuchika Okada for a match at the Forbidden Door. Subsequently, Okada accepted the challenge during a press conference.

Throughout his career, Bryan Danielson's dedication to his craft, his passion for wrestling, and his ability to connect with the audience have made him one of the most respected and celebrated wrestlers of his generation. His contributions to the industry will be remembered for years to come.

Personal life

Outside of his professional wrestling career, Bryan Danielson, also known as Daniel Bryan, has a vibrant personal life. He is married to fellow professional wrestler Brie Bella, whose real name is Brianna Danielson (née Garcia-Colace). The couple got engaged in 2013 and tied the knot on April 11, 2014. They have two children together, a daughter named Birdie Joe (born in May 2017) and a son named Buddy Dessert (born in August 2020).

Danielson is known for his down-to-earth and eco-friendly lifestyle. He is a staunch environmentalist and an advocate for sustainable living. He has embraced a plant-based diet and has been vocal about his commitment to animal rights. Danielson's passion for the environment extends beyond his personal life, as he has also used his platform to raise awareness about environmental issues and has partnered with organizations dedicated to conservation and sustainability.

Championships and accomplishments

Here is a brief list of Bryan Danielson's awards and honors:

• WWE: Four-time WWE Champion, one-time World Heavyweight Champion, one-time Intercontinental Champion, one-time United States Champion, one-time WWE Tag Team Champion, one-time SmackDown Tag Team Champion.
• Ring of Honor (ROH): One-time ROH World Champion, one-time ROH Pure Champion.
• All Elite Wrestling (AEW): Winner of the AEW World Championship Eliminator Tournament.
• Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG): Two-time PWG World Champion.
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated: Wrestler of the Year (2013), Comeback of the Year (2018), Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (2014), ranked No. 1 in the PWI 500 (2014).
• Sports Illustrated: Ranked in the top 10 men's wrestlers (2018, 2021).
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Multiple awards including Best Technical Wrestler, Most Outstanding Wrestler, and Match of the Year.
• WWE Slammy Awards: Multiple awards including Superstar of the Year (2013), Match of the Year (2019), and Couple of the Year (with Brie Bella, 2013, 2014).
• ROH Hall of Fame (Class of 2022).