Daniel Bryan Retires: Twitter Reacts to WWE Superstar's Announcement

The "Yes Movement" is no more. Citing his ongoing medical issues, former WWE champion Daniel Bryan announced his retirement from sports entertainment in a tweet Monday:

Bryan, who has been out of action since last April, is scheduled to be at Raw in Seattle to detail his condition. News of him traveling to his home state of Washington generated hope within the wrestling community that Bryan would be announcing his return, but his tweet brought to life a worst-case scenario.  

Perhaps the most poignant reactions came via replies to the announcement from Sami Zayn and rapper Wale:

"

@WWEDanielBryan pls be kayfabe

— Wale (@Wale) February 8, 2016"

Ring of Honor, where Bryan cut his teeth before his WWE run, was among many who sent out messages appreciating his career:

Rob McCarron of Shake Them Ropes highlighted the sad state of WWE's injury report:

"

Daniel Bryan’s last match was an April 16, 2015, WWE Smackdown tag match.

Bryan & Cena vs Cesaro & Kidd

Currently, all out with injury.

— Rob McCarron (STR) (@ShakeThemRopes) February 8, 2016"

Ring of Honor was later joined by a number of Bryan's WWE contemporaries: 

Nikki Bella, the sister of Bryan's wife Brie, sent out an Instagram message honoring her brother-in-law:

"

Love you @bryanldanielson! You are one of the smartest, funniest, strongest, most courageous and brave people I know! Tonight will be emotional for all of us as we watch one of the best wrestlers that ever stepped foot into that ring retire. Bryan you will leave such an impactful and inspiring legacy behind. Very big shoes to fill! Thank you for inspiring me and coaching me and helping me become a better me! 

"

For those hoping Bryan's retirement was a "work"—wrestling parlance or a storyline meant to trick fans—ESPN's Jonathan Coachman confirmed it is very real:

Bryan, who turns 35 in May, held championships all over the world. He first joined WWE in 2000 in its developmental territories before his 2001 release sent him on a storied journey from Japan to Ring of Honor to a number of other promotions. After a storied run, particularly in ROH, Bryan rejoined WWE in 2010 before eventually shooting to national fame.

Despite lacking the prodigious size of other top stars, he became so beloved by fans that WWE could no longer ignore his rise. He eventually became WWE champion and Intercontinental champion, though both runs were cut short due to injury. A neck surgery took him out of action in 2014, and a concussion-related injury last year ultimately led to his retirement. 

If you're ever wondering what fans will be missing with Bryan's retirement, a number of fans and outlets sent out GIFs and videos of his best in-ring moments:

"

YES! YES! YES! Watch @WWEDanielBryan's greatest @WWE career moments!#ThankYouDanielBryanhttps://t.co/8xPwuxWmIK

— Joey Styles (@JoeyStyles) February 8, 2016"

As it stands, there's no positive way to spin this. Bryan is one of the most electric performers in recent WWE history and is the company's biggest star not named John Cena. He could have been the company's face as Cena transitions to a more part-time role due to his burgeoning acting career but will likely instead take a behind-the-scenes role.

While we may find Bryan is an excellent announcer, general manager, what have you, it'll never make up for the years lost in the ring. This is a sad day for all wrestling fans. 

Follow Tyler Conway (@jtylerconway) on Twitter