Daniel Bryan Explains Retirement Decision During Speech on WWE Raw

Daniel Bryan said goodbye to the WWE Universe on Monday.

The former WWE world heavyweight champion shocked wrestling fans when he announced on Twitter that he is retiring from in-ring competition:

With Raw being in his home state of Washington, Bryan addressed his decision to call it quits as his famous "Yes!" chant echoed throughout KeyArena in Seattle. A trimmed-up Bryan said it was the first time he could take a step back to enjoy the energy of the crowd while adding in some humor.

"Now, it's time for me to address the giant elephant in the room," Bryan said, per WWE. "I know, I know. I didn't want to shave my beard, either."

But Bryan noted he shaved his beard and got a haircut for a good cause: to support Wigs for Kids, an organization that provides hair for kids diagnosed with cancer.

After lightening the mood, Bryan gave his reasoning for deciding to retire, stating it was due in large part to the number of concussions he suffered throughout his career.

He said he continued to train and was told he was fine after a few tests. About a week ago, though, doctors told him his brain isn't as healthy as he thought it was. Bryan went on to say he has a life beyond wrestling to think about with his wife, Brie Bella, and the two want to start a family.

Bryan also mentioned the word "grateful" numerous times throughout his speech, noting how grateful he was to have worked with numerous wrestling greats such as Kane and William Regal. He also said how grateful he was to the fans who stormed the ring in the same KeyArena during the buildup to WrestleMania 30, which was also the last time Bryan's father saw his son live in the ring before he died on April 21.

WWE provided a clip of Bryan talking about sharing the moment with people who love him:

"Wrestling doesn't owe us anything," Bryan said, per WWE. "We do this because we love to do this."

Bryan's speech concluded with his asking the Seattle crowd to join him and his wife in one final "Yes!" chant, per WWE:

WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley shared his thoughts on Bryan's farewell speech:

WWE Superstar Dolph Ziggler also chimed in:

With in-ring competition behind him, Bryan could become an NXT trainer if he wants to remain involved with company operations. His experience would be a welcome addition to a roster that's already thriving in popularity.