Daniel Bryan: Top Moment and More for WWE Superstar of the Week of Feb. 13

In a television interview, recorded in 2001, a dejected Daniel Bryan spoke about his disappointment after being cut from WWE developmental. The man had given his dream the best shot that he could, but at that point, he was looking to find work as an English teacher.

Fifteen years later, the man dubbed the American Dragon has gone on to have one of the most remarkable pro wrestling careers the industry has ever seen.

Rather than wrestling one of his trademark technical masterclasses, getting the crowd on side with his patented will to win or demonstrating his considerable knack for comedy, Bryan's biggest contribution to this week's slate of WWE programming was a simple, heartfelt speech.

Despite that, it would seem totally inaccurate to call anyone else the Superstar of the Week.

WWE Superstar of the Week of February 13: Daniel Bryan

When Daniel Bryan signed with WWE in 2009, he was already regarded as one of the best in the world thanks to his work on the independent scene. The bulk of the WWE audience might have been oblivious, but those who were familiar with his abilities were fiercely defensive.

"

just watched some 2009 best of ROH clips.. some featuring NXT's daniel bryan. dude gots TONS of talent! i hope WWE doesn't hold him down.

— Jas Hall (@blakhoode) March 23, 2010"

There was an idea the company would somehow waste Bryan's massive potential for success. From 2005 up to his hiring, he had picked up the Wrestling Observer Newsletter award for Best Technical Wrestler—renamed for Bryan in the wake of his retirement, as per Cageside Seats—every single year.

However, the company was known to mishandle stars who were better in the ring than they were on the microphone, especially if they didn't fit the typical WWE blueprint for a main event competitor.

Credit: WWE.com

In June 2010, the worst fears of anyone hoping to see Bryan become a huge success were realized. Just as he was set to take a starring role in The Nexus, he was let go after advertisers complained his choking out of ring announcer Justin Roberts with a tie was too violent for television.

Bryan would return to the independents, and for all intents and purposes, it seemed like another case of what might have been. However, when cooler heads prevailed, he was brought back in time for SummerSlam 2010—and the rest is history.

Daniel Bryan's Defining Moment for the Week of February 13: Delivering His Retirement Speech on Monday Night Raw

Not many pro wrestlers get to end their in-ring careers as the focus of the closing segment of Raw—especially not a highly prized broadcast on the Road to WrestleMania.

The type of spotlight thrown on Bryan this Monday should demonstrate the heights to which he managed to ascend. Despite the fact it often seemed like WWE didn't know what they had with him while he was active, it was fitting he was treated with such respect after hanging up his boots.

Bryan's greatest strength as a fan favourite was his down-to-earth persona. While so many successful pro wrestlers have gone larger than life in an attempt to capture the imagination of the audience, Bryan managed the same feat by presenting a believable, relatable presence.

However, it's fair to say we've never seen Bryan quite as transparent as he was on Monday night. An emotional farewell saw him touch on his love for pro wrestling, his relationship with his wife, Brie Bella, and his great sadness at being forcibly removed from a vocation that's defined much of his adult life.

Despite this, it was a hugely uplifting sight to see. Bryan repeatedly referred to his gratitude for the opportunities his career had afforded to him. I'm sure I'm not alone in feeling grateful to have seen such a seminal practitioner of pro wrestling enjoy a truly outstanding career.

Social Response

The response to Daniel Bryan's retirement on social media has been massive, and far-reaching. Fans, wrestlers and just about anyone who ever crossed paths with him have been quick to share their best wishes and thanks.

"

Couldn't imagine not being able to be in this business. Heart goes out to @WWEDanielBryan #ThankYouDanielBryan pic.twitter.com/14GsIGMnsB

— Mark Dallas (@RealMarkDallas) February 10, 2016"

"

Excalibur thanking Bryan Danielson/Daniel Bryan for everything he contributed to PWG. #BOWIE

— mark (@seethekidwin) February 13, 2016"

Of course, the news has also led to further calls for more to be done about the way that WWE, and other contact sports, handle concussions.

From the earliest portion of his career to his final WWE run, it's understood that concussions and head trauma were a major issue for Bryan. There's hope he managed to catch the issue before it became too late. He clearly wants to impart his wisdom onto younger athletes.

However, the biggest part of response to Bryan's retirement was simply stories from people he met along the way.

"

True fact.

I once beat @WWEDanielBryan at rock, paper, scissors for the last Gatorade at a show.

In which he still took and drank. #Heel

— Ricochet (@KingRicochet) February 9, 2016"

In the high-stakes world of pro wrestling, there are plenty of individuals who build up the wrong sort of reputation. Conversely, you'd struggle to find anyone who has a bad word to say about Daniel Bryan.

What was your favourite match or moment from Daniel Bryan's career? Join the discussion in the comments section below.