10 Best Wrestling Matches For A Free Agent Daniel Bryan
The best in the world reclaims his throne?
It's been nearly two years since Daniel Bryan last competed in a wrestling ring, and over a year since he made a tearful retirement speech on Monday Night Raw. Despite the fact that the former WWE Champion felt like he was still in the prime of his career, damage accumulated from repeated concussions meant that WWE's doctors would not clear him to compete.
At the time, rumors swirled that Bryan wanted to get out of his WWE contract and compete in other organizations where medical requirements weren't as stringent. This past Tuesday on Talking Smack, Bryan gave life to those rumors once again; when The Miz called him out for no longer being able to wrestle, Bryan made a surprising retort about what he'd be doing in a year and a half. Presumably, that's when his WWE contract ends and he'd be free to compete where he pleases.
To be honest, Daniel Bryan should not ever wrestle again. Even though his personal doctors have told him he can get in the ring, when it comes to concussions and brain health, it's better to err on the side of caution. Still, if it's going to happen, it's impossible not to imagine some of the dream bouts that could come as a result of Bryan's return to the ring.
10. Katsuyori Shibata
Daniel Bryan already said that he'd love to compete for New Japan Pro Wrestling, and it's little wonder. Not only has Bryan worked for the company before, but for the past several years, NJPW has been putting out the undisputed best wrestling product on the planet.
To be fair, stepping into a match with former NEVER Openweight Champion Katsuyori Shibata might be the equivalent of Bryan jumping into the deep end of a pool - a former MMA fighter, Shibata is famous for his hard-hitting style and jaw-rattling strikes. Still, when it comes to strikes and submissions - the "Strong Style" that gave New Japan its identity - Bryan is certainly no slouch, and he can trade stiff kicks with the best of them.
They'd have to lay off the head strikes, but just imagining Shibata and Bryan rolling on the mat looking for arm- or leg-locks paints a portrait of a great technical exhibition. There's also the exciting prospect of seeing Bryan avoid a Penalty Kick and roll Shibata up for a long two count - as you can see, there's some thought and logic behind this.