7 Cruelest Wrestling Ironies

2. Daniel Bryan Finally Gets To The Top And Then Forced To Retire

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WWE.com

There are few more depressing stories in the pro wrestling world in 2016 than the plight of Daniel Bryan. 

Making his in-ring debut way back in 1999, a young Bryan Danielson worked his tail off to become one of the most cherished pieces of wrestling talent on the planet. Even before he had signed for WWE, fans were buzzing about his red-hot performances and sheer dedication to his craft in companies like ROH and Pro-Wrestling NOAH.

Upon signing with Vince McMahon's company, Bryan was overlooked more than coveted. It was perhaps only due to his own incredible skill and the sheer will of his fervent fan base that WWE finally acquiesced and allowed him access to the upper echelons of the roster. Following WrestleMania XXX in 2014, Bryan was a deserving WWE World Heavyweight Champion. Popular and talented beyond belief, he had it all.

Fast forward just 2 years later and the same man was left no choice but to stand in the ring on Monday Night Raw and reveal that he was retiring as a professional wrestler. Injury problems had mounted up, becoming so severe that doctors strongly advised Bryan never to wrestle again. Following his lengthy journey to the top of the mountain, Daniel Bryan was cruelly hurled from the summit in quick fashion.

There's little doubt that he deserved a lot more time to make top money and revel in the fruits of his labour.

Contributor

Lifelong wrestling, video game, music and sports obsessive who has been writing about his passions since childhood. Jamie started writing for WhatCulture in 2013, and has contributed thousands of articles and YouTube videos since then. He cut his teeth penning published pieces for top UK and European wrestling read Fighting Spirit Magazine (FSM), and also has extensive experience working within the wrestling biz as a manager and commentator for promotions like ICW on WWE Network and WCPW/Defiant since 2010. Further, Jamie also hosted the old Ministry Of Slam podcast, and has interviewed everyone from Steve Austin and Shawn Michaels to Bret Hart and Trish Stratus.