Bryan Danielson
Our resident philosopher, Jay Shannon, profiles one of the newest WWE/NXT family. Bryan has worked Ring of Honor and the indies for many years.
From the Backyard to the Squared Circle
Bryan Danielson began his career as a "backyard wrestler" for the BCW organization. He utilized the nickname "The Dagger". He won the organization's heavyweight title while still in high school. Upon graduation from high school, Danielson decided to pursue a legit wrestling career. Danielson originally planned to train under Dean Malenko but Malenko gave up his training school. He suggested that Danielson head to Texas to train under Shawn Michaels and Rudy Boy Gonzales. He would take his first title, the TNA Tag Titles, with Brian "Spanky" Kendrick. Through Shawn Michaels' connections in the WWF, Danielson earned a developmental contract. He was relocated to the Memphis area for further training.
In Memphis, William Regal took on the role of mentor for the young rising star. It was Regal, by most accounts, that dubbed him "The American Dragoon", a nickname that would stick with him most of a decade. Danielson was released from his WWE developmental deal when WWF/E cut ties with Memphis Championship Wrestling.
After leaving the WWF, Danielson made several appearances in Japan, working for both FMW and New Japan. His American Dragon moniker was pushed even harder in Japan.
Ring of Honor
In 2002. Danielson helped to found the Ring of Honor organization. The fans instantly embraced him as one of their own. Danielson became well-known for his lengthy feuds. He faced Low-Ki (WWE's Kaval), (Christopher) Daniels, Austin Aries, and more. His most brutal extended feud was against Homicide that ended in a bloody steel cage match. By 2005, Danielson began to show frustration in not winning the ROH World title. He took a sabbatical to rethink his career. He also incorporated a European and Japanese tour.
On September 15, 2005, Danielson returned and won the company's World Title, defeating James Gibson (Jamie Noble). Danielson became involved in the cross-promotional ROH v CZW wars. Chris Hero set his sights on Danielson's ROH title. Danielson defeated Hero, several times.
ROH would eventually create the Pure Championship. There would be issues when both titles were set as equals. That would eventually lead to a major feud between Danielson and Nigel McGuiness (Desmond Wolfe) to unify the titles. Danielson would eventually lose the title to Homicide. Danielson would eventually team with Austin Aries to go after the ROH World Tag titles.
The NXT step
In August, 2009, Danielson signed on with the WWE. He went to FCW for WWE Training. When ECW was replaced with NXT, Danielson was called up. He was forced to adjust his name to Daniel Bryan. He was partnered with The Miz, which irritated him. A feud is brewing.
In Conclusion:
Bryan Danielson has been a fantastic star in Ring of Honor. He has the potential to be a top star in WWE. There are tons of clips available for download at Clickwrestle.com. Bryan's bio and photos. are available over at OnlineWorldofWrestling.com
--Jay Shannon
Jade89512@yahoo.com
