It’s Wrestlemania weekend and there are so many options for wrestling fans this weekend that you almost can’t keep track of it all! Les and Vic start this edition of Wrestling Weekly talking about how great it is to have so many options, then move into discussing Daniel Bryan (8:16) being removed from all WWE related appearances and his request for time off. Perhaps the new documentary on Bryan airing on WWE Network has a clue or two as to why he made that request. Vic has a theory he’ll float about a combination of circumstances that might have been the cause. From there, we’ll discuss recent comments from both Drew Galloway and Mick Foley (23:34) regarding WWE creative and speaking up about what you’re given. They’re not talking about exactly the same things, but there might be an interesting parallel or two there. The New Day are inducting the Freebirds into the HOF, which got Les and a friend talking about why Kevin Von Erich wasn’t asked and that conversation left Les feeling like he needed to vent a bit (37:18). We’ll wrap the show with our Wrestlemania predictions (47:13). Hope you enjoy all the great wrestling this weekend and thanks for listening~!
Les and Vic return after a brief absence to explain why they’ve been gone and to get into the biggest stories of the week. Of course, that means starting with the retirement of Daniel Bryan, aka. Bryan Danielson (12:23), including memories and personal interactions with him from Les and Vic’s theory on why Bryan was someone who no matter what WWE did or didn’t do with him, the fans just wouldn’t let him fade away. That takes us to the importance of “shifting gears” (32:13); why changing things up from normal patterns is good.
Then, we’ll open up the mailbag (42:45) for Les to share his personal concussion history and how the business treated head injuries in his day, the suspension of Titus O’Neal (45:53) and what is appropriate conduct between wrestler and promoter, and who from today would Les have enjoyed getting into the ring with (69:05). Thanks for listening and have a great weekend~!
Getting back on the horse with the first of two shows in the next few days, the original alternate is back with topics that include, but aren’t limited to: Titus O’Neil’s suspension, Bryan Danielson warm and fuzzy water-colored memories of the way he (and the mid-00’s midwest indie scene) was, What Brauny the Strowman’s gimmick would have been if he had come around in the 70’s, NOAH’s Helen Keller Memorial Show on 1/31, some New Japan notes, and more. It’s the show that puts the second B in BxB Hulk; It’s the Adam and Mike BIG AUDIO NIGHTMARE; Proudly here at F4WOnline.com.
For wrestling fans, the saga of Daniel Bryan’s health in recent years with WWE has been, in a word, tragic. A month after he finally won the WWE title at Wrestlemania 30 to culminate an incredible fan-fueled and improbable run, he had to undergo neck surgery that saw him stripped of the title and on the shelf for nearly a year.
After winning the Intercontinental title at Wrestlemania 31, he had to relinquish the belt weeks later due to concussion-related issues. Since that time, it’s been a constant drumbeat of “Will he come back? When will he come back? He’s coming back…right?” questions.
With NXT on fire, AJ Styles now becoming a force in WWE, and Nakamura on the way, the thought of Bryan getting in that mix was oh-so-tantalizing for those of us wanting to see one of the very best in the ring ply his trade with his peers once again.
But on Monday, the wrestling world got confirmation of the bad news we had all felt might be coming as Bryan Lloyd Danielson tweeted that on the February 8th edition of RAW, he will officially retire, leaving behind the life of an active wrestler that he’s lived for 17 years.
Due to medical reasons, effective immediately, I am announcing my retirement. Tonight on Raw, I’ll have a chance to elaborate. #gratitude
The 34-year-old Danielson accomplished nearly everything you could ever want to in the world of pro wrestling, competing in Japan, being part of the founding class of Ring of Honor, working with nearly every major independent talent out there, and eventually signing with WWE in August 2009. A memorable run on NXT with the Miz eventually led to bigger and better things, save a ridiculous firing due to him choking out ring announcer Justin Roberts with a tie in a June 2010 RAW-closing angle.
He eventually returned and made an impact, regardless of how WWE tried to position him. He is the company’s 26th Triple Crown champion, and the company’s 15th Grand Slam champion. He did lose his World title to Sheamus in just 18 seconds at Wrestlemania 28 in a head scratcher, but he started the “Yes Movement”, had a memorable partnership and feud with Kane, had plenty of incredible matches, and found a place in the hearts of those who had never heard of him before he came to WWE while cementing himself with those that knew how special he was all along.
Tonight on RAW, Danielson bids farewell to the dream of returning to the squared circle and we’ll all be along for the gut-wrenching explanation as to why.
