Bryan Danielson

Bryan Lloyd Danielson was born in Aberdeen, Washington, on May 22, 1981,{{cite web |last1=Milner|first1=John M.|last2=Clevett |first2=Jason |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/danielson_bryan.html|title=Bryan Danielson|access-date=February 20, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915202726/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/danielson_bryan.html|archive-date=September 15, 2018}} the son of therapist Darlene and lumberjack Donald "Buddy" Danielson.Yes: My Improbable Journey to the Main Event of WrestleMania (2015). Danielson, Bryan. Tello, Craig. ISBN: 9781785030437. His mother was pregnant with him for over 10 months. He has an older sister named Billie Sue. His father's job moved the family to Vernal, Utah, then to Albany, Oregon, before they returned to Aberdeen. His parents divorced over his father's alcoholism when Danielson was a child, though they remained on good terms. During his childhood, Danielson was shown a professional wrestling magazine by a friend, and has been a fan of wrestling ever since.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/01/24/20524306.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170723142345/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/01/24/20524306.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 23, 2017|title='Yes! Yes!' Daniel Bryan on top of the world |work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|first=Jan|last=Murphy|date=January 24, 2013|access-date=March 14, 2019}} He considered himself shy and antisocial as a child and teenager, but still competed in sports such as football and track and field.{{cite magazine|first=Kenny|last=Herzog|date=April 2, 2014|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/news/daniel-bryans-house-of-yes-20140402 |title=How Daniel Bryan Became Wrestlemania's Hottest Star|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180815131628/https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-sports/daniel-bryans-house-of-yes-107333/|archive-date=August 15, 2018|access-date=August 15, 2018}} To help his mother support the family after his parents' divorce, he and his sister both delivered newspapers as children, and later worked at McDonald's as teenagers. For a brief time in high school, he lived with his father in Castle Rock, Washington.

During his sophomore year at Aberdeen High School, Danielson decided to pursue a professional wrestling career and attempted to train at Dean Malenko's wrestling school in Florida. However, by the time he graduated in 1999, the school had closed down. Following a friend's suggestion, he instead began training under Shawn Michaels and Rudy Gonzalez at the Texas Wrestling Academy (TWA) in San Antonio, Texas.{{cite web |last=Clevett |first=Jason |url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/09/14/1838600.html |title=Fiery words from American Dragon|date=September 21, 2006|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915202652/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2006/09/14/1838600.html|archive-date=September 15, 2018}} After his wrestling debut in December 1999, he toured Japan with Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (FMW) alongside Lance Cade, a fellow trainee from the TWA, and they competed in several tag team matches.{{cite web |url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=86&page=4&year=1999&promotion=242 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230213133504/https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=86&page=4&year=1999&promotion=242 |archive-date=February 13, 2023 |title=Frontier Martial Arts (FMW) Matches Wrestled By Daniel Bryan |publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database |access-date=March 14, 2019}} He won the TWA Tag Team Championship with Spanky on March 21, 2000, defeating The Board of Education (Jeromy Sage and Ruben Cruz), but they dropped the titles back to The Board of Education two weeks later.{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=185|title=TWA Tag Team Championship|work=cagematch.net|access-date=March 14, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=185&page=5&reign=4|title=TWA Tag Team Championship|work=cagematch.net|access-date=March 14, 2019}}

While touring the country's independent circuit, Danielson was signed to a developmental deal by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) to work in their developmental system and was assigned to Memphis Championship Wrestling (MCW), where he gained exposure and was trained by WWF competitor William Regal, whom he credited as being instrumental in the development of his career. During this time, he adopted his moniker of the "American Dragon".{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=21327 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080117035419/http://www.wrestlingobserver.com:80/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=21327 |archive-date=January 17, 2008 |title=Bryan Danielson interview |last=Meltzer| first=Dave |author-link=Dave Meltzer |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |date=November 14, 2007 |access-date=January 17, 2008}} WWF severed its ties with MCW in 2001, but not before Danielson won the MCW Light Heavyweight Championship and the MCW Tag Team Championship with Spanky. After 18 months with the company, he was released from his WWF contract in July 2001. Danielson revealed in his 2015 autobiography that he was close to being called up to the main roster during the 2001 Royal Rumble match: he explained that the WWF thought of using him as one of their key figures in the newly created cruiserweight division, which was inspired by World Championship Wrestling (WCW).{{Cite web |last=Woodward |first=Hamish |date=2023-01-26 |title=Daniel Bryan Almost Made WWE Debut Around 2001 Royal Rumble - Atletifo |url=https://atletifo.com/wrestling/daniel-bryan-almost-made-wwe-debut-around-2001-royal-rumble/ |access-date=2023-01-26 |language=en-GB}}

In 2002, Danielson wrestled two matches for the renamed World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) despite not being a contracted performer for the company. He was quickly defeated by both Sean O'Haire and Little Guido in his two appearances.{{cite web|url=http://wrestlingdata.com/index.php?befehl=bios&wrestler=317&bild=1&details=7&liga=3&jahr=2002|title=The 2 WWE matches fought by Daniel Bryan in 2002|publisher=wrestlingdata.com|date=November 9, 2016|access-date=November 9, 2016}} He went on to make four additional non-contracted appearances for WWE in 2003 on its secondary shows, Velocity and Heat, initially as enhancement talent before being allowed to compete in longer matches; he wrestled Jamie Noble at a Velocity taping in January, Rico at a Heat taping in February, John Cena at a Velocity taping also in February, and made his final appearance in November in a tag team match against Paul London and Spanky at a Velocity taping, in which he was partnered with John Walters. This was his final appearance for the promotion for over five years.

Danielson went to Japan after his release from the WWF, competing in Japan's premier promotion, New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW), where he used his American Dragon persona and donned a red, white and blue mask reminiscent of a dragon.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}} As a part of the junior heavyweight division, Danielson had success in both singles and tag team competition in the company, winning (without wearing a mask) the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship with Curry Man on March 12, 2004.{{cite web|title=NJPW Hyper Battle tour results |url=http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/hyper01.php |publisher=Strong Style Spirit |access-date=July 8, 2007 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20070929104623/http://puroresufan.com/njpw/results/hyper01.php |archive-date=September 29, 2007 |url-status=dead}}

File:Count Danielson.jpg

In 2002, Danielson joined the independent promotion Ring of Honor (ROH), where he is acknowledged as a "Founding Father" of the company.{{cite web |title=Bryan Danielson: The American Dragon (2 Disc Set) |url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/product/bryan-danielson-american-dragon-2-disc-set |publisher=Ring of Honor |access-date=September 16, 2012 |archive-date=September 22, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120922133015/http://www.rohwrestling.com/product/bryan-danielson-american-dragon-2-disc-set |quote=One of the founding fathers of Ring of Honor, Bryan Danielson fought to earn his reputation as one of the best wrestlers in the world from day one and helped put ROH on the wrestling map. |url-status=dead}} On February 23, 2002, he competed in the main event of the company's debut event, The Era of Honor Begins, in a three-way match against Christopher Daniels and Low Ki, a match that Low Ki won.{{cite web |title=Ring of Honor – The Era of Honor Begins |url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/020223.html |website=Online World of Wrestling |date=February 23, 2002 |access-date=April 19, 2021}}{{cite web |url=http://www.profightdb.com/cards/roh/the-era-of-honor-begins-638.html |title=The Era of Honor Begins |access-date=April 19, 2021}}{{cite web |first=Samuel |last=Berman |date=January 30, 2007 |url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/columns/50208/ |title=The-Independent-Mid-Card-01.30.07:-Danielson-vs.-Rave.htm 411mania.com: Wrestling – The Independent Mid-Card 01.30.07: Danielson vs. Rave |work=411 Mania |access-date=April 19, 2021}} One of his matches with Austin Aries, performed on August 7, 2004, at Testing the Limit, lasted seventy-four minutes before Aries was finally declared the victor.{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=1258|title=ROH Testing The Limit|work=Cagematch.net|access-date=March 14, 2019}} One of the more notable rivalries he had in the early years in the company was with Homicide, as the two fought numerous matches with a variety of stipulations, culminating in a steel cage match on May 13, 2005, at The Final Showdown, where Danielson was victorious.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_15623.shtml|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121008024230/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_15623.shtml|url-status=dead|title=12/17 ROH in Edison, N.J.: Low Ki vs. KENTA in main event match of year contender|date=December 18, 2005|last=Magee|first=Bob|archive-date=October 8, 2012|access-date=February 5, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}

Despite winning the company's inaugural Survival of the Fittest tournament in 2004,{{cite web | url = http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event | title = Past events | access-date = July 16, 2013 | work = Ring of Honor | url-status = dead | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130322142414/http://www.rohwrestling.com/live/events/past-event | archive-date = March 22, 2013 }} Bryan did not win a ROH title. In 2005, Danielson explained in the company's newsletter, The ROH Newswire, that he had quit ROH after being frustrated by his inability to defeat Austin Aries for the ROH World Championship. It was later revealed Danielson had become frustrated in general with professional wrestling and planned to take some time off to evaluate his career options.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlemag.com/news/index.php?p=376|title=Danielson evaluates options|work=Ring of Honor|publisher=Wrestle Mag}} However, Danielson had several dates booked in Europe and Japan, leading fans to believe that the periodical was likely a storyline claim for Danielson's absence during this period.

Danielson defeated James Gibson for the ROH World Championship at Glory by Honor IV on September 15, 2005.{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohworldtitle.php|title=Ring of Honor Title|access-date=April 5, 2010|publisher=Ring of Honor|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100412035906/http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohworldtitle.php|archive-date=April 12, 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/24/15320|title=Glory By Honor IV|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927011010/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman/exec/view.cgi/24/15320|archive-date=September 27, 2007}} The rest of the year saw Danielson have successful title defenses even against wrestlers from other companies, such as Pro Wrestling Noah star Naomichi Marufuji at Final Battle on December 17.{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=5059|title=ROH Final Battle 2005 « Events Database « CAGEMATCH.net|work=cagematch.net|access-date=March 14, 2019}}

At the beginning of 2006, Chris Hero, a representative from Combat Zone Wrestling (CZW), invaded ROH and targeted Danielson—the two exchanged words over the internet before having a match together, with nearly the entire roster of both companies embarking on an interpromotional feud.Meltzer, Bill. "The ROH-CZW Philly Turf War." Pro Wrestling Illustrated May 2006: 40–43. Danielson became personally invested in this feud and invaded CZW himself, which led to him having physical altercations with a number of CZW wrestlers.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/58491/roh-retro-looking-back-at-the-rohczw-war.html?p=1|title=ROH Retro: Looking Back At The ROH-CZW War|publisher=PWInsider|first=Stuart|last=Carapola|date=May 31, 2011}} Hero intensified the rivalry, leading to the two wrestling at ROH's Hell Freezes Over event on January 14, where Danielson successfully defended the ROH World Championship.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/95079/roh-hell-freezes-over-retro-review-chris-hero-finally-debuts-in-roh-challenges-bryan-danielson-for-the-world-title-and-kicking-off-the-rohczw-war.html?p=1|title=ROH Hell Freezes Over Retro Review: Chris Hero Finally Debuts In Roh, Challenges Bryan Danielson For The World Title And Kicking Off The ROH-CZW War|publisher=PWInsider|first=Stuart|last=Carapola|date=July 27, 2015}} On July 15 at Death Before Dishonor IV, he soon filled the vacant slot on ROH's five-man team which participated in one of CZW's more popular attractions, a steel cage match called the Cage of Death, a ten-man tag team match in which a man from each team starts in the cage and a random wrestler enters periodically thereafter. During the match, Danielson turned on his team by assaulting his rival Samoa Joe before leaving the match and effectively abandoning his involvement in the animosity between the two promotions.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}} As the interpromotional hostility with CZW heightened, Danielson also defended against challengers from the rival company, who had signed an open contract for any CZW wrestler willing to challenge for the ROH World Championship. Former champion Samoa Joe also challenged Danielson at Fight of the Century on August 5, but their match ended in a 60-minute draw.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}

File:Danielsonlive.jpg

While having the ROH World Championship, ROH faced the issue of having another title with seemingly equal value, the ROH Pure Championship. Danielson and the ROH Pure Champion Nigel McGuinness had a match to unify the titles. They met at April 29 in a match fought under pure wrestling rules and McGuinness left Danielson outside the ring after a chair shot to win by countout—this was enough to retain the Pure title, but not to win Danielson's World Championship. They had another unification match in McGuinness's native England; ROH decided that there had to be a winner, with a title changing hands by countout and disqualification and a draw forcing a restart.{{cite web|last=DeRosenroll|first=Mike|title=ROH History: Classic Feud – History of Nigel McGuinness vs. Bryan Danielson|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_35663.shtml|publisher=PWTorch|access-date=November 15, 2010|date=September 26, 2009}} Danielson won the match on August 12 and retired the Pure title as its last champion (the title would be reinstated in 2020).{{cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/roh-reviving-pure-championship-tournament-for-new-champion-to-start-in-april/|title=411MANIA|website=ROH Reviving Pure Championship, Tournament For New Champion to Start in April|first=Jeremy |last=Thomas|date=January 31, 2020|access-date=February 9, 2020}} During a match with Colt Cabana on August 26, Danielson suffered a real injury when he separated his shoulder, tearing two tendons in it and he tore another tendon in his chest.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}} Danielson returned at Glory by Honor V: Night 2 on September 16 and was challenged by Kenta, a guest competitor from NOAH, due to the two companies' talent exchange agreement—Danielson again retained his championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/content/2006-ring-honor-results|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150418082947/http://www.rohwrestling.com/content/2006-ring-honor-results|title=2006 Ring of Honor Official results|date=September 16, 2007|archive-date=April 18, 2015|quote=Bryan Danielson defeated Kenta to retain the ROH World Title|publisher=Ring of Honor|access-date=April 17, 2016|url-status=dead}} At Final Battle on December 23, Danielson's fifteen-month title reign finally ended after he lost to Homicide at his 39th defense and he subsequently took time off from wrestling in order to heal his shoulder.

On May 11, 2007, Danielson returned to ROH at Reborn Again and defeated Shane Hagadorn and Adam Pearce in separate matches. On May 12, ROH filmed its first pay-per-view, Respect is Earned, which had Danielson team with ROH World Champion Takeshi Morishima against Nigel McGuinness and Kenta. Danielson's team won after Danielson made Kenta tap out to his signature submission hold, the Cattle Mutilation. Danielson vied to contend for the ROH World Championship by defeating McGuinness at Domination on June 9, which appeared on the company's next pay per view named Driven which took place on June 23, but was aired on September 21.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/070609.html|title=ROH Domination|date=June 9, 2007|access-date=July 3, 2009}} This allowed him, now as a fan favorite, to challenge Morishima for the title at Manhattan Mayhem II on August 25 in a losing effort{{citation needed|date=February 2019}} in which he also suffered a legitimate detached retina.{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com|title=Danielson injured|last=Sapolsky|first=Gabe|access-date=June 9, 2009|publisher=Ring of Honor}} Following surgery, he fought Morishima again in a match at Man Up on September 15, but the referee stopped the match since Danielson was unable to respond to him.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_23805.shtml|title=ROH PPV Report: Coverage of "Man Up" PPV|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 27, 2010|date=December 2, 2007}} In a rematch at Rising Above on December 29, Morishima was disqualified.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}} Morishima returned to the company at Final Battle on December 27, 2008, in a match billed as a "Fight Without Honor" in which both men were allowed weapons and which Danielson won.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}} Danielson commented in March 2012 on how he felt validated at Final Battle 2008, because he and Morishima managed to get 2,500 people to see the show in New York City.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE News: D-Bryan radio interview – career validation came at ROH event, not at WM28; why WWE didn't like him at first; using WM27 disappointment with Sheamus as motivation|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_59753.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 29, 2012}}

As part of ROH's agreement with Pro Wrestling Noah, the company held a show in Japan named Tokyo Summit on September 14, where Danielson wrestled GHC Junior Heavyweight Champion Yoshinobu Kanemaru and won the championship. Following his victory, NOAH allowed him to defend the title in Ring of Honor,{{citation needed|date=February 2019}} with his first defense being at Glory By Honor VII on September 20, defeating Katsuhiko Nakajima.{{cite web|url=http://noah.puroresufan.com/?p=14|title=Glory by Honor VII|publisher=Puroresu Fan|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081007073452/http://noah.puroresufan.com/?p=14|archive-date=October 7, 2008}} However, this was his only successful defense as he returned to Japan on October 13 to lose the title to Kenta.{{cite web|url=http://noah.puroresufan.com/?p=84|title=NOAH Autumn Navigation 2008, Hiroshima Green Arena|date=October 13, 2008|publisher=Puroresu Fan|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081227220010/http://noah.puroresufan.com/?p=84|archive-date=December 27, 2008}} Following his loss, Danielson challenged McGuinness for the ROH World Championship at the next ROH pay-per-view Rising Above on November 22, in a losing effort.{{cite web|url=http://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=34229|title=ROH Rising Above 2008|access-date=March 4, 2015|publisher=Cagematch}} Ring of Honor made its national television debut with the program Ring of Honor Wrestling and Danielson made his television debut in the main event of its third episode on February 28, 2009 by defeating Austin Aries.{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/_090228/|title=ROH on HDNet Tapings|access-date=February 28, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090408210640/http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/roh/_090228/|archive-date=April 8, 2009}}

In the fall of 2009, Danielson signed with WWE after a farewell tour with ROH, during which he challenged Aries for the title again and lost.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1253460874.php|title=9/19 ROH Results: Chicago Ridge, IL|publisher=WrestleView|date=September 20, 2009|access-date=June 8, 2010}} On September 26 at Glory by Honor VIII: The Final Countdown, he won his last match in the company against McGuinness, who was also having his final match with the company until 2023.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1254065751.php|title=9/26 ROH Results: New York, NY|date=September 27, 2009|access-date=January 26, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|publisher=WrestleView}}

Aside from competing primarily in ROH, Danielson has also competed in a multitude of other independent promotions, both in the United States and abroad.{{cite web|url=http://grantland.com/features/the-masked-man-wwe-underdogs-cm-punk-daniel-bryan-zack-ryder/|title=WWE Underdogs, This Is Your Moment|last=Shoemaker|first=David|date=January 6, 2012|website=Grantland|publisher=ESPN|access-date=November 28, 2018}} In 2003, he toured the United Kingdom for the British promotion All Star Wrestling (ASW), where he sometimes used the name Dynamic Dragon.{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=2&nr=86&page=4&year=2003&promotion=45|title=2003 ASW matches fought by Daniel Bryan|work=cagematch.net|access-date=June 9, 2018}} While there, he won the World Heavy Middleweight Championship on May 6 in an eight-man one-night tournament in Croydon, defeating James Mason. He spent the next six months in the United Kingdom, working for ASW, Frontier Wrestling Alliance (FWA), the World Association of Wrestling (WAW), and Premier Promotions. He returned several times over the next five years, working for various promotions. In February 2005 at New Dawn Rising, he made his debut in ROH's sister promotion, Full Impact Pro (FIP), teaming up with Rocky Romero in a match against Austin Aries and Homicide.[http://www.fullimpactpro.com/results/results2005.htm#dawn Full Impact Pro] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070626101516/http://fullimpactpro.com/results/results2005.htm|date=June 26, 2007}}. Full Impact Pro (January 7, 2005). Retrieved on April 16, 2011. The next night at Dangerous Intentions, Danielson competed in a losing effort against CM Punk,[http://www.fullimpactpro.com/results/results2005.htm#intentions Full Impact Pro] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070626101516/http://fullimpactpro.com/results/results2005.htm|date=June 26, 2007}}. Full Impact Pro (January 7, 2005). Retrieved on April 16, 2011. which led to a brief feud between the two.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}} Danielson's biggest success came in 2006 by winning the FIP Heavyweight Championship,{{cite web|url=http://solie.org/titlehistories/htfip.html|title=FIP World Heavyweight Championship Title History|publisher=Solie Title Histories|access-date=April 8, 2009}} holding the belt for eleven months before losing it to Roderick Strong. Danielson wrestled his last match for FIP in December 2006 at Florida Rumble, where he lost to Erick Stevens.[http://www.fullimpactpro.com/results/results2006.htm Full Impact Pro] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100311213934/http://www.fullimpactpro.com/results/results2006.htm|date=March 11, 2010}}. Full Impact Pro. Retrieved on April 16, 2011.

File:2008 BOLA participants.jpg annual Battle of Los Angeles tournament in 2008, losing in the semi-final to Chris Hero.]]

Danielson also wrestled in the Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) promotion. He made his debut in November 2003 at An Inch Longer Than Average in a losing effort to PWG Champion Frankie Kazarian.[http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/2003/show0005.html An Inch Longer Than Average], prowrestlingguerrilla.com He continued to appear in PWG over the next couple of years, winning the PWG World Championship in 2007 and holding it for six months before taking an eleven-month hiatus from the company. He made his return to PWG at the 2008 Battle of Los Angeles tournament. In April 2009, at PWG: One Hundred, Danielson defeated Kenny Omega. The match was notable for its opening, which included Omega and Danielson performing variable tests of strength, including arm wrestling and a thumb war, before singing "John Jacob Jingleheimer Schmidt" along with the crowd. In May, he made another appearance teaming with Paul London, referring to himself as "American Dolphin" in a parodied manner.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSh2s_lmthI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/FSh2s_lmthI |archive-date=December 13, 2021 |url-status=live|title=PWG One-Hundred: Paul London & Bryan Danielson|date=April 22, 2009|access-date=April 26, 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla on YouTube}}{{cbignore}} On September 4 at Guerre Sans Frontières during his last night in PWG, Danielson defeated Chris Hero to win the PWG World Championship for the second time and immediately vacated it afterward.{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/world_champion/champion014.html|title=Bryan Danielson's second reign|access-date=September 5, 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Guerrilla}}

Following his return from his injury in 2007, the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA) published a video of Danielson stating his intent to challenge for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship, as the establishment that sanctioned the title at the time, Total Nonstop Action Wrestling, was relinquishing the title back to the NWA.{{cite web|title=Championship: American Dragon makes a challenge|url=http://www.nwawrestling.com/PHP-Nuke/modules.php?name=News&file=categories&op=newindex&catid=6|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070505021320/http://www.nwawrestling.com/PHP-Nuke/modules.php?name=News&file=categories&op=newindex&catid=6|archive-date=May 5, 2007}} A tournament, titled Reclaiming the Glory, was held to determine the new champion with Danielson making his way to finals, scheduled to compete Brent Albright on September 1, but due to the eye injury he sustained at ROH's Manhattan Mayhem event,{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/article.aspx?id=1556|title=ROH Newswire for the Week of August 26th|date=August 27, 2007|quote=Danielson paid the price for the hard-hitting contest. He suffered a small orbital fracture and there is something wrong with his retina.}} he withdrew from the tournament and instead acted as the referee of the match.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}

In 2009, Danielson's contract with Ring of Honor expired, which opened up Danielson to travel to other companies more freely while competing in his home promotion.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1239315389.php?style=dark|title=Bryan Danielson's status with ROH|date=April 9, 2009|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=June 9, 2009|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|publisher=WrestleView}}

In 2009, Danielson also signed a short-term contract with German wrestling promotion Westside Xtreme Wrestling (wXw). Shortly after his debut, Danielson won the wXw World Heavyweight Championship against Bad Bones and held it over a month before losing it to Absolute Andy.

After his departure from wXw, Danielson made his debut with Philadelphia-based independent promotion CHIKARA to compete in their King of Trios tournament, which saw him team with Claudio Castagnoli and Dave Taylor in a contingency called Team Uppercut.{{cite web|url=http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=2994|title=Team Uppercut|access-date=June 20, 2009|archive-date=July 11, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120711111828/http://chikarafans.com/?page_id=2994|url-status=dead}} In the same year, Danielson competed in Dragon Gate USA's second show, losing to Open the Dream Gate Champion Naruki Doi.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_35087.shtml |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231211060245/https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_35087.shtml |archive-date=December 11, 2023 |title=9/6 Ongoing DGUSA "Open The Untouchable Gate" PPV Taping Results (Jimmy Jacobs debuts) |last=Radican |first=Sean |work=Pro Wrestling Torch |date=September 6, 2009 |access-date=September 1, 2024}}

File:DanielBryan.jpg house show in 2010]]

Danielson re-signed with WWE in August 2009,{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/news/114206/More-WWE-News:-WWE-Signs-Danielson,-Considering-Other-ROH-Wrestlers.htm|title=More WWE News: WWE Signs Danielson, Considering Other ROH Wrestlers|author=Ashish|date=August 24, 2009|access-date=April 10, 2018|publisher=411Mania}} under his real name.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/superstars/danielbryan|title=Daniel Bryan bio|publisher=WWE|access-date=June 15, 2012}} He made his debut on January 4, 2010, in a dark match prior to Raw, defeating Chavo Guerrero.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_37865.shtml|title=WWE News: Bryan Danielson débuts in Dark Match at tonight's Raw TV taping|date=January 4, 2010|last=Tucker|first=Benjamin|access-date=April 10, 2018|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} He went to Florida to train with Florida Championship Wrestling (FCW), the WWE developmental territory, to acclimate himself to his new work environment and work on his ring rust.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1262967244.php?style=dark|title=Update on Danielson's WWE status|date=January 8, 2008|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=April 10, 2018|work=Wrestleview}} He debuted at the FCW television tapings on January 14 and lost to Kaval.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}} At the February 11 tapings, he was given the ring name Daniel Bryan.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_38969.shtml|title=WWE News: Bryan Danielson gets a name change?|access-date=April 10, 2018|date=January 12, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch}} He later said that he was given a list of 10 possible ring names to use in WWE (including Daniel Bryan, Buddy Peacock, and Lloyd Bonaire) but his real name was not on the list.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2012/03/14/19500066.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170725184243/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2012/03/14/19500066.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 25, 2017|title=Daniel Bryan prepares a new catchphrase for Montreal|first=Patric|last=LaPrade|work=slam.canoe.com|date=March 15, 2012|access-date=April 10, 2018}} His name was given by William Regal.{{citation needed|date=February 2019}}

Bryan made his debut on the inaugural episode of NXT on February 23, losing by submission to then World Heavyweight Champion Chris Jericho and being attacked by his storyline mentor The Miz for disrespecting him earlier in the show.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/news2009/1266385708.php?style=dark|title=Cast information for WWE's NXT|date=February 17, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=February 17, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/23/13003631.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305014420/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/02/23/13003631.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 5, 2016|title=WWE NXT: Jericho, Bryan kick off series in style|date=February 23, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=February 24, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} he was eliminated from the show along with Michael Tarver.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/11/13914666.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160601083429/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/11/13914666.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 1, 2016|title=WWE NXT: Not 1, but 3 rookies eliminated from show|date=May 11, 2010| last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=May 15, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

On the May 31 episode of Raw, Bryan was granted a match against The Miz by guest host Ashton Kutcher, which he won and threw Miz into Cole at ringside after the match.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/31/14207496.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118000826/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/05/31/14207496.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 18, 2015|title=RAW: Ashton Kutcher hosts Killer show|date=May 31, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=June 1, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} On the June 7 episode of Raw, the faction known as The Nexus (NXT rookies from season one) invaded the WWE ring, attacking John Cena and causing destruction around the ringside area. On June 11, Danielson was fired from WWE for being too violent during the segment,{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/news/14734694|title=Daniel Bryan released|date=June 11, 2010|access-date=June 12, 2010|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment}} strangling ring announcer Justin Roberts with his own neck tie.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1276327124|title=New update on Danielson's release from WWE|date=June 12, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=June 12, 2010|publisher=WrestleView|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100720144948/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1276327124|archive-date=July 20, 2010}} Danielson noted that WWE apologized to him for his release, explaining that they "had sponsors they had to deal with". His release was put in a storyline, where the rest of the NXT rookies kicked him out of the group for showing remorse for his actions and declared that Bryan would never return to the WWE again.{{cite web |url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1276572395|title=Raw Results – 6/14/10|date=June 14, 2010|last=Stephens|first=David|access-date=June 27, 2010|publisher=WrestleView|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100719070731/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1276572395|archive-date=July 19, 2010}}

After being released, Danielson received several offers to sign with other wrestling companies, being contacted by TNA, albeit indirectly and some Japanese promotions. Two weeks after his departure from WWE, Danielson made his return to the independent circuit on June 26, defeating Eddie Kingston at the CHIKARA event We Must Eat Michigan's Brain.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_42202.shtml|title=6/26 Chikara in Detroit: Bryan Danielson returns to pro wrestling, is greeted by neck ties, hints at "big project" in the works|last1=Montes|first1=Nick|last2=Crawford|first2=Devin|last3=Vivyan|first3=Ric|date=June 27, 2010|access-date= June 27, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} Rather than receiving streamers, the fans instead threw neck ties in light of the Justin Roberts incident in WWE.{{cite web|last=Bishop|first=Matt|title=Danielson speaks following successful return to independent wrestling|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/26/14531491.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150925150226/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/06/26/14531491.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 25, 2015|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|access-date=June 28, 2010|date=June 26, 2010}} The following day at CHIKARA's Faded Scars and Lines, Danielson defeated Young Lions Cup holder Tim Donst in a non-title match.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_42217.shtml|title=6/27 Chikara results in Cleveland: Bryan Danielson's second return match, Danielson mentions TNA|last=Greer|first=Paul|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=June 28, 2010|access-date=June 28, 2010}} On July 3, Danielson returned to wXw, defeating Wade Fitzgerald and TJP in the round robin stage of the Ambition 1 tournament.{{cite web|url=http://www.wxw-wrestling.com/index2.php?content=event_history&id=192|title=wXw "Broken Rulz X"|access-date=July 6, 2010|publisher=Westside Xtreme Wrestling|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120316122922/http://www.wxw-wrestling.com/index2.php?content=event_history&id=192|archive-date=March 16, 2012}} The following day, he defeated TJP in a rematch and finally Johnny Moss in the finals of the tournament to win Ambition 1.{{cite web|url=http://www.wxw-wrestling.com/index2.php?content=event_history&id=209|title=Ambition "I"|access-date=July 6, 2010|publisher=Westside Xtreme Wrestling|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120425051634/http://www.wxw-wrestling.com/index2.php?content=event_history&id=209|archive-date=April 25, 2012}} On July 17, Danielson debuted in the International Wrestling Association (IWA), being booked to defeat Q.T. Marshall for the IWA Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship. On July 23, Danielson debuted in the fledgling EVOLVE promotion, which was originally conceived to be built around Danielson as their top star before he signed to WWE.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=DGUSA/Evolve News: Bryan Danielson back in the ring this weekend, preview for DGUSA anniversary show|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Other_News_4/article_42673.shtml|publisher=PWTorch|access-date=September 28, 2010|date=July 23, 2010}} In the main event, Danielson defeated Bobby Fish.{{cite magazine|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/14200/|title=Evolve report 7-23 Union City, NJ, Danielson vs. Fish|last=Risotto|first=J.D.|magazine=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|date=July 24, 2010|access-date=July 25, 2010}} The following day, Danielson returned to Dragon Gate USA and submitted Shingo in the dark match main event of Return of the Dragon.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1280086295|title=7/24 Dragon Gate USA PPV taping in Philadelphia|date=July 25, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=September 11, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}} After the match, Danielson joined BxB Hulk, Masato Yoshino, Naruki Doi and PAC as the fifth member of the stable World-1. On July 30, Danielson returned to Pro Wrestling Guerrilla, competing in a match where he defeated Roderick Strong.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_42811.shtml|title=7/30 PWG results in Reseda, Calif.: Complete real-time coverage of PWG anniversary show – Bryan Danielson, GenMe, Davey Richards vs. Chris Hero|date=July 31, 2010|last=Massingham|first=Matt|access-date=July 31, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On August 7, Danielson unsuccessfully challenged Adam Pearce for the NWA World Heavyweight Championship at the NWA Legends Fanfest.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/08/14958256.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151119233132/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/08/14958256.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 19, 2015|title=Day 3 Charlotte: Old legends, live matches|date=August 8, 2010|last=Mosorjak|first=Greg|author-link=Count Grog|access-date=August 13, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

Despite returning to WWE on August 15, Danielson honored most of his independent bookings, making his first appearance on August 20 and defeating Jon Moxley at Heartland Wrestling Association's Road to Destiny.{{cite web|url=http://hwaonline.com/results.htm |title=HWA results |access-date=August 23, 2010 |publisher=Heartland Wrestling Association|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120722154638/http://www.hwaonline.com/results.htm |archive-date=July 22, 2012 }} The following day, he was defeated by Drake Younger at Insanity Pro Wrestling's Ninth Anniversary Reign of the Insane.{{cite web |url=http://insanityprowrestling.com/results-2010.html |title=2010 match results |access-date=August 23, 2010 |publisher=Insanity Pro Wrestling|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100611065013/http://www.insanityprowrestling.com/results-2010.html |archive-date=June 11, 2010 }} On August 22, Danielson defeated J Freddie at a Squared Circle Wrestling event.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_43318.shtml|title=8/22 2CW results in New York: Bryan Danielson main-events, Jake Roberts announces retirement, American Wolves, Delaney (w/PICS)|last=Vincent|first=Patrick|date=August 23, 2010|access-date=August 23, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On September 10, he returned to the IWA using the name Daniel Bryan and lost the IWA Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship to Dennis Rivera.{{cite web|url=http://www.iwapr.tv/index.php?page=articulo&id=1284178085|title=Ultima Hora: Se corona un Nuevo Campeon|date=September 10, 2010|access-date=September 11, 2010|publisher=International Wrestling Association|language=es|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120504021645/http://www.iwapr.tv/index.php?page=articulo&id=1284178085|archive-date=May 4, 2012}} The following day, Danielson returned to EVOLVE by defeating Munenori Sawa in the main event.{{cite web|url=http://www.evolvewrestling.com/news/133.htm |title=EVOLVE 5 Results – Spoilers |date=September 13, 2010 |access-date=September 13, 2010 |work=EVOLVE|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717202537/http://www.evolvewrestling.com/news/133.htm |archive-date=July 17, 2011 }} Later that same night, Danielson wrestled for New York Wrestling Connection in a tag team match, where he and Tony Nese defeated Dimitrios Papadon and Alex Reynolds.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_43721.shtml|title=9/11 NYWC results in New York: Bryan Danielson works second show on Saturday, newly signed TNA wrestler wrestle|last=Lippe|first=Kenny|date=September 12, 2010|access-date=September 13, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On September 25, Danielson returned to Dragon Gate USA and defeated YAMATO in the main event of the evening.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_44056.shtml|title=9/25 DGUSA results in Chicago: Bryan Danielson's next-to-last independent match, Street fight, top-notch wrestling matches|last=Fleeman Martinez|first=Luke|date=September 26, 2010|access-date=September 26, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} The following day, Danielson defeated Jon Moxley.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Arena_Reports_10/article_44065.shtml|title=9/26 DGUSA results in Milwaukee: Second detailed report on Bryan Danielson's final indep. match & post-match promo, Ricochet continues 2010 rise, traditional Dragon Gate six-man tag|last=Fleeman Martinez|first= Luke|date=September 26, 2010|access-date=September 27, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On October 1, Danielson wrestled the last of his independent matches by defeating Shelton Benjamin at a Northeast Wrestling event.{{cite web|url=http://wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1286734725|title=Danielson works his final indy show on October 1|last=Martin|first=Adam|date=October 10, 2010|access-date=October 10, 2010|publisher=WrestleView|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110718121631/http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1286734725|archive-date=July 18, 2011}}

File:The Miz and Daniel Bryan.jpg mentor, The Miz]]

Danielson returned to WWE as Daniel Bryan at SummerSlam on August 15, 2010, where he was revealed as the surprise seventh member of Team WWE for the seven-on-seven elimination tag team match against The Nexus.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/08/15/15031141.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160113080749/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/08/15/15031141.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 13, 2016|title=Rumored return helps Team WWE fend off Nexus at SummerSlam|date=August 15, 2010|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick|access-date=August 16, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} Bryan was one of the two final members of Team WWE and managed to eliminate two members of The Nexus, but was eliminated by Wade Barrett after The Miz, whose place he took in Team WWE, attacked him.{{cite web|last=Passero|first=Mitch|title=Team WWE def. The Nexus (Elimination Tag Team Match)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/currentepisode/15092924|publisher=WWE|access-date=December 9, 2017}} Despite this, Team WWE won the match.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1281927624|title=SummerSlam: Team WWE vs. Team Nexus|date=August 15, 2010|last=Martin|first=Adam|access-date=August 16, 2010|publisher=WrestleView}} As part of the Raw roster, Bryan feuded with The Miz,{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/16/15045006.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920234959/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/08/16/15045006.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 20, 2016|title=RAW: Nexus rebounds; Darren Young exiled|date=August 16, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=August 17, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} defeating him at Night of Champions on September 19 to win the United States Championship, his first championship in WWE.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/09/20/15407301.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151019023438/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2010/09/20/15407301.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 19, 2015|title=Few gimmicks, more title changes at Night of Champions|date=September 20, 2010|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|access-date=September 20, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

Bryan then successfully defended the title two weeks later by defeating The Miz and John Morrison in a triple threat submissions count anywhere match at Hell in a Cell on October 3.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/10/04/15570631.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701032917/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/10/04/15570631.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 1, 2015|title=Hell in a Cell: Betrayal, fan interference, and flying shoes|date=October 4, 2010|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=October 4, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} At Bragging Rights on October 24, he went on to challenge then Intercontinental Champion Dolph Ziggler to a champion vs. champion match as a special attraction SmackDown vs. Raw match, defeating Ziggler in a highly acclaimed match. At Survivor Series on November 21, Bryan went on to successfully defend his title against Ted DiBiase.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/22/16270746.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105132813/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/22/16270746.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 5, 2015|title=RAW: The Miz cashes in as Nexus costs Orton WWE title|date=November 22, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=November 24, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} Bryan returned to NXT{{'}}s season four as the Pro to Rookie Derrick Bateman.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/30/16381991.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150704215239/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/30/16381991.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 4, 2015|title=WWE NXT: Season 3 mercifully ends with new breakout diva crowned|date=November 30, 2010|last=Bishop|first=Matt|access-date=December 1, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_45683.shtml|title=WWE News: NXT Season 4 cast – full list of Pros & Rookies for the new season of NXT, plus noticeable absences|date=November 30, 2010|last=Caldwell|first=James|access-date=December 1, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}

In late 2010, The Bella Twins began competing for Bryan's affection, leading to them supporting him at ringside and competing in mixed tag team matches together.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/22/16270746.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151105132813/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/11/22/16270746.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 5, 2015|title=RAW: The Miz cashes in as Nexus costs Orton WWE title|date=November 22, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=April 14, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/12/21/16627431.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703040335/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2010/12/21/16627431.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 3, 2015|title=RAW: No Nexus, no problem|date=December 21, 2010|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=April 14, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/17/16926621.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122135142/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/17/16926621.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 22, 2016|title=RAW: The Rumble and The Nexus grow|date=January 17, 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=April 14, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} On the January 24, 2011 episode of Raw, it was revealed that Bryan had been secretly dating Gail Kim, who began accompanying him to ringside.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/24/17020501.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927173646/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/24/17020501.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 27, 2015|title=RAW: Punk, Barrett battle for the Royal Rumble|date=January 24, 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=February 5, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/31/17106691.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150630235952/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/01/31/17106691.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 30, 2015|title=RAW: Jerry Lawler on the road to Wrestlemania|date=January 31, 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=February 5, 2010|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} On the March 14 episode of Raw, Bryan lost the United States Championship to Sheamus, ending his reign at 176 days.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/14/17616206.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150927121359/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/03/14/17616206.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 27, 2015|title=RAW: Cena wrecked on the Road to Wrestlemania|date=March 14, 2011|last=Plummer|first=Dale|access-date=March 22, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} Bryan was originally scheduled to have his rematch against Sheamus for the United States Championship on the main card at WrestleMania XXVII on April 3, but the match was rescheduled as a dark lumberjack match that ended in a no contest when the lumberjacks fought among themselves to trigger the start of a battle royal, which he lost.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemaniaxxvii/over-the-top-rope-battle-royal|title=The Great Khali won the Over-the-Top-Rope WrestleMania Battle Royal|date=April 3, 2011|last=Powers|first=Kevin|access-date=April 15, 2011|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110406032643/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemaniaxxvii/over-the-top-rope-battle-royal|archive-date=April 6, 2011 }} Bryan lost his title rematch the next night on Raw, after which he was saved from Sheamus by the debuting Sin Cara.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_49042.shtml|title= Caldwell's WWE Raw results 4/4: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live Raw – The Rock & Austin live, fall-out from WrestleMania 27, Sin Cara début|date=April 4, 2011|access-date=July 11, 2011|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}

On April 26, Bryan was drafted to SmackDown as part of the 2011 supplemental draft.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_49587.shtml|title=WWE News: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of WWE Supplemental Draft – Daniel Bryan first draft pick|date=April 26, 2011|access-date=April 26, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On the May 6 episode of SmackDown, Bryan made his debut for the brand by losing to Sheamus.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/05/07/18116736.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721001202/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/05/07/18116736.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 21, 2015|title=Smackdown: Peeps have a say|date=May 7, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=May 7, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} Cody Rhodes then started a feud with Bryan by attacking him after losing their match and placing a paper bag on his head. Bryan then aligned with Sin Cara to feud with Cody Rhodes and Ted DiBiase.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/04/18237591.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703202327/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/04/18237591.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 3, 2015|title=Smackdown: Christian's patience wearing thin|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|date=June 4, 2011|access-date=June 18, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/11/18270206.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150703195625/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/06/11/18270206.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 3, 2015|title=Smackdown: Factions renewed and rejected|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|date=June 11, 2011|access-date=June 18, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}} On June 28, Bryan returned to NXT to manage Derrick Bateman once again.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwenxtreport/article_51100.shtml|title=Caldwell's WWE NXT results 6/28: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of NXT Season 5, Week 17 – Latest elimination, how will WWE address Chavo's release?|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=June 28, 2011|access-date=July 11, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}

File:WHC Daniel Bryan and AJ.jpg]]

On July 17 at Money in the Bank, Bryan won the SmackDown Money in the Bank ladder match which earned him a World Heavyweight Championship match at any point within the following year.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wadekellerdotcom/51486.shtml|title=WK'S WWE Money in the Bank PPV blog 7/17: Ongoing live coverage of Punk vs. Cena, Orton vs. Christian, Show vs. Henry, more|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|date=July 17, 2011|access-date=July 17, 2011|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} After several months of losing matches, Bryan began a feud with then World Heavyweight Champion Mark Henry.{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 11/4: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Randy Orton vs. Cody Rhodes in a Street Fight|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_54868.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=November 4, 2011|access-date=November 27, 2011}} On the November 25 episode of SmackDown, Henry was knocked out again by Big Show, at which point Bryan cashed in his briefcase for a title match and quickly pinned Henry, but SmackDown General Manager Theodore Long revealed that Henry was not medically cleared to compete and voided the match, so Henry remained champion and the briefcase was returned to Bryan.{{cite web|last=Cupach|first=Mike|title=Cupach's WWE SmackDown report 11/25: Alt. perspective of Survivor Series fall-out, live Smackdown set-up, Mike's Reax|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_55507.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=November 25, 2011|access-date=November 27, 2011}} Regardless of his briefcase, Bryan won a fatal four-way match on the same episode of SmackDown to become the contender for Henry's championship.{{cite web|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|title=Smackdown: Give and take|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/11/26/19023496.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151106045421/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/11/26/19023496.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 6, 2015|work=Slam Sports!|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|date=November 26, 2011|access-date=November 27, 2011}} On the live November 29 episode of SmackDown, Henry managed to pin Bryan to retain the title in a steel cage match.{{cite web|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 11/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the live Tuesday night special, including Daniel Bryan vs. Mark Henry for the World Title in a Steel Cage|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_55591.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=November 29, 2011|access-date=November 30, 2011}} Also in November, Bryan started being involved in a romantic storyline with AJ Lee.{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/11/12/18959426.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919163954/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/11/12/18959426.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 19, 2016|title=Smackdown: Eye of the Viper|date=November 12, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=December 12, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/11/30/19037686.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160919170530/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2011/11/30/19037686.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 19, 2016|title=Smackdown: Christmas in November|date=November 30, 2011|last=Hillhouse|first=Dave|access-date=December 12, 2011|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer}}

Bryan cashed in his Money in the Bank contract on December 18 at TLC: Tables, Ladders and Chairs against Big Show, who had just defeated Henry and subsequently received a DDT onto a steel chair, which allowed Bryan to secure a pinfall victory and become the World Heavyweight Champion.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/25050101|title=Daniel Bryan's first World Heavyweight Championship reign|access-date=February 25, 2012|publisher=WWE|archive-date=April 20, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120420022908/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/worldheavyweight/25050101|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE TLC PPV REPORT 12/18: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – TLC, Table, Ladder, Chair matches|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_56118.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 8, 2012}}{{Cite web |last=Woodward |first=Hamish |date=2023-09-27 |title=Daniel Bryan Reveals How He Invented The Yes Chants, and Why He Won't Do Them In AEW - Atletifo |url=https://atletifo.com/news/daniel-bryan-reveals-how-he-invented-the-yes-chants-and-why-he-wont-do-them-in-aew/ |access-date=2023-09-27 |language=en-GB}} As World Heavyweight Champion, Bryan turned heel when he developed an extremely over-confident personality.{{cite web|title=First match revealed for tonight's Raw|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_56768.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 10, 2012|quote=In the video, Bryan plays up his new over-confident, success-has-gone-to-his-head persona interacting with Kingston outside of the venue in Corpus Christi, Texas.}}{{cite web|last=Giannini|first=Alex|title=Has Daniel Bryan surpassed Miz's dark side?|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2012-01-27/bryan-miz-ego|publisher=WWE|access-date=March 24, 2012}}

File:Daniel Bryan AJ Kiss of Death.jpg at WrestleMania XXVIII in 18 seconds]]

In January 2012, Bryan successfully defended his title three times: the first occasion against Big Show when Bryan goaded Mark Henry into attacking him and causing a disqualification; the second occasion a no disqualification rematch with Big Show which ended abruptly after Big Show accidentally ran into AJ, hospitalizing her within the storyline for which Bryan blamed him; and the third occasion against Henry in a lumberjack match when Bryan provoked the lumberjacks to interfere and cause a no contest.{{cite web|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 1/6: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Daniel Bryan vs. Big Show for the World Title|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_56699.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 8, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_56931.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|last=Parks|first=Greg|title=Parks' WWE SmackDown report 1/13: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Daniel Bryan vs. Big Show, no count-out, no-DQ, for the World Title|access-date=January 14, 2012}}{{cite web|last=Tedesco|first=Mike|title=Smackdown Results – 1/20/12|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/viewnews.php?id=1327174845|publisher=Wrestleview|access-date=January 22, 2012}} This culminated in a triple threat steel cage match to exclude outside interference at the Royal Rumble on January 29, where Bryan escaped the cage after freeing himself from Big Show's grasp to retain the championship.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Royal Rumble report 1/29: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Rumble match, Punk-Ziggler, Cena-Kane, steel cage|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_57526.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 30, 2012}}

At Elimination Chamber on February 19, Bryan defeated Big Show, Cody Rhodes, The Great Khali, Santino Marella, and Wade Barrett in an Elimination Chamber match to retain the World Heavyweight Championship. After the match, Royal Rumble match winner Sheamus attacked Bryan and chose him as his WrestleMania opponent for the World Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web|title=World Heavyweight Champion Daniel Bryan won the SmackDown Elimination Chamber Match|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2012/smackdown-elimination-chamber-2012|publisher=WWE|last=Giannini|first=Alex|date=February 19, 2012|access-date=February 19, 2012}} In March, Bryan began to mistreat AJ, publicly demanding her to shut up and claiming that she always got in his way.{{cite web|last=Scannell|first=Robin|title=SMACKDOWN STORYLINE TRACKER 3/9 – Sheamus-Bryan, GM Feud, Orton-Kane, McIntyre re-hired|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_59202.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=March 24, 2012}} Despite these actions, AJ continued to stand by Bryan.{{cite web|last=Grate|first=Jake|title=Is AJ blinded by her love for Daniel Bryan?|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2012-03-16/blinded-by-love|publisher=WWE|access-date=March 24, 2012}} Bryan's reign as World Heavyweight Champion ended at 105 days when Sheamus defeated him in 18 seconds at WrestleMania XXVIII on April 1 due to Bryan being distracted with receiving a good luck kiss from AJ.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE WRESTLEMANIA 28 PPV REPORT 4/1: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Rock-Cena, Taker-Hunter, Punk-Jericho|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_59831.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 2, 2012}} On the following episode of SmackDown, Bryan blamed AJ for his title loss and ended their relationship.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_60112.shtml|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 4/6: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Sheamus vs. Alberto Del Rio|last=Parks|first=Greg|date=April 6, 2012|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 8, 2012}} Despite AJ's attempts to mend their relationship, Bryan cruelly rebuffed her multiple times, leaving AJ an emotional wreck.{{cite web|last=Scannell|first=Robin|title=SMACKDOWN STORYLINE TRACKER – entire April from WM28 to Extreme Rules: Sheamus-Bryan, Bryan-A.J., People Power, Legends, WM28 re-matches hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_60879.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=May 1, 2012}} At Extreme Rules on April 29, Bryan failed to regain the World Heavyweight Championship from Sheamus in a two-out-of-three falls match, losing two falls to one.{{cite web|title=World Heavyweight Champion Sheamus vs. Daniel Bryan – 2-out-of-3 Falls Match|author=Alex Giannini|date=April 9, 2012|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/extremerules/2012/world-heavyweight-champion-sheamus-vs-daniel-bryan-submission-match|access-date=April 11, 2012|publisher=WWE}}

{{main|Team Hell No}}

File:Punk Bryan staredown.jpg for the WWE Championship in 2012 after losing the World Heavyweight Championship.]]

The next night on Raw SuperShow, Bryan became the number one contender to CM Punk's WWE Championship when he won a Beat the Clock challenge by defeating Jerry Lawler in under three minutes.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw Results 4/30: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw Starring Brock Lesnar – PPV fall-out, Triple H returns|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_60937.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=May 1, 2012|date=April 30, 2012}} Bryan received his title match at Over the Limit on May 20 and suffered a controversial loss—when Bryan rolled back onto his shoulders as he applied the "Yes!" Lock, Punk tapped out immediately after the referee counted a pinfall win for Punk.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE OVER THE LIMIT PPV REPORT 5/20: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Cena-Johnny, Punk-Bryan|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_61620.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=May 27, 2012}} Shortly before Over the Limit, Bryan interfered in a match between Punk and Kane to frame Punk attacking Kane with a steel chair, leading to a three-way feud.{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 5/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including Sheamus vs. Orton|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_61569.shtml|last=Parks|first=Greg}}{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 5/21: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #990 – Over the Limit PPV fall-out|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_61661.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 27, 2013}}{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 5/28: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #991 – Show vs. Brodus teased main event, Punk-Bryan, no Cena|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_61856.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 27, 2013}} During this time, a jilted AJ Lee turned her affections to both Punk and Kane.{{cite web|last=Giannini|first=Alex|title=Monster and the Madwoman?|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/what-is-aj-thinking/|publisher=WWE|access-date=June 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120610221918/http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/what-is-aj-thinking|archive-date=June 10, 2012|url-status=dead}} On the June 1 episode of SmackDown, Bryan's interference caused WWE Championship match between Punk and Kane to end in a double disqualification,{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 6/1: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of the show, including C.M. Punk vs. Kane for the WWE Title|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_62013.shtml|last=Parks|first=Greg|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 27, 2013}} resulting in a triple threat match being set up on June 17 at No Way Out, where Punk managed to retain the title after AJ distracted Kane.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE No Way Out report 6/17: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Cena vs. Show, potential "firings," who will A.J. choose?|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_62544.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 23, 2012}} On the June 25 episode of Raw SuperShow, Bryan defeated Punk and Kane in a non-title three-way elimination match to earn another shot at the WWE Championship.{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 6/25: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #995 – Cena vs. Jericho, MITB hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_62762.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 27, 2013|last=Caldwell|first=James}} At Money in the Bank on July 15, Bryan failed to capture the WWE Championship again from Punk in a no disqualification match with AJ as special guest referee.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE MITB PPV REPORT 7/15: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Punk vs. Bryan, Sheamus vs. Del Rio, two MITB matches|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_63339.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=July 29, 2012}} The following night on Raw SuperShow, AJ accepted Bryan's marriage proposal.{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/16: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #998 – MITB PPV fall-out, Cena's announcement|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63388.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 27, 2013}} On Raw 1000, Bryan's storyline wedding ended in failure when AJ left Bryan at the altar and instead accepted Mr. McMahon's offer of the position of permanent Raw General Manager. Bryan's night turned from bad to worse as he was later attacked by The Rock and insulted by celebrity Charlie Sheen.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/23: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #999 – WWE recognizes 1,000 episodes, WWE Title match, Lesnar, Rock, DX, wedding|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63621.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=July 29, 2012}}

File:WWE Team Hell No.jpg

AJ's rejection of Bryan turned him into an angry and bitter individual and resulted in Bryan lashing out at audiences.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 7/30: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw #1,000 – Punk explains heel turn, #1 contender match main event, Orton returns, Summerslam hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_63818.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=August 4, 2012}} AJ continued to exact her revenge on Bryan by denying him a WWE Championship match and instead forcing him to face Kane on August 19 at SummerSlam,{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 8/6: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – HBK live appearance, Lesnar in the building, Summerslam hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_64047.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=August 19, 2012}} where Bryan emerged victorious.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE SUMMERSLAM PPV REPORT 8/19: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Lesnar vs. Triple H, Punk vs. Cena vs. Show|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_64430.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=August 20, 2012}} As a result of Bryan and Kane's issues, AJ enrolled them in anger management classes hosted by Dr. Shelby{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 8/27: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Triple H addresses retirement, Cena-Punk continues, cage main event|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_64638.shtml|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 16, 2012}} and they were later forced to "hug it out".{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 9/3: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Punk returns home, Anger Management|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_64825.shtml|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 16, 2012}} At the arrangement of Dr. Shelby and AJ, the two adversaries formed a team whose constant bickering and infighting even during matches inadvertently resulted in them defeating The Prime Time Players (Titus O'Neil and Darren Young) to become the number one contenders to the WWE Tag Team Championship on the September 10 episode of Raw{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 9/10: Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Hart back in Montreal, final PPV hype|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_65047.shtml|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 16, 2012}} and then defeating champions Kofi Kingston and R-Truth to win the championship on September 16 at Night of Champions.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE NIGHT OF CHAMPIONS PPV REPORT 9/16: Complete "virtual time" coverage of live PPV – Punk vs. Cena, six title matches|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_65243.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 23, 2013}}

The team was named Team Hell No and started a feud with The Shield, leading to a Tables, Ladders and Chairs match on December 16 at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs, where The Shield was victorious after pinning Bryan.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE TLC PPV RESULTS 12/16: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of final 2012 PPV – Cena vs. Ziggler main event, Shield makes a statement|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_67280.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=December 17, 2012}}

On January 27, 2013, at the Royal Rumble, Team Hell No retained the WWE Tag Team Championship against Team Rhodes Scholars.{{cite web|title=WWE Tag Team Champions Team Hell No def. Team Rhodes Scholars|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2013/wwe-tag-team-champions-team-hell-no-vs-team-rhodes-scholars-26083871|publisher=WWE|access-date=January 29, 2013}} On the February 4 episode of Raw, Bryan was inserted into the World Heavyweight Championship number one contender Elimination Chamber match when he defeated Rey Mysterio, after which the returning Mark Henry attacked both men.{{cite web|title=WWE Raw Report CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 2/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – WWE explains many things, Punk-Jericho main event, Bruno HOF Video|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_68402.shtml|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 27, 2013}} On February 17 at Elimination Chamber, Bryan was the first man eliminated from the match, courtesy of Henry.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE ELIMINATION CHAMBER PPV RESULTS 2/17: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Rock-Punk II, Elimination Chamber match, Shield beats Team Cena|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_68713.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=February 27, 2013}} On April 7 at WrestleMania 29, Team Hell No defeated Dolph Ziggler and Big E Langston for another successful title defense.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_69830.shtml|title=PWTorch.com – CALDWELL'S WWE WRESTLEMANIA 29 PPV RESULTS: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV from MetLife Stadium – Rock-Cena II, Taker-Punk, Lesnar-Hunter, more|website=www.pwtorch.com}} Team Hell No rekindled their rivalry with The Shield the following night on Raw after saving The Undertaker from an ambush by them.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_69884.shtml|title=PWTorch.com – CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/8: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – WM29 fall-out, new World Champ, no Rock, Taker live, crowd takes over|website=www.pwtorch.com}} On the April 22 episode of Raw, Team Hell No and The Undertaker were defeated by The Shield in a six-man tag team match.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70166.shtml|title=PWTorch.com – CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/22 (Second Hour): Shield vs. The Undertaker six-man tag match, Ryder squashed|website=www.pwtorch.com}} The Shield went on to take out Undertaker and rack up wins over Bryan and Kane in both singles and tag matches that also included WWE Champion John Cena.{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 4/26: Complete coverage of the loaded Friday night show, including Undertaker vs. Ambrose, Henry vs. Orton|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70252.shtml|first=Greg|last=Parks|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 4/29 (Hour 3): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – New Main Event of WWE Champ & Tag Champs vs. Shield, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70289.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 16, 2013}}{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 5/3: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday night show, including Daniel Bryan vs. Ryback, Kane vs. Dean Ambrose|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70373.shtml|first=Greg|last=Parks|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}{{cite web|title=PARKS' WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 5/10: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of Friday show, including Daniel Bryan vs. Dean Ambrose, Jack Swagger vs. Big E. Langston|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70521.shtml|first=Greg|last=Parks|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}} On May 19 at Extreme Rules, Bryan and Kane lost the WWE Tag Team Championship to Shield members Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns, ending their reign at 245 days.{{cite web|last=Bishop|first=Matt|title=Lesnar finishes off Triple H at Extreme Rules|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2013/05/19/20834561.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707190809/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2013/05/19/20834561.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 7, 2015|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=May 26, 2013}}

File:DanielBryan2013.jpg

As Bryan being pinned led to the loss of the WWE Tag Team Championship, he became obsessed about proving that he was not the weak link of Team Hell No and as a result became even more aggressive, but his overzealous behavior led to Team Hell No losing their rematch against Seth Rollins and Roman Reigns on the May 27 episode of Raw.{{cite web|last=Cupach|first=Michael|title=CUPACH'S WWE SMACKDOWN BLOG 5/24: Thoughts on Shield's latest six-man tag victory, two title matches, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwesmackdownreport/article_70847.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 9, 2013}}{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_70880.shtml|title=PWTorch.com – CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 5/27 (Hour 2): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Memorial Day Raw – Tag Title match, HBK cameo, bizarre App Poll|website=www.pwtorch.com}} During this storyline, Bryan was praised as the best performer in WWE and having an unmatched connection with crowds by critics, peers and veterans of the professional wrestling industry.{{cite web|title=EXCLUSIVE: Former WCW Champ offers praise for Daniel Bryan, which former WWE Champ does Bryan remind him of?|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_71173.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 15, 2013|quote=WWE star Daniel Bryan continues to receive praise from his peers and veterans in the wrestling business... Diamond Dallas Page offered his viewpoint on Bryan's current hot run and compared Bryan to former WWE champion Eddie Guerrero ... that son-of-a-b---- was as big and bad and electric and more over than anyone out there}}{{cite web|title=WWE NEWS: D-Bryan gets very strong endorsement during Raw|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_71054.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 15, 2013|quote="I may be the best in the world at what I do, but @WWEDanielBryan is the best performer in the entire business right now. #muchrespect", Jericho tweeted.}}{{cite web|title=TUCKER ON RAW 6/3: DVR Guide & Instant Reaction to the Daniel Bryan & Friends Show|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_71055.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 15, 2013|quote=Bryan has become the number one reason to watch WWE television. His performances tonight out-shined every single member of the roster by a mile. He showed incredible range in his moveset and an un-matched connection with the crowd ... ... he was the true, unquestionable star of tonight's broadcast}}{{cite web|title=Shore's WWE Smackdown Hitlist: Smackdown is Daniel Bryan, Ryback kills Kofi Kingston, Damien Sandow and Sheamus goof around, Curtis Axel is still uninspiring|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/artman/publish/shoreeditorials/article10031648.shtml|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=June 15, 2013|quote="Holy crap! Daniel Bryan's explosion of offense at the end of the show was crazy hot... ... Either way they go, Daniel Bryan is going to be very, very successful if he can keep that level of crowd response going".}}

On the June 14 episode of SmackDown, Bryan (with Kane and Randy Orton as his tag team partners) ended The Shield's unpinned and unsubmitted streak in a televised six-man tag match by forcing Rollins to submit.{{cite web|title=WWE NEWS: Significant Smackdown SPOILER for Friday's episode (w/Analysis of potential fall-out scenarios)|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_71216.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 15, 2013}}{{cite web|last=Plummer|first=Dale|title=Smackdown!: The Shield handed their first loss heading into Payback|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/06/14/20901596.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160625032749/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/06/14/20901596.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 25, 2016|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=June 15, 2013}} On June 16 at Payback, Bryan and Orton lost against Rollins and Reigns for the WWE Tag Team Championship.{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE PAYBACK PPV RESULTS 6/16 (Hour 3): Cena vs. Ryback main event, Tag Title match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_71318.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 21, 2013|last=Caldwell|first=James}} The following night on Raw, a match between Bryan and Orton ended via referee stoppage after Bryan suffered a legitimate nerve injury,{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_71352.shtml|title=PWTorch.com – CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 6/17 (Hour 2): Ongoing "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Orton vs. Bryan, A.J. Lee-Stephanie McMahon promo exchange, U.S. Title match|website=www.pwtorch.com}} which was a stinger resulting in Bryan being unable to feel both his arms for the rest of the match.{{cite web|last1=Guillot|first1=Gene|title=WWE's Daniel Bryan healthy and excited to return to New Orleans|url=http://www.nola.com/festivals/index.ssf/2015/01/wwes_daniel_bryan_healthy_and.html|work=The Times-Picayune|date=January 8, 2015 |access-date=January 9, 2015}}

{{quote box|width=35%|align=right|quote=He's the most technically proficient wrestler the WWE main-event scene has seen possibly since Bret Hart, and he connects with the crowd (the whole crowd — sorry, Mr. Cena) in a near-euphoric way we haven't seen consistently since The Rock in his prime.|source= —David Shoemaker of Grantland, while declaring Bryan as the MVP for the WWE Midseason Awards in October 2013}}

Heading to SummerSlam, Bryan started a storyline where WWE chairman Vince McMahon was against Bryan due to Bryan's image not fitting of McMahon's vision of a typical WWE wrestler, while WWE chief operating officer Triple H was in support of Bryan.{{cite web|title=CALDWELL ON RAW: "What?!" to "Yes!" – Is D-Bryan vs. McMahon the new Stone Cold vs. McMahon?|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/caldwellstake/article_72353.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=August 3, 2013}} At the event, Bryan defeated John Cena to win his first WWE Championship, but after the match special referee Triple H performed his Pedigree finishing move on Bryan, leading to Randy Orton cashing in his Money in the Bank contract to win the title from Bryan.{{cite web|title=CALDWELL'S WWE SSLAM PPV RESULTS 8/18 (Hour 3): Cena vs. Bryan WWE Title main event, did Orton cash in|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_72779.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|last=Caldwell|first=James}}

{{quote box|width=35%|align=right|quote=When [Vince McMahon] had HHH call Bryan a B+ player, that is because Vince saw Bryan that way. Vince was just going to screw Bryan in the storylines and then push him down the card.|source= —Dave Scherer of PWInsider.com's analysis of Bryan's feud with The Authority{{cite web|last1=Scherer|first1=Dave|title=How and why everything went so badly wrong for WWE last night at the Rumble|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=91127|website=PWInsider.com|access-date=14 March 2015}}}}

The next night on Raw, Triple H and the McMahons endorsed Orton as "the face of the WWE" while labeling Bryan a "B+ player" and forming The Authority faction.{{cite web|title=RAW NEWS: Cena gone 4–6 months, Triple H explanation, WWE Title & World Title pictures, RVD, new tag team, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_72813.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=August 20, 2013}} With Triple H threatening to fire anyone who disobeyed him, Bryan was left alone to take on and suffer attacks from Orton and The Shield.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 8/26 (Hour 3): Bryan runs The Shield gauntlet and pays the price, Orton vs. Christian, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_72957.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=August 31, 2013}} Despite Bryan regained the title from Orton at Night of Champions,{{cite web|title=WWE NEWS: New WWE champion at Night of Champions, but for how long?, plus Heyman's new associate, title match results, TNA stars spotlighted, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_73334.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 17, 2013}} he was stripped of the title the following night on Raw by Triple H.{{cite web|title=RAW NEWS: Bryan stripped of WWE Title & title held up, Dusty returns & gets KO'ed, locker room revolt, Ryback/Heyman, new #1 contenders, more post-PPV developments|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_73376.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=September 17, 2013}} Bryan wrestled Orton for the vacant titles twice, one at Battleground in a match that ended in a no contest,{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_73743.shtml|title=PWTorch.com – BATTLEGROUND PPV RESULTS 10/6 (Hour 3): WWE Title match, power outage situation, Punk vs. Ryback|website=www.pwtorch.com}} and the second match was a Hell in a Cell match at Hell in a Cell, where Orton won the title.{{cite web|last=Waldman|first=Jon|title=Hell in a Cell: The usual suspects end up on top|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/10/27/21226396.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150627051235/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/10/27/21226396.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 27, 2015|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=November 1, 2013}}

{{quote box|width=35%|align=right|quote=I wasn't supposed to be anywhere near the top of the card. I think I was scheduled to wrestle Sheamus, and probably be 5th or 6th match from the top, and maybe get a 10 minute match if we were lucky, but because of fan support, all of the sudden now I'm doing 2 matches and I'm in the main event of WrestleMania.|source= —Bryan on the original plans for him for WrestleMania XXX}}

Until January, he was involved in a storyline with The Wyatt Family.{{cite web|last=Asher|first=Matthew|title=Raw: Fallout from Hell in the Cell is very intriguing|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/10/29/21229336.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701004126/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2013/10/29/21229336.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 1, 2015|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=November 14, 2013}} Bryan and CM Punk defeated Wyatt Family's Luke Harper and Erick Rowan at Survivor Series,{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=WWE S. Series PPV results 11/24 (Hour 3): Orton vs. Big Show main event, Bryan & Punk, PPV-closing face-off|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_74738.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=November 27, 2013}} but Harper, Rowan and the leader Bray Wyatt defeated Bryan in a handicap match on December 15 at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs.{{cite web|last=Howell|first=Nolan|title=TLC: Randy Orton crowned new WWE World Heavyweight Champion|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2013/12/15/21339031.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150701012036/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2013/12/15/21339031.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 1, 2015|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=December 18, 2013}} On the final Raw of 2013, Bryan gave in and joined The Wyatt Family.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 12/30: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live 2013 finale – Bryan gives up and gives in, Brock Lesnar returns, Shield shows cracks, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_75386.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 2, 2014}} His ring name was briefly changed to Daniel Wyatt at this time.{{Cite web |last=Meregildo |first=Roberto |date=2014-01-05 |title=Màs información sobre Daniel Bryan apareciendo como miembro de The Wyatt Family |url=https://superluchas.com/mas-informacion-sobre-daniel-bryan-apareciendo-como-miembro-de-the-wyatt-family/ |access-date=2024-09-16 |website=Superluchas |language=es}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-news/45914-1-4-wwe-results-hampton-virginia-bryan-vs-wyatt/|title=1/4 WWE Results: Hampton, Virginia (Bryan vs. Wyatt) – WWE News and Results, RAW and Smackdown Results, Impact News, ROH News|date=January 5, 2014|access-date=February 15, 2018}} However, on the January 13, 2014 episode of Raw, after Wyatt and Bryan failed to win the WWE Tag Team Championship against The Usos in a tag team steel cage match, Bryan attacked Wyatt and led the live audience in a "Yes!" chant and gaining more support.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 1/13: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Big show-closing angle involving Daniel Bryan, Hall of Fame, Rumble hype, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_75656.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 14, 2014}} At the Royal Rumble on January 26, despite Bryan losing to Wyatt in a singles match and later not participating in the Royal Rumble match, the audience continued to chant for Bryan during the Royal Rumble match and the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match between John Cena and Randy Orton.{{cite web|title=Upset fans overshadow Batista's big win at uneven 2014 Royal Rumble|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/01/27/21426481.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150709052020/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/01/27/21426481.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 9, 2015|work=SLAM! Sports: Wrestling|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|access-date=January 28, 2014|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|last2=Tylwalk|first2=Nick}}{{cite web|last=Folck|first=Josh|title=WWE Royal Rumble: Pittsburgh fans voice displeasure about main events|work=The Express-Times|publisher=Lehigh Valley|access-date=January 28, 2014|url=http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/entertainment-general/index.ssf/2014/01/wwe_royal_rumble_pittsburgh_fa.html|date=January 27, 2014}}

File:Daniel Bryan WWE Champion.jpg by celebrating his win of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.]]

Meanwhile, he also continued his feud with The Authority as Kane attacked him on multiple occasions, attempting to injure Bryan before his Elimination Chamber match on February 23 at Elimination Chamber,{{cite web|last=Asher|first=Matthew|title=Raw: Is there a new "Face" of the WWE?|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/02/04/21444851.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170722170354/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/02/04/21444851.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 22, 2017|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=March 13, 2014}}{{cite web|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|title=Raw: Cesaro, Cena shine in Mile High showdown|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/02/18/21477556.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724080237/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/02/18/21477556.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 24, 2015|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=March 13, 2014}} in which Bryan survived until he was one of the final two participants, but defending champion Randy Orton retained after Kane interfered in the match by attacking Bryan.{{cite web|last=Asher|first=Matthew|title=Wyatts win, Batista bombs and Randy retains at the Elimination Chamber|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/02/24/21490956.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724115111/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/02/24/21490956.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 24, 2015|work=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=February 25, 2014}} On the March 10 episode of Raw, Bryan and multiple fans occupied the ring (while WWE road crew members dressed in Bryan T-shirts posed as fans outside the ring) and refused to leave, resulting in an irate Triple H agreeing to Bryan's demand for a match at WrestleMania XXX, with the stipulation that the winner would be inserted into the WWE World Heavyweight Championship match at WrestleMania.{{cite web|last=Tylwalk|first=Nick|title=Raw: Yes, the WrestleMania card gets a big twist|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/03/11/21525946.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724030834/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/03/11/21525946.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 24, 2015|publisher=SLAM! Wrestling|access-date=March 13, 2014}} At WrestleMania, Bryan defeated Triple H and, later that night, he won the triple threat match against Batista and champion Randy Orton to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web|last=Clapp|first=John|title=Daniel Bryan def. Randy Orton and Batista to become the new WWE World Heavyweight Champion|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/daniel-bryan-randy-orton-batista|publisher=WWE|access-date=December 9, 2017}}{{cite web|last=Howell|first=Nolan|title=WrestleMania XXX brings the beginning and end of eras|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2014/04/06/21585306.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160122135142/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/PPVReports/2014/04/06/21585306.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 22, 2016|work=Slam! Wrestling|publisher=Canadian Online Explorer|access-date=April 9, 2014}} Pro Wrestling Torch editor Wade Keller analyzed (and Danielson later confirmed in his memoir) that Bryan's WrestleMania journey was due to several factors: the fans' rejection of Batista and continual support of Bryan over the previous six months (even when he joined The Wyatt Family) as well as CM Punk legitimately walking out on WWE after the Royal Rumble.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/Ask_the_Editor_18/article_77324.shtml|title=PWTorch.com – SATURDAY'S ASK PWTORCH STAFF: Has WWE celebrated two separate 50 year anniversaries? Is Bryan's main event WM30 an "I told you so" moment for Triple H? Was Vince upset at Punk sitting with Dana White? Why do babyfaces win at house shows?|website=www.pwtorch.com}} Both Bryan and Chris Jericho later said that Bryan's original WrestleMania XXX opponent was supposed to be Sheamus.{{cite web|title=Interview: WWE's Daniel Bryan Talks James Hetfield, Vince McMahon, Triple H & Brock Lesnar|url=http://www.alternativenation.net/daniel-bryan-interview|publisher=Alternative Nation|date=January 13, 2015|access-date=January 30, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122214948/http://www.alternativenation.net/daniel-bryan-interview/|archive-date=January 22, 2015}}{{cite web|title=WWE star Chris Jericho on Vince McMahon rejecting the idea of tattooing C.M. Punk as part of an angle, says Brian Gewirtz is near genius, why he didn't work WrestleMania 30|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/article.php?WWE-star-Chris-Jericho-on-Vince-McMahon-rejecting-the-idea-of-tattooing-C.M.-Punk-as-part-of-an-angle-says-Brian-Gewirtz-is-near-genius-why-he-didn-t-work-WrestleMania-30-39356|access-date=October 18, 2014|website=prowrestling.net}}

{{quote box|width=35%|align=right|quote=I don't know how my life got to be like this... I'm just a normal dude. I was never a special athlete. I wasn't great at any sports or anything like that. And now an arena full of people were chanting, 'You deserve it'. And I don't know what I've done to deserve it.|source= —Bryan reacts to the events of the Raw after WrestleMania XXX}}

The Pro Wrestling Torch Newsletter wrote: "Leading into WrestleMania 30, the Daniel Bryan vs. Triple H program was the top draw of Raw each week. Coming out of WM30, Bryan as new WWE World Hvt. champion has been solidified as a ratings draw".{{cite web|title=Raw TV quarter-hour ratings – Daniel Bryan draws big numbers post-Mania, plus very detailed report on the other segments that boosted Raw|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_77624.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=March 19, 2015}} This trend continued until at least May 2014, when Bryan had to undergo neck surgery due to his first of the two major injuries that would eventually force him to retire in February 2016.{{cite web|title=Raw quarter-hour TV ratings – Daniel Bryan, Jackman, other segments give Raw a boost this week|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_78083.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=March 19, 2015}}{{cite web|title=Raw TV quarter-hour ratings – details on Daniel Bryan retaining top position, how other segments fared|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_78252.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=March 19, 2015}}

On the Raw following WrestleMania XXX, Triple H used his authority to grant himself a title match against Bryan, who was then attacked by Orton, Batista and Kane just before the match which ended in a no contest and Bryan's retention when The Shield interfered to chase away Bryan's adversaries.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw results 4/7: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – WM30 fall-out, WWE Title match teaser, Bryan's first night as champ, Warrior, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_77571.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 8, 2014}} Stephanie McMahon enticed Kane to return to his masked self which Kane complied and was granted a future title match against Bryan and proceeded to carry out a brutal attack against Bryan which led to a scripted injury to give him time off to mourn his recently deceased father.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's WWE Raw result 4/21: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Return of the Champ leads to injury angle, IC Title #1 contender tourney continues|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_77892.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=May 6, 2014}} At Extreme Rules on May 4, Bryan defeated Kane in an Extreme Rules match to retain the WWE World Heavyweight Championship.{{cite web|last=Caldwell|first=James|title=Caldwell's Extreme Rules PPV results 5/4: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live PPV – Bryan vs. Kane, Evolution vs. Shield, Cena vs. Wyatt steel cage match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_78185.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=May 6, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140506113832/http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_78185.shtml|archive-date=May 6, 2014}}

File:Daniel Bryan in April 2014.jpg in April 2014]]

At some point in time, Bryan lost all strength in his right arm and required neck surgery. On the May 12 episode of Raw, he was attacked by Kane and stretchered away that same night to justify his absence.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_78345.shtml#.VTONjCGeDGc|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 5/12: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – big injury angle, Batista vs. Reigns main event, Cena & Usos vs. Wyatts, post-Raw events|publisher=PWTorch.com|date=May 12, 2014|access-date=April 24, 2015}} On May 15, Bryan underwent successful neck surgery, with a cervical foraminotomy to decompress the nerve root having been performed,{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/daniel-bryan-surgery-update-26306396|title=Daniel Bryan undergoes successful neck surgery|publisher=WWE|access-date=May 15, 2014}} but he was stripped of the WWE World Heavyweight title when it was revealed that Bryan would not be able to compete at Money in the Bank.{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 6/9: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – Daniel Bryan's WWE Title status, Cena joins Shield for main event, Bray Wyatt returns, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_78923.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=July 21, 2014}} Due to his injury, Bryan was largely off WWE television during this period.{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=WWE news: News Reports – Daniel Bryan stops home invasion|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_79803.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=September 18, 2014}}{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=Report: The Daniel Bryan Effect – How Bryan's injury absence has affected Raw TV ratings since Extreme Rules, plus comparison to post-Mania Season in past years|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_79552.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=September 18, 2014}} Months after the neck surgery, Bryan's strength still had not returned to his arm.{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=Caldwell's WWE MITB PPV report 6/29 (Pre-Show): Daniel Bryan returns, addresses health & potential return|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_79315.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=December 31, 2014}} He returned on November to television,{{cite magazine|last1=McCarron|first1=Rob|title=WWE Raw TV report: Daniel Bryan returns to run the show|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe-news/40064-wwe-raw-tv-report|magazine=Wrestling Observer|access-date=December 2, 2014}}{{cite web|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|title=Smackdown!: The New Day dawns on Friday night|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/11/29/22102971.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150724032424/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2014/11/29/22102971.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 24, 2015|publisher=Slam! Wrestling|access-date=December 2, 2014}} returning to the ring on the January 15, 2015 episode of SmackDown.{{cite news|last1=Rehal|first1=Sumit|title=WWE Smackdown Results: Daniel Bryan defeats Kane in a no disqualification match as Ryback and Dolph Ziggler return to action ahead of the Royal Rumble|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/general/wwe-mma-wrestling/wwe-smackdown-results-daniel-bryan-defeats-kane-in-a-no-disqualification-match-as-ryback-and-dolph-ziggler-return-to-action-ahead-of-the-royal-rumble-10001250.html|website=The Independent|access-date=January 30, 2015|date=January 25, 2015}}

Bryan entered the 2015 Royal Rumble match at number 10,{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=Royal Rumble PPV Report 1/25: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of Lesnar vs. Cena vs. Rollins for WWE Title, Royal Rumble, post-PPV Network show|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wweppvs/article_82945.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=January 26, 2015}} being eliminated by Bray Wyatt in the first half of the match, causing the Philadelphia crowd to repeatedly chant for him during the second half of the match while booing other wrestlers entering the match, including eventual winner and fellow "good guy" Roman Reigns.{{cite web|title=Rock's role, crowd response to Rumble winner, Bully Ray returns & other surprise entrants, more|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_82942.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=January 26, 2015}}{{cite news|last1=Schwartz|first1=Nick|title=Daniel Bryan was eliminated early from the Royal Rumble and fans are furious|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2015/01/wwe-daniel-bryant-royal-rumble-eliminated-reaction|newspaper=USA Today|access-date=January 26, 2015}}{{cite web|title=WWE Royal Rumble 2015: Live coverage, results, photos, reaction & more|url=http://www.cleveland.com/entertainment/index.ssf/2015/01/wwe_royal_rumble_2015_live_cov.html|access-date=January 26, 2015|work=The Plain Dealer|date=January 26, 2015}}

{{quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote=Bryan came in like a homecoming hero and was gone, just a few minutes later, like a freshman nerd. ... Beyond that, the lion's share of the WWE audience wants him to be a top guy – and are willing to pay for that.|source= —Mike Johnson of PWInsider.com on Bryan's showing in the 2015 Royal Rumble match.{{cite web|last1=Johnson|first1=Mike|title=WWE Network-Royal Rumble Fallout Updates|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=91132|website=PWInsider.com|access-date=27 January 2015}}}}

{{quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote=His workrate in the ring and what he gives through the match just means so much more to the wrestling fans than anything else... His run [as champion] was cut short and I think fans wanted to see him get that [WrestleMania] moment that he deserves... WWE put a line through that.|source= —Bret Hart in March 2015{{cite web|title=The Case of Daniel Bryan – Bret Hart & Bryan discuss not being in WM31 main event, is IC Title match a better spot?|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_83873.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=17 March 2015}}}}

File:Daniel Bryan IC title WM31.jpg at WrestleMania 31.]]

After defeating Kane in a casket match on January 29,{{cite web|last1=Plummer|first1=Dale|title=Smackdown!: Daniel Bryan and Kane fight over a casket on a live Smackdown!|url=http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2015/01/29/22208966.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151208110313/http://slam.canoe.com/Slam/Wrestling/2015/01/29/22208966.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=December 8, 2015|publisher=Slam! Wrestling|access-date=January 30, 2015}} Bryan won the WWE Intercontinental Championship at WrestleMania 31 in a multi-man ladder match.{{cite web|last1=Wortman|first1=James|title=Daniel Bryan won the Intercontinental Championship Ladder Match|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/31/intercontinental-championship-ladder-match-27145665|publisher=WWE|access-date=March 29, 2015}} This made him one of six wrestlers at the time to achieve WWE's new Grand Slam due to winning every male active title in WWE, while also making him WWE's 26th Triple Crown Champion{{cite web|title=6 Superstars who have won every active title: Photos|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/6-superstars-who-have-won-every-active-title-photos|publisher=WWE|access-date=April 4, 2015|archive-date=April 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150404082614/http://www.wwe.com/inside/6-superstars-who-have-won-every-active-title-photos}}

WWE's storylines for Bryan since his return were widely criticized. Dave Scherer of Pro Wrestling Insider questioned "bringing Bryan back for the Rumble in the first place" if there was no intention of letting Bryan win. Benjamin Tucker of Pro Wrestling Torch criticized WWE for having "watered down" Bryan's heroic character to a "sneaky, backstabbing, cheap, aggravating jerk" for the feud against Roman Reigns.{{cite web|last1=Tucker|first1=Benjamin|title=Raw Instant Reaction 2/16: WWE's morally bankrupt roster collides with final Fast Lane PPV hype|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/The_Specialists_34/article_83375.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=March 14, 2015}} Mike Tedesco of WrestleView wrote in March that WWE "killed Daniel Bryan and Randy Orton dead in the last two months. It takes a special bunch of nincompoops to pull that off".{{cite web|last1=Tedesco|first1=Mike|title=3/9 Raw: WWE has a lot of work to do|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/featured-articles/53433|website=wrestleview.com|access-date=March 14, 2015}} Jake Barnett of Pro Wrestling Dot Net said that Bryan being labeled a "turd" was "asking fans to disbelieve what they see with their own eyes" and "will do nothing to calm down the conspiracy theorists who insist WWE is intentionally cooling off Bryan to make Reigns look better in comparison".{{cite web|last1=Barnett|first1=Jake|title=WWE Smackdown Hit List: Daniel Bryan is apparently a turd, Roman Reigns is bailed out by Mark Henry, and The Divas are still waiting for a chance...|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/article.php?41319|website=prowrestling.net|access-date=March 15, 2015}} In a piece for the Wrestling Observer, Zach Dominello was "dumbfounded and disheartened" that "after returning from a very serious injury, WWE's bright idea is to put Bryan in one of the most dangerous matches possible at WrestleMania", while having "dragged Bryan down to the levels of R-Truth and Stardust".{{cite web|last1=Dominello|first1=Zach|title=On WWE: Daniel Bryan, the IC title, the Network and the changing face of wrestling|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/more/more-top-stories/96-wwe-news/41589|website=f4wonline.com|access-date=March 14, 2015}} On the April 16 episode of SmackDown, in his last in-ring match for nearly three years, Bryan teamed up with United States Champion John Cena to defeat WWE Tag Team Champions Cesaro and Tyson Kidd by submission.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzMDOSlsmpI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211213/yzMDOSlsmpI |archive-date=December 13, 2021 |url-status=live|title=Daniel Bryan's final match: Daniel Bryan & John Cena vs. Cesaro & Kidd: SmackDown, Apr. 16, 2015|last=WWE|date=February 11, 2016|access-date=October 19, 2016|via=YouTube}}{{cbignore}}

{{quote box|width=30%|align=right|quote=[Professional wrestling] is a far better place because of his involvement. There were things dating back to 2001 that he was involved with that changed the underground foundation of the industry, and over the past few years, significantly changed talent evaluation at the highest level of the industry.|source= —Dave Meltzer in 2016, reflecting just after Bryan's retirement{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/daily-updates/daily-update-daniel-bryan-retirement-raw-tonight-207221|author-link=Dave Meltzer|author=Meltzer, Dave|work=Wrestling Observer|title=Daniel Bryan to announce retirement|access-date=10 February 2016|date=February 8, 2016}}}}

Following the April 16 episode of SmackDown, WWE pulled Bryan from wrestling on the remainder of WWE's touring of Europe as a "precautionary measure".{{cite web|last1=Johnson|first1=Mike|title=Top star removed from WWE European tour|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=93086|website=pwinsider.com|access-date=April 28, 2015}} Bryan's scheduled title defense at Extreme Rules on April 26 against Bad News Barrett was later canceled as Bryan was "medically unable to compete".{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=WWE NEWS: Big change to Extreme Rules line-up – Daniel Bryan is off, Bryan's opponent shifted to pre-show match|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_84677.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=April 28, 2015}} Less than a week later, WWE stopped advertising Bryan from all future live events or television tapings.{{cite web|title=Daniel Bryan pulled from lineups|url=http://prowrestling.net/article.php?42020|website=prowrestling.net|access-date=April 29, 2015}} After about a month off television, Bryan returned on the May 11 episode of Raw to explain that after having undergone an MRI he would be out for an unknown period of time and could possibly have to retire (though the nature of his injuries were not revealed), therefore he relinquished the Intercontinental Championship.{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=CALDWELL'S WWE RAW RESULTS 5/11: Complete "virtual-time" coverage of live Raw – final Payback PPV hype, D-Bryan announces future, Triple H returns, more developments|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/wwerawreport/article_84927.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=May 12, 2015}} On the Elimination Chamber pre-show on May 31, Bryan stated that he would eventually wrestle again.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/2015/wwe-elimination-chamber-2015-results-27431961|title=WWE Elimination Chamber 2015 results|website=WWE.com|access-date=June 1, 2015}}

In July, Bryan revealed that his injury was concussion-related and claimed that he had been cleared to return to the ring by external medical professionals and was waiting for WWE to clear him.{{cite web|last1=Shoemaker|first1=David|url=http://grantland.com/the-triangle/cheap-heat-podcast-daniel-bryan-on-his-hazy-medical-status-and-his-future-in-wwe/|title='Cheap Heat' Podcast: Daniel Bryan on His Hazy Medical Status and His Future in WWE|date=July 23, 2015|access-date=February 9, 2016|work=Grantland}}{{cite web|title=Daniel Bryan confirms he has been dealing with a concussion, says he will wrestle somewhere even if WWE doesn't clear him|url=http://www.prowrestling.net/article.php?43277|website=prowrestling.net|access-date=July 24, 2015}} During his time away, he trimmed his signature beard and cut his hair short,{{cite web|last=Traina|first=Jimmy|title=No! No! No! Daniel Bryan announces retirement from WWE|url=http://www.foxsports.com/wwe/story/wwe-daniel-bryan-announces-retirement-020816|work=Fox Sports|date=February 8, 2016|access-date=October 29, 2016}} donating his hair to Wigs 4 Kids, a charity similar to Locks of Love.{{cite news|last=Samano|first=Simon|title=Daniel Bryan gives perfect, emotional WWE retirement speech on 'Raw'|url=http://ftw.usatoday.com/2016/02/daniel-bryan-retirement-speech-wwe-monday-night-raw|newspaper=USA Today|date=February 9, 2016|access-date=October 29, 2016}}

On February 8, 2016, Bryan retired for medical reasons.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/daniel-bryan-announces-retirement|title=Daniel Bryan announces retirement|date=February 8, 2016|access-date=February 8, 2016|work=WWE|archive-date=February 10, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210235502/http://www.wwe.com/inside/daniel-bryan-announces-retirement|url-status=dead}} Later on that day's episode of Raw, broadcast from Bryan's home state of Washington, Bryan gave a retirement speech expressing his gratefulness for the happiness wrestling had brought him.{{Cite news|title=WWE star Daniel Bryan is retiring after receiving 'a lot of concussions'|work=BBC News|date=February 9, 2016|url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/article/35529795/wwe-star-daniel-bryan-is-retiring-after-receiving-a-lot-of-concussions|access-date = February 9, 2016}} The following day on ESPN, Bryan revealed that he suffered ten documented concussions while wrestling, but more might have been undocumented or misdiagnosed. He said a recent EEG reflex test revealed slowing and a small subacute or chronic lesion in his brain's temporoparietal region, which explained Bryan's post-concussion seizures and led to his retirement decision.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=14750304|title=Daniel Bryan on concussions: You have a responsibility to yourself|date=February 9, 2016|access-date=February 9, 2016|work=ESPN}}{{cite web|title=Daniel Bryan tells ESPN he suffered post concussion seizures|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/02/09/daniel-bryan-tells-espn-he-suffered-post-concussion-seizures-and-hid-that-for-a-long-time-offers-more-details-regarding-the-testing-that-led-to-his-retirement/|website=prowrestling.net|access-date=February 13, 2016|date=February 10, 2016}} Bryan had been cleared by a doctor for the Arizona Cardinals and passed a concussion test at UCLA with "flying colors", but WWE's head of medical Joseph Maroon refused to clear him. Journalist Dave Meltzer suggested that this may have been because of Maroon having been portrayed in a negative light in the film Concussion. Initially, Bryan requested his release from WWE and was looking to return to NJPW and ROH as well as work in Mexico for Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL), but the request was turned down by Vince McMahon. Bryan underwent a new test, where the lesion in his brain was discovered, after which he himself made the decision to retire.{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=February 15, 2016|title=February 15, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Daniel Bryan retires|journal=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|location=Campbell, California|issn=1083-9593|pages=1–21}} On Thank You Daniel, a WWE Network tribute to Bryan, he confirmed that he had been asked about working for WWE in a different capacity while comparing this to "a partner breaking up with you, getting married to someone else and then asking you to be best friends", expanding to say that he needed time to heal emotionally before he could agree to such an offer.{{citation needed|date=April 2018}} During this period, WWE confirmed that Bryan would continue to appear for the company in a non in-ring role alongside his wife Brie Bella, who served as a WWE Ambassador{{cite news|author=Matthew Artus|url=http://www.wwe.com/article/brie-bella-interview-retirement-rumors-wrestlemania-32|title=Exclusive Interview: Brie Bella on WrestleMania 32 and her future in WWE|quote=I'm going to be an ambassador for WWE. But I'm going to try motherhood.|date=April 18, 2016|work=WWE.com|access-date=June 24, 2016}} following her retirement from in-ring competition on April 3 at WrestleMania 32.{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BDw6KM4saNC/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/instagram/thebriebella/1220731286745883458 |archive-date=December 23, 2021 |url-access=subscription|title=thebriebella Instagram|website=Instagram|access-date=June 24, 2016}}{{cbignore}}{{cite news|author=Matthew Artus|url=http://www.wwe.com/article/brie-bella-interview-retirement-rumors-wrestlemania-32|title=Exclusive Interview: Brie Bella on WrestleMania 32 and her future in WWE|date=April 18, 2016|work=WWE.com|access-date=June 24, 2016|quote=Yes. WrestleMania 32 was my last match}} Recognized as a WWE Legend,{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=WWE announces Daniel Bryan is part of the Cruiserweight Classic broadcast team, bracket special to air|url=http://prowrestling.net/site/2016/06/22/wwe-announces-daniel-bryan-is-part-of-the-cruiserweight-classic-broadcast-team-bracket-special-to-air/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=August 4, 2016}} Bryan co-hosted the WWE Network tournament Cruiserweight Classic alongside SmackDown commentator Mauro Ranallo in mid-2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/cruiserweightclassic/article/cruiserweight-classic-hosts-revealed|title=Daniel Bryan and Mauro Ranallo to host WWE Cruiserweight Classic|date=June 22, 2016|work=WWE.com|access-date=July 12, 2016}}

With the inception of WWE's second brand split, Bryan was appointed as SmackDown General Manager on the July 18 episode of Raw.{{cite web|last1=Caldwell|first1=James|title=Raw Update – WWE announces Raw & SD General Managers|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2016/07/18/raw-update-wwe-announces-raw-smackdown-general-managers/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=July 18, 2016|access-date=July 20, 2016}} After SummerSlam on August 21, Bryan unveiled two new championships exclusive to the SmackDown brand: the SmackDown Women's Championship and the SmackDown Tag Team Championship.{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/wwe-smackdown-live-results-aj-styles-vs-dolph-ziggler-new-belts-introduced-219276|title=WWE SMACKDOWN LIVE RESULTS: AJ STYLES VS. DOLPH ZIGGLER, NEW BELTS INTRODUCED|work=Wrestling Observer|first=Chris|last=Aiken|date=August 23, 2016|access-date=February 10, 2017}} He also co-hosted Talking Smack with Renee Young, a post-show interview segment on the WWE Network.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-talking-smack|title=WWE Talking Smack|publisher=WWE|access-date=April 10, 2018}} The segment frequently became the site for heated altercations between Bryan and The Miz; Bryan openly expressed his disdain while The Miz complained about being mistreated. The two continued to feud for the rest of the year, with The Miz often running away from Bryan when a physical altercation was teased.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/backlash/2016/intercontinental-champion-the-miz-vs-dolph-ziggler|title=Intercontinental Champion The Miz vs. Dolph Ziggler|last1=Clapp|first1=John|publisher=WWE|access-date=August 30, 2016}}

On the April 10 and 11, 2017 episodes of Raw and SmackDown Live, Bryan was involved in the 2017 Superstar Shake-up in which brand's former champions Alexa Bliss, Bray Wyatt, Dean Ambrose, The Miz, Heath Slater and Rhyno were traded to Raw.{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/article/wwe-superstar-shakeup-2017-results-raw-and-smackdown-live-rosters|title=WWE Superstar Shake-up 2017 results: Get roster changes for Raw and SmackDown LIVE|date=April 11, 2017|author=WWE.com Staff|work=WWE.com|access-date=April 11, 2017}} Bryan later took time off from WWE television for paternity leave and returned on the June 20 episode of SmackDown Live, during which he stripped Carmella of her Money In The Bank briefcase and suspended James Ellsworth due to his interference in the match.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/06/20/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-620-fallout-money-bank-baron-corbin-controversial-carmella-win-daniel-bryan-returns/|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 6/20: Fallout from Money in the Bank with Baron Corbin and the controversial Carmella win, Daniel Bryan returns|date=June 20, 2017|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=June 20, 2017}} On the August 1 episode of SmackDown Live, Bryan appointed Shane McMahon as a guest referee for United States Champion AJ Styles's title defense against Kevin Owens at SummerSlam on August 20,{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 8/1: John Cena vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a first-time dream match, Owens challenges Styles for U.S. Title|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/08/01/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-81-john-cena-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-first-time-dream-match-owens-challenges-styles-u-s-title/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=August 1, 2017}} thereby triggering a long-term feud between Owens and Shane that would ultimately also involve Bryan himself. Bryan was again absent from television after being attacked by Kane on the October 30 episode of Raw.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=10/16 Powell's WWE Raw Live TV Review: Braun Strowman vs. Roman Reigns in a cage match, the final push for WWE TLC|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/10/16/1016-powells-wwe-raw-live-tv-review-braun-strowman-vs-roman-reigns-cage-match-final-push-wwe-tlc/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=October 16, 2017|access-date=October 17, 2017}} He returned on the November 14 episode of SmackDown Live.{{cite web|last1=Burdick|first1=Michael|title=Universal Champion Brock Lesnar vs. WWE Champion AJ Styles (Champion vs. Champion Match)|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/survivorseries/2017/brock-lesnar-vs-aj-styles|publisher=WWE|access-date=November 7, 2017}}

After Survivor Series on November 19, Bryan became deeply involved in Shane McMahon's feud against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, favoring the latter two. On the November 21 episode of SmackDown Live Shane was about to fire the two{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/11/21/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-1121-survivor-series-fallout-including-shane-mcmahon-responding-ko-sami-attacking/|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 11/21: Survivor Series fallout including Shane McMahon responding to KO and Sami attacking him|date=November 21, 2017|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=November 22, 2017}} for attacking him during their Survivor Series interbrand elimination match against Team Raw, which SmackDown ultimately lost.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Survivor Series 2017 live review: Brock Lesnar vs. AJ Styles, "Team Raw" Kurt Angle, Braun Strowman, Triple H, Finn Balor, and Samoa Joe vs. "Team Smackdown" Shane McMahon, John Cena, Shinsuke Nakamura, Randy Orton, and Bobby Roode, The Shield vs. New Day, Charlotte vs. Alexa Bliss|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/11/19/powells-wwe-survivor-series-2017-live-review-brock-lesnar-vs-aj-styles-team-raw-kurt-angle-braun-strowman-triple-h-finn-balor-samoa-joe-vs-team-smackdown-shane-mcmahon-john-cena/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=November 19, 2017|date=November 19, 2017}} To settle the dispute whether Owens and Zayn should be fired, the two were scheduled to wrestle Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura at Clash of Champions on December 17 with Owens's and Zayn's jobs on the line.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2017/12/12/kellers-wwe-smackdown-report-12-12-nakamura-vs-owens-final-developments-headed-clash-champions-ppv-sunday/|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 12/12: Nakamura vs. Owens and the final developments headed into Clash of the Champions PPV on Sunday|date=December 12, 2017|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=December 14, 2017}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wweclashofchampions/randy-orton-shinsuke-nakamura-vs-kevin-owens-sami-zayn|title=Randy Orton & Shinsuke Nakamura vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn (Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan as special guest referees)|publisher=WWE|access-date=December 5, 2017}} During the match Shane and Bryan acted as guest referees and come to blows: after Shane intentionally stopped a count at two during a pinfall attempt by Zayn, while Bryan made a fast count to give Owens and Zayn the win.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Clash of Champions 2017 live review: AJ Styles vs. Jinder Mahal for the WWE Championship, Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn put their WWE careers on the line vs. Randy Orton and Shinsuke Nakamura with Shane McMahon and Daniel Bryan as referees|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2017/12/17/powells-wwe-clash-champions-2017-live-review-aj-styles-vs-jinder-mahal-wwe-championship-kevin-owens-sami-zayn-put-wwe-careers-line-vs-randy-orton-shinsuke-nak/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=December 17, 2017}} Over the following weeks, Bryan kept on favoring Owens and Zayn by giving them multiple opportunities at AJ Styles's WWE Championship, first in a handicap title match at the Royal Rumble on January 28, 2018,{{cite web|last1=Pappolla|first1=Ryan|title=WWE Champion AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens & Sami Zayn — 2-on-1 Handicap Match for the WWE Title|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2018/aj-styles-vs-kevin-owens-sami-zayn|publisher=WWE|access-date=January 3, 2018}} and then by including Owens and Zayn among the five challengers on March 11 at Fastlane. During the match at Fastlane, Shane broke up pinfall attempts by Owens and Zayn,{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Fastlane 2018 live review: AJ Styles vs. Kevin Owens vs. Sami Zayn vs. Baron Corbin vs. Dolph Ziggler vs. John Cena in a six-way for the WWE Championship, The Usos vs. New Day for the Smackdown Tag Titles, Charlotte Flair vs. Ruby Riott for the Smackdown Women's Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/03/11/wwe-fastlane-2018-live-review-aj-styles-vs-kevin-owens-vs-sami-zayn-vs-baron-corbin-vs-dolph-ziggler-vs-john-cena-six-way-wwe-championship-usos-vs-new-day-sm/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=March 11, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312024519/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/03/11/wwe-fastlane-2018-live-review-aj-styles-vs-kevin-owens-vs-sami-zayn-vs-baron-corbin-vs-dolph-ziggler-vs-john-cena-six-way-wwe-championship-usos-vs-new-day-sm/|archive-date=March 12, 2018|date=March 11, 2018}} resulting in a brutal attack by Owens and Zayn on the following episode of SmackDown Live.{{cite web|last1=Barnett|first1=Jake|title=3/13 Barnett's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: Shane McMahon's WrestleMania announcement, Asuka debuts on Smackdown, Bludgeon Brothers vs. Big E and Jimmy Uso|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/03/13/3-13-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-shane-mcmahons-wrestlemania-announcement-asuka-debuts-smackdown-road-wrestlemania-continues/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=March 13, 2018|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180314174209/https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/03/13/3-13-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-shane-mcmahons-wrestlemania-announcement-asuka-debuts-smackdown-road-wrestlemania-continues/|archive-date=March 14, 2018|date=March 13, 2018}}

File:Daniel Bryan WM34.jpg.]]

At that time, after more than two years of evaluations, reviews of his medical history and neurological and physical evaluations, Bryan was cleared by three external independent neurosurgeons, neurologists, and concussion experts (in addition to Joseph Maroon) to return to WWE in-ring competition on March 20.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/daniel-bryan-formally-cleared-by-wwe-to-return-to-in-ring-action/|title=Daniel Bryan formally cleared by WWE to return to in-ring action|date=March 20, 2018 |publisher=CBCS Sports|access-date=March 20, 2018}} He feuded against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn, wrestling his first match in years at WrestleMania 34, where he and Shane McMahon defeated them.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-wrestlemania-results/101418-april-8-2018-brock-lesnar-roman-reigns/|title=WrestleMania 34 Results – 4/8/18 (Reigns vs. Lesnar, Styles vs. Nakamura, Rousey)|date=April 8, 2018|access-date=April 8, 2018|publisher=Wrestleview}} As a result of being medically cleared, Bryan resigned as general manager.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/04/10/58229/|title=KELLER'S WWE SMACKDOWN REPORT 4/10: WrestleMania 34 fallout, Daniel Bryan vs. A.J. Styles, new G.M. announced, Tag Team Contenders decided|date=April 10, 2018|last=Keller|first=Wade|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=April 10, 2018}}{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=4/10 Powell's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: AJ Styles vs. Daniel Bryan, Paige named new general manager, New Day vs. The Usos for a Smackdown Tag Title shot at the Greatest Royal Rumble|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/04/10/4-10-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-aj-styles-responds-to-shinsuke-nakamura-low-blowing-him-shane-mcmahon-and-daniel-bryans-management-future-first-edition-after-wrestlemania-34/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 10, 2018|date=April 10, 2018}}

Bryan participated in the 50-man Royal Rumble match at Greatest Royal Rumble on April 27 as the first entrant, lasting for 76 minutes before being eliminated by Big Cass in the final three. He broke the record for longest time spent in a single Royal Rumble match, previously held by Rey Mysterio in 2006.{{Cite news|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/greatest-royal-rumble/article/daniel-bryan-royal-rumble-match-time-record|title=Daniel Bryan sets Royal Rumble Match record|work=WWE|access-date=April 28, 2018}} Bryan defeated Cass at Backlash on May 6{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Backlash live review: AJ Styles vs. Shinsuke Nakamura in a No DQ match for the WWE Championship, Roman Reigns vs. Samoa Joe, Carmella vs. Charlotte Flair for the Smackdown Women's Championship, Daniel Bryan vs. Big Cass|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/05/06/powells-wwe-backlash-live-review-aj-styles-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-in-a-no-dq-match-for-the-wwe-championship-roman-reigns-vs-samoa-joe-carmella-vs-charlotte-flair-for-the-smackdown-womens/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=May 6, 2018|date=May 6, 2018}} and Money in the Bank on June 17.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=Daniel Bryan def. Big Cass|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2018/daniel-bryan-big-cass-results|publisher=WWE|date=June 17, 2018|access-date=June 18, 2018}} On the June 26 episode of SmackDown Live, Bryan was aided by Kane in a post-match attack from The Bludgeon Brothers, reuniting Team Hell No. At Extreme Rules on July 15, Team Hell No lost to The Bludgeon Brothers after Kane was attacked pre-match with Bryan having to compete in a handicap match.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-extreme-rules/109293-july-15-2018-styles-rusev-reigns-lashley-pittsburgh|title=WWE Extreme Rules Results – 7/15/18|date=July 15, 2018|access-date=July 16, 2018|publisher=Wrestleview}}

After months of goading and later avoiding Bryan—as well as getting involved in Team Hell No's feud with The Bludgeon Brothers—Bryan competed against long-time rival The Miz at SummerSlam on August 19, but lost due to an undetected use of brass knuckles.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE SummerSlam 2018 live review: Brock Lesnar vs. Roman Reigns for the WWE Universal Championship, AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe for the WWE Championship, Alexa Bliss vs. Ronda Rousey for the Raw Women's Championship, Daniel Bryan vs. The Miz|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/08/19/powells-wwe-summerslam-2018-live-review-brock-lesnar-vs-roman-reigns-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-aj-styles-vs-samoa-joe-for-the-wwe-championship-alexa-bliss-vs-ronda-rousey-for-the-raw/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=August 19, 2018|date=August 19, 2018}} Following SummerSlam, at Hell in a Cell Bryan and his wife Brie Bella lost to The Miz and Maryse. At Super Show-Down on October 6, Bryan defeated The Miz to earn a WWE Championship opportunity against AJ Styles at Crown Jewel on November 2.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Super Show-Down live review: Undertaker vs. Triple H for the final time, AJ Styles vs. Samoa Joe in a no DQ, no count-out match for the WWE Title, The Shield vs. Braun Strowman, Drew McIntyre, and Dolph Ziggler, Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte for the Smackdown Women's Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/10/06/powells-wwe-super-show-down-live-review-undertaker-vs-triple-h-for-the-final-time-aj-styles-vs-samoa-joe-in-a-no-dq-no-count-out-match-for-the-wwe-title-the-shield-vs-braun-strowman-dre/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=October 6, 2018|date=October 6, 2018}} However, in wake of the Khashoggi death incident he refused to work the Crown Jewel event in Saudi Arabia and the storyline was altered so that their match took place on the October 30 episode of SmackDown Live, which Bryan lost.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/10/30/10-30-powells-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-trick-or-street-fight-final-hype-for-wwe-crown-jewel/|title=10/30 Powell's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: AJ Styles vs. Daniel Bryan for the WWE Championship, Rey Mysterio and Jeff Hardy vs. Randy Orton and The Miz, Trick or Street Fight, final hype for WWE Crown Jewel|date=October 30, 2018|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=November 1, 2018}}{{cite web|last=Droste|first=Bryan|url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/2018/10/31/daniel-bryan-aj-styles-smackdown-saudi-arabia/|title=How WWE Removed Daniel Bryan From Crown Jewel|publisher=Comicbook|date=October 30, 2018|access-date=October 31, 2018}}{{cite magazine|last=Gartland|first=Dan|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2018/10/30/wwe-crown-jewel-saudi-arabia-daniel-bryan-update|title=Daniel Bryan Not Participating in Controversial Crown Jewel Show in Saudi Arabia|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=October 30, 2018|access-date=October 31, 2018}}

File:Daniel Bryan WWE Champion 2019.jpg in January 2019]]

On the November 13 episode of SmackDown Live, Bryan defeated AJ Styles to win the WWE Championship for the fourth time following a low blow. After the match, he attacked Styles, turning heel for the first time since 2012.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/11/13/11-13-barnetts-wwe-smackdown-live-tv-review-wwe-survivor-series-shakeup-due-to-becky-lynchs-injury-the-final-push-for-sundays-event/|title=11/13 Barnett's WWE Smackdown Live TV Review: WWE Survivor Series shakeup due to Becky Lynch's injury, New Day vs. Big Show, Sheamus, and Cesaro, the final push for Sunday's event|date=November 13, 2018|last=Barnett|first=Jake|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=November 13, 2018}} At Survivor Series, he faced WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar in an interbrand champion vs. champion match, which he lost.{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|title=WWE SURVIVOR SERIES PPV REPORT 11/18: Keller's full report with star ratings on Lesnar-Bryan, Rousey-Charlotte, Seth-Nakamura, Raw vs. Smackdown|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/11/18/wwe-survivor-series-ppv-report-11-18-kellers-full-report-with-star-ratings-on-lesnar-bryan-rousey-charlotte-seth-nakamura-raw-vs-smackdown/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=November 21, 2018|date=November 19, 2018}} As part of his heel turn, Bryan christened himself as "The New" Daniel Bryan, retaining the title against Styles at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE TLC live review: Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair vs Asuka in a TLC match for the Smackdown Women's Championship, Daniel Bryan vs. AJ Styles for the WWE Championship, Seth Rollins vs. Dean Ambrose for the IC Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/12/16/powells-wwe-tlc-live-review-becky-lynch-vs-charlotte-flair-vs-asuka-in-a-tlc-match-for-the-smackdown-womens-championship-daniel-bryan-vs-aj-styles-for-the-wwe-championship-seth-rollins-vs-de/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=December 16, 2018|date=December 16, 2018}} and Royal Rumble.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Royal Rumble 2019 live review: Men's and Women's Royal Rumble matches, Brock Lesnar vs. Finn Balor for the WWE Universal Championship, Daniel Bryan vs. AJ Styles for the WWE Championship, Ronda Rousey vs. Sasha Banks for the Raw Women's Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/01/27/powells-wwe-royal-rumble-2019-live-review-mens-and-womens-royal-rumble-matches-brock-lesnar-vs-finn-balor-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-daniel-bryan-vs-aj-styles-for-the-wwe-championsh/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=January 27, 2019|date=January 27, 2019}} On the January 29 episode of SmackDown Live, Bryan threw the standard title belt in a garbage can (bemoaning the fact it was made from leather) and introduced a new belt, made from "entirely sustainable materials" and started calling himself "The Planet's Champion".{{cite web | url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2021/01/daniel-bryan-explains-why-planets-champion-is-his-favorite-reign-ever/ | title=Daniel Bryan Explains Why | date=January 24, 2021 }}{{cite web|last=Melok|first=Bobby|title=WWE SmackDown LIVE results, Jan. 29, 2019: "The New" Daniel Bryan's next title defense is revealed|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2019-01-29#full-detail-40055425/|work=WWE|access-date=January 30, 2019}} Bryan defended the title in an Elimination Chamber at the Elimination Chamber event, by last eliminating Kofi Kingston.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|title=WWE Champion Daniel Bryan def. Kofi Kingston, AJ Styles, Samoa Joe, Randy Orton and Jeff Hardy (Men's Elimination Chamber Match)|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/eliminationchamber/elimination-chamber-2019/mens-elimination-chamber-match-results|work=WWE|access-date=February 17, 2019}} At Fastlane on March 10, Bryan was originally scheduled to defend his championship against Kingston, but after Mr. McMahon replaced Kingston, Bryan successfully retained the title in a triple-threat match against Kevin Owens and Mustafa Ali.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|date=March 10, 2019|title=WWE Champion Daniel Bryan def. Kevin Owens and Mustafa Ali (Triple Threat Match)|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2019/daniel-bryan-vs-kevin-owens-mustafa-ali-results|publisher=WWE|access-date=March 10, 2019}} Bryan eventually defended the championship against Kingston at WrestleMania 35 on April 7, where Bryan lost, ending his reign at 145 days.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=WrestleMania 35 results: Powell's live review of Ronda Rousey vs. Becky Lynch vs. Charlotte Flair for the Raw and Smackdown Women's Titles, Daniel Bryan vs. Kofi Kingston for the WWE Championship, Brock Lesnar vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Universal Championship, Batista vs. Triple H, AJ Styles vs. Randy Orton|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/04/07/wrestlemania-35-results-powells-live-review-of-ronda-rousey-vs-becky-lynch-vs-charlotte-flair-for-the-raw-and-smackdown-womens-titles-daniel-bryan-vs-kofi-kingston-for-the-wwe-championship-b/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 7, 2019|access-date=April 7, 2019}} On May 6, Bryan competed on his first match on Raw since March 2015, where he lost to Kingston in a WrestleMania rematch, ending their feud.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/05/06/5-6-wwe-raw-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-returning-to-raw-the-build-to-money-in-the-bank-continues/|title=5/6 WWE Raw Results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns returning to Raw, the build to Money in the Bank continues|date=May 6, 2019|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=May 6, 2019}}

On the May 7 episode of SmackDown Live, Bryan and Rowan defeated The Usos for the vacant WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship, marking their first reign as a team.{{cite web|last=Barnett|first=Jake|title=5/7 WWE Smackdown Live Results: Barnett's review of The Usos vs. Daniel Bryan and Rowan for the vacant Smackdown Tag Titles, Raw wrestlers appear, Ali vs. Andrade, Carmella and Ember Moon vs. Mandy Rose and Sonya Deville|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/05/07/5-7-wwe-smackdown-live-results-barnetts-review-of-shane-mcmahon-crowning-new-smackdown-tag-champions-raw-wrestlers-to-appear-ali-vs-andrade-bayley-carmella-and-ember-moon-vs-charlotte-f/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=May 7, 2019|access-date=May 8, 2019}} At Money in the Bank on May 19, Bryan and Rowan faced off against The Usos in a non title match in a losing effort.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Money in the Bank Kickoff Show results: Powell's live review of Daniel Bryan and Rowan vs. The Usos|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/05/19/wwe-money-in-the-bank-kickoff-show-results-powells-live-review-of-daniel-bryan-and-rowan-vs-the-usos/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=May 19, 2019|date=May 19, 2019}} At Stomping Grounds on June 23, Bryan and Rowan defeated Heavy Machinery (Otis and Tucker) to retain the titles.{{cite web|last1=Bristout|first1=Ralph|title=SmackDown Tag Team Champions Daniel Bryan & Rowan def. Heavy Machinery|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwe-stomping-grounds/2019/daniel-bryan-rowan-def-heavy-machinery-results|work=WWE|access-date=June 23, 2019}} On July 14 at Extreme Rules, Bryan and Rowan lost the titles to The New Day (Big E and Xavier Woods) in a triple threat tag-team match, which also involved Heavy Machinery.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=WWE Extreme Rules results: Powell's live review of Seth Rollins and Becky Lynch vs. Baron Corbin and Lacey Evans in an Extreme Rules match for the WWE Universal Championship and the Raw Women's Championship, Kofi Kingston vs. Samoa Joe for the WWE Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/07/14/wwe-extreme-rules-results-powells-live-review-of-seth-rollins-and-becky-lynch-vs-baron-corbin-and-lacey-evans-in-an-extreme-rules-match-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-and-the-raw-womens-cham/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=July 14, 2019|date=July 14, 2019}}

In August 2019, Bryan and Rowan became involved in a storyline with Roman Reigns, as Reigns was being targeted for attacks by a mystery conspirator.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/07/30/7-30-wwe-smackdown-live-results-barnetts-review-of-kofi-kingston-vs-aj-styles-in-a-non-title-match-trish-stratus-on-jerry-lawlers-kings-court-talkshow-finn-balor-vs-dolph-ziggler/|title=7/30 WWE Smackdown Live Results: Barnett's review of Kofi Kingston vs. AJ Styles in a non-title match, Trish Stratus on Jerry Lawler's King's Court talkshow, Finn Balor vs. Dolph Ziggler|date=July 30, 2019|last=Barnett|first=Jake|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=July 31, 2019}} Reigns suspected Rowan as his attacker due to seemingly incriminating video footage, but Bryan instead revealed that the attacker was merely a man who resembled Rowan.{{cite web|last1=Powell|first1=Jason|title=8/20 WWE Smackdown Live results: Powell's review of Daniel Bryan vs. Buddy Murphy, Kevin Owens vs. Elias and Apollo Crews vs. Andrade in first round King of the Ring tournament matches|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/08/20/8-20-wwe-smackdown-live-results-powells-review-of-daniel-bryan-vs-buddy-murphy-kevin-owens-vs-elias-and-apollo-crews-vs-andrade-in-first-round-king-of-the-ring-tournament-matches/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 20, 2019|access-date=August 21, 2019}} However, Rowan later turned on Bryan and revealed that he was the attacker the entire time, ending the alliance between the two.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/09/03/9-3-wwe-smackdown-live-results-powells-review-of-ali-vs-elias-and-chad-gable-vs-andrade-in-quarterfinal-king-of-the-ring-tournament-matches/|title=9/3 WWE Smackdown Live Results: Powell's review of Ali vs. Elias and Chad Gable vs. Andrade in quarterfinal King of the Ring tournament matches|date=September 3, 2019|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=September 3, 2019}} On the September 24 episode of SmackDown Live, Bryan was saved by Reigns from an assault from Rowan and Luke Harper.{{cite web|title=WWE SmackDown LIVE results, Sept. 24, 2019: KO and Shane to put it all on the line in high-stakes Ladder Match

|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/wwe-smackdown-live-sept-24-2019|work=WWE|access-date=December 16, 2019|date=September 24, 2019}} Bryan then joined with Reigns to take down Rowan and Harper, thus turning face once again in the process.{{cite web|last1=Barnett|first1=Jake|title=9/24 WWE Smackdown Live Results: Barnett's review of the last USA Network broadcast, Roman Reigns and Daniel Bryan meet to clear the air, Sasha Banks and Bayley vs. Charlotte Flair and Carmella, the build to HIAC continues|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/09/24/9-24-wwe-smackdown-live-results-barnetts-review-of-the-last-usa-network-broadcast-roman-reigns-and-daniel-bryan-meet-to-clear-the-air-sasha-banks-and-bayley-vs-charlotte-flair-and-carmella-the/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=September 24, 2019|date=September 24, 2019}} At Hell in a Cell on October 6, Bryan and Reigns defeated Rowan and Harper.{{cite web|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/wwe-smackdown-results/138963-wwe-smackdown-results-10-4-19-fox-debut-wwe-title-match-20th-anniversary/|title=WWE SmackDown Results – 10/4/19 (FOX debut, WWE Title match, 20th anniversary)|date=October 4, 2019|first=Roy|last=Nemer|publisher=Wrestleview|access-date=October 21, 2019}}

On the November 8 episode of SmackDown, Bryan was attacked by Universal Champion "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=11/8 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns vs. King Corbin, The Revival vs. Big E and Kofi Kingston for the Smackdown Tag Titles, Sasha Banks vs. Nikki Cross, Tyson Fury returns|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/08/11-8-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-vs-king-corbin-the-revival-vs-big-e-and-kofi-kingston-for-the-smackdown-tag-titles-sasha-banks-vs-nikki-cross-tyson-fury/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=November 8, 2019|access-date=November 9, 2019}} In response, Bryan challenged Wyatt for the Universal Championship at Survivor Series on November 24, which Bryan lost.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=11/15 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell 's review of Big E and Kofi Kingston vs. The Revival for the Smackdown Tag Titles, Daniel Bryan on Miz TV, Bayley vs. Nikki Cross, Mustafa Ali and Shorty G put their Team Smackdown spots on the line vs. Robert Roode and Dolph Ziggler|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/15/11-15-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-big-e-and-kofi-kingston-vs-the-revival-for-the-smackdown-tag-titles-daniel-bryan-on-miz-tv-bayley-vs-nikki-cross-mustafa-ali-and-shor/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=November 15, 2019|access-date=November 16, 2019}} On the following SmackDown, after Wyatt challenged Bryan to another match, Bryan accepted the challenge and said that the Yes Movement was back.{{cite web|last1=Johnson|first1=Mike|title=LADDER MATCH ADDED TO WWE TLC PPV|url=https://www.pwinsider.com/article/132197/ladder-match-added-to-wwe-tlc-ppv.html?p=1|work=PWInsider|access-date=December 13, 2019}} During the Yes chants, Wyatt appeared as The Fiend and attacked Bryan, ripping out his hair and beard.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/11/29/11-29-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-a-new-face-in-bray-wyatts-firefly-funhouse-new-days-open-challenge-for-a-smackdown-tag-title-match-roman-reigns-opening-the-show/|title=11/29 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of a new face in Bray Wyatt's Firefly Funhouse, New Day's open challenge for a Smackdown Tag Title match, Roman Reigns opening the show|date=November 29, 2019|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=November 30, 2019}} Bryan, sporting a clean shave and hair cut short, returned at TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs on December 15 to attack Wyatt.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE TLC live review: The Kabuki Warriors vs. Becky Lynch and Charlotte Flair vs Asuka in a TLC match for the Smackdown Tag Titles, Roman Reigns vs. King Corbin in a TLC match, Bray Wyatt vs. The Miz, Rusev vs. Bobby Lashley in a tables match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2019/12/15/powells-wwe-tlc-live-review-the-kabuki-warriors-vs-becky-lynch-and-charlotte-flair-vs-asuka-in-a-tlc-match-for-the-smackdown-tag-titles-roman-reigns-vs-king-corbin-in-a-tlc-match-bray-wyatt-vs/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=December 15, 2019|date=December 15, 2019}} On the December 20 episode of SmackDown, Bryan defeated The Miz and King Corbin in a triple threat match to earn another Universal Championship match at the Royal Rumble on January 26, 2020,{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-daniel-bryan-and-miz-team-up-no-1-contender-match-set/|title=WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Daniel Bryan and Miz team up, No. 1 contender match set|date=December 20, 2019|first=Jack|last=Crosby|work=CBS Sports|access-date=December 29, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-no-1-contender-emerges-for-universal-title-at-royal-rumble/|title=WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: No. 1 contender emerges for universal title at Royal Rumble|date=December 27, 2019|first=Jack|last=Crosby|work=CBS Sports|access-date=December 29, 2019}} but Bryan was again unsuccessful at the event.{{cite web|last=Powers|first=Kevin|title=Universal Champion "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt def. Daniel Bryan|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/royalrumble/2020/the-fiend-bray-wyatt-vs-daniel-bryan-results|work=WWE|date=January 26, 2020|access-date=January 26, 2020}}

Bryan then began a rivalry with Drew Gulak, who claimed to have "found holes in Bryan's game".{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=2/21 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Goldberg's appearance, Naomi vs. Carmella for a shot at the Smackdown Women's Championship at WWE Super ShowDown, eight-man tag match, The Bellas on A Moment of Bliss|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/02/21/2-21-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-goldbergs-appearance-naomi-vs-carmella-for-a-shot-at-the-smackdown-womens-championship-at-wwe-super-showdown-eight-man-tag-mat/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=February 21, 2020|access-date=March 7, 2020}} This led to a match being made for Elimination Chamber on March 8, which Bryan won.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Elimination Chamber results: Powell's live review of Shayna Baszler vs. Asuka vs. Ruby Riott vs. Liv Morgan vs. Sarah Logan vs. Natalya in an Elimination Chamber match for a shot at the Raw Women's Championship at WrestleMania 36, Smackdown Tag Title Elimination Chamber match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/03/08/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-shayna-baszler-vs-asuka-vs-ruby-riott-vs-liv-morgan-vs-sarah-logan-vs-natalya-in-an-elimination-chamber-match-for-a-shot-at-the-raw-women/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=March 8, 2020|access-date=March 8, 2020}} On the March 13 episode of SmackDown, Bryan formed an alliance with Gulak, as Gulak managed Bryan during his match against Cesaro, where both were subsequently attacked by Cesaro, Shinsuke Nakamura, and Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=3/13 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of John Cena's appearance, Jeff Hardy's return, Daniel Bryan vs. Cesaro, Bayley and Sasha Banks vs. Alexa Bliss and Nikki Cross, no fans in attendance at the WWE Performance Center|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/03/13/3-13-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-john-cenas-appearance-paige-confronting-bayley-jeff-hardys-return-no-fans-in-attendance-at-the-wwe-performance-center/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=March 13, 2020|access-date=March 28, 2020}} On the March 27 episode of SmackDown, after Gulak defeated Nakamura, Bryan earned an Intercontinental Championship match against Zayn at the first night of WrestleMania 36 on April 4,{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=3/27 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Big E and Kofi Kingston vs. The Usos for shot at the Smackdown Tag Titles at WrestleMania, Drew Gulak vs. Shinsuke Nakamura, Asuka vs. Alexa Bliss, Bray Wyatt's Firefly Funhouse|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/03/27/3-27-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-big-e-and-kofi-kingston-vs-the-usos-for-shot-at-the-smackdown-tag-titles-at-wrestlemania-drew-gulak-vs-shinsuke-nakamura-asuka-vs-alex/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=March 27, 2020|access-date=March 28, 2020}} which he lost.{{cite web|last1=Melok|first1=Bobby|title=Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn def. Daniel Bryan|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/wrestlemania-36/sami-zayn-vs-daniel-bryan-results|work=WWE|date=April 4, 2020|access-date=April 4, 2020}} At Money in the Bank on May 10, Bryan competed in the Money in the Bank ladder match, but was unsuccessful as the match was won by Otis.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Money in the Bank results: Powell's review of the Climb The Corporate Ladder MITB matches, Drew McIntyre vs. Seth Rollins for the WWE Championship, Braun Strowman vs. Bray Wyatt for the WWE Universal Championship, Bayley vs. Tamina for the Smackdown Women's Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/05/10/wwe-money-in-the-bank-results-powells-review-of-the-climb-the-corporate-ladder-mitb-matches-drew-mcintyre-vs-seth-rollins-for-the-wwe-championship-braun-strowman-vs-bray-wyatt-for-the-wwe-unive/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=May 10, 2020|access-date=May 10, 2020}} On the May 15 episode of SmackDown, Bryan defeated Gulak in the quarter-finals of a tournament for the vacant Intercontinental Championship.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/05/15/5-15-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-money-in-the-bank-winner-otis-on-miz-tv-charlotte-flairs-return-the-beginning-of-the-intercontinental-title-tournament/|title=5/15 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Barnett's review of Money in the Bank winner Otis on Miz TV, Charlotte Flair's return, the beginning of the Intercontinental Title tournament|date=May 15, 2020|last=Barnett|first=Jake|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=May 29, 2020}} On the May 29 episode of SmackDown, Bryan then defeated Sheamus in the semi-finals who replaced Bryan's scheduled opponent Jeff Hardy, who was arrested for crashing his car into Elias and who had won a battle royal to face Bryan.{{cite web|title=Friday Night SmackDown results, May 29, 2020: Daniel Bryan and AJ Styles advance to tournament finals after unexpected semifinal circumstances|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2020-05-29|website=WWE|language=en|access-date=May 30, 2020}} Bryan ultimately lost to AJ Styles in the finals on the June 12 episode of SmackDown.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=6/12 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of AJ Styles vs. Daniel Bryan in the tournament final to become new Intercontinental Champion, Braun Strowman and Heavy Machinery vs. The Miz, John Morrison, and Dolph Ziggler, final hype for WWE Backlash|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/06/12/6-12-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-aj-styles-vs-daniel-bryan-in-the-tournament-final-to-become-new-intercontinental-champion-braun-strowman-and-heavy-machinery-vs-the-miz/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=June 12, 2020|access-date=June 13, 2020}}

After taking a hiatus, Bryan returned on the October 16 episode of SmackDown.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=10/16 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of the "season premiere" with Roman Reigns vs. Braun Strowman for the WWE Universal Championship, New Day's farewell match vs. Sheamus, Cesaro, and Shinsuke Nakamura, Lars Sullivan vs. Jeff Hardy, Street Profits vs. Dolph Ziggler and Robert Roode for the Smackdown Tag Titles|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2020/10/16/10-16-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-the-season-premiere-with-roman-reigns-vs-braun-strowman-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-new-days-farewell-match-vs-sheamus-ce/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=October 16, 2020|access-date=October 16, 2020}} On the TLC: Tables, Ladders & Chairs pre-show on December 20, Bryan, Big E, Chad Gable and Otis defeated Sami Zayn, King Corbin, Shinsuke Nakamura and Cesaro.{{cite web|last=Garretson|first=Jordan|title=Big E, Daniel Bryan, Otis & Chad Gable def. Intercontinental Champion Sami Zayn, King Corbin, Cesaro & Shinsuke Nakamura (Kickoff Match)|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwetlc/12-20-2020/eight-man-tag-team-match|work=WWE|date=December 20, 2020|access-date=December 20, 2020}} Following this, Bryan participated in the Royal Rumble on January 31, 2021, but was eliminated by Seth Rollins.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Royal Rumble results: Powell's live review of the Royal Rumble matches, Drew McIntyre vs. Goldberg for the WWE Championship, Roman Reigns vs. Kevin Owens in a Last Man Standing match for the WWE Universal Championship, Sasha Banks vs. Carmella for the Smackdown Women's Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/01/31/wwe-royal-rumble-results-powells-live-review-of-the-royal-rumble-matches-drew-mcintyre-vs-goldberg-for-the-wwe-championship-roman-reigns-vs-kevin-owens-in-a-last-man-standing-match-for-the-wwe/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 31, 2021|access-date=January 31, 2021}} Bryan competed in an Elimination Chamber match at Elimination Chamber on February 21, where the winner would receive a match for the Universal Championship immediately.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/02/12/2-12-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-roman-reigns-announcement-regarding-the-wwe-universal-championship-the-return-of-seth-rollins-elimination-chamber-developments/|title=2/12 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Roman Reigns' announcement regarding the WWE Universal Championship, the return of Seth Rollins, Elimination Chamber developments|date=February 12, 2021|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|accessdate=February 12, 2021}} Bryan won the match, but was quickly defeated by Universal Champion Roman Reigns.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=WWE Elimination Chamber results: Powell's live review of Drew McIntyre vs. Sheamus vs. Randy Orton vs. Kofi Kingston vs. AJ Styles vs. Jeff Hardy in an Elimination Chamber match for the WWE Championship, Roman Reigns faces an Elimination Chamber match winner for the WWE Universal Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/02/21/wwe-elimination-chamber-results-powells-live-review-of-drew-mcintyre-vs-sheamus-vs-randy-orton-vs-kofi-kingston-vs-aj-styles-vs-jeff-hardy-in-an-elimination-chamber-match-for-the-wwe-champions/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=February 21, 2021|access-date=February 21, 2021}} Bryan would subsequently request a rematch from Reigns,{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/02/26/2-26-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-powells-review-of-bianca-belairs-wrestlemania-decision-the-street-profits-vs-sami-zayn-and-king-corbin-rey-mysterio-and-dominik-mysterio-vs-chad/|title=2/26 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Powell's review of Bianca Belair's WrestleMania decision, The Street Profits vs. Sami Zayn and King Corbin, Rey Mysterio and Dominik Mysterio vs. Chad Gable and Otis, Elimination Chamber fallout|date=February 26, 2021|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|accessdate=February 26, 2021}} which he would receive at Fastlane on March 21, in a match where Edge was the special guest enforcer.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/03/19/3-19-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-moores-review-of-edge-vs-jey-uso-to-become-special-enforcer-of-the-wwe-universal-championship-at-wwe-fastlane-sasha-banks-vs-nia-jax-for-the-smackdown-wom/|title=3/19 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Moore's review of Edge vs. Jey Uso to become special enforcer of the WWE Universal Championship at WWE Fastlane, Sasha Banks vs. Nia Jax for the Smackdown Women's Championship, Big E and Apollo Crews interview|date=March 19, 2021|last=Moore|first=John|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|accessdate=March 20, 2021}} In the main event of Fastlane, Bryan was defeated by Reigns after Edge had attacked both men with a steel chair.{{cite web|last=Garretson|first=Jordan|title=Universal Champion Roman Reigns def. Daniel Bryan|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/wwefastlane/2021/roman-reigns-vs-daniel-bryan-results|work=WWE|date=March 21, 2021|access-date=March 21, 2021}} Afterwards, it was announced that Bryan would again challenge Reigns for the Universal Championship at the main event of night 2 of WrestleMania 37, in a triple threat match also including Edge.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/03/26/3-26-wwe-friday-night-smackdown-results-barnetts-review-of-sami-zayn-on-the-ko-show-with-kevin-owens-wrestlemania-developments-fastlane-fallout/|title=3/26 WWE Friday Night Smackdown results: Barnett's review of Sami Zayn on The KO Show with Kevin Owens, WrestleMania developments, Fastlane fallout|date=March 26, 2021|last=Barnett|first=Jake|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|accessdate=March 27, 2021}} On the second night of WrestleMania 37 on April 11, Bryan failed to win the title after Reigns pinned both him and Edge.{{cite web |last1=Powell |first1=Jason |date=April 11, 2021 |title=WrestleMania 37 results: Powell's live review of night two with Roman Reigns vs. Edge vs. Daniel Bryan in a Triple Threat for the WWE Universal Championship, Asuka vs. Rhea Ripley for the Raw Women's Championship, Big E vs. Apollo Crews in a Nigerian Drum Fight for the IC Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/04/11/wrestlemania-37-results-powells-live-review-of-night-two-with-roman-reigns-vs-edge-vs-daniel-bryan-in-a-triple-threat-for-the-wwe-universal-championship-asuka-vs-rhea-ripley-for-the-raw-women/ |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=April 11, 2021}} On April 30, he lost to Reigns in a championship vs. career match, meaning that he became banished from SmackDown.{{cite web|title=SmackDown results, April 30, 2021: Reigns bars Bryan from SmackDown and hits him with a post-match Con-Chair-To|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2021-04-30|access-date=May 1, 2021|website=WWE|language=en}} This was Bryan's final match in WWE; on May 4, it was reported that his contract with WWE had expired later that week, and that the company was "pushing hard" for him to sign a new one.{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wwe-news/daniel-bryans-wwe-contract-expired-following-smackdown-match-340601|title=DANIEL BRYAN'S WWE CONTRACT EXPIRED FOLLOWING SMACKDOWN MATCH|work=F4WOnline|first=Bryan|last=Rose|date=May 4, 2021|accessdate=May 5, 2021}}

On the June 27, 2022, episode of Raw, Bryan made an appearance via a video to congratulate John Cena on his career.{{cite web|last=Casey|first=Connor|date=June 27, 2022|url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/wwe-raw-aew-bryan-danielson-paul-wight-john-cena-video-message/|title=Three AEW Stars Appeared on This Week's WWE Raw to Congratulate John Cena (Update)|website=ComicBook.com|access-date=August 19, 2022}}

On September 5, 2021, Danielson made his surprise debut for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) at the All Out pay-per-view, confronting The Elite; the team had been joined by Adam Cole, who had made his debut just moments earlier. Danielson came to the aid of Christian Cage and Jurassic Express following a brawl between the two teams after Kenny Omega had retained the AEW World Championship against Cage.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW All Out results: Powell's live review of CM Punk vs. Darby Allin, The Young Bucks vs. The Lucha Bros in a cage match for the AEW Tag Titles, Kenny Omega vs. Christian Cage for the AEW Title, Britt Baker vs. Kris Statlander for the AEW Women's Title, Chris Jericho vs. MJF|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/09/05/aew-all-out-results-powells-live-review-of-cm-punk-vs-darby-allin-the-young-bucks-vs-the-lucha-bros-in-a-cage-match-for-the-aew-tag-titles-kenny-omega-vs-christian-cage-for-the-aew-title-brit/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=September 5, 2021|access-date=September 5, 2021}} At Dynamite: Grand Slam on September 22, Omega and Danielson fought to a 30-minute time limit draw in a non-title match. This was Danielson's first match to receive a 5-star rating from journalist Dave Meltzer.{{cite web|date=September 22, 2021|title=AEW Dynamite "Grand Slam" Results – 9/22/21 (Danielson vs. Omega, Black vs. Rhodes, etc.)|url=https://www.wrestleview.com/top-story/207152-aew-dynamite-grand-slam-results-9-22-21-danielson-vs-omega-black-vs-rhodes-etc/|access-date=September 23, 2021|work=WrestleView|first=Josh|last=Boutwell|language=en-US}}{{cite web|url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/101901-dave-meltzer-puntua-con-5-estrellas-el-daniel-bryan-vs-kenny-omega|title=Dave Meltzer puntúa con 5 estrellas por primera vez un combate de Bryan Danielson|last=Martínez|first=Sebastián|work=Solo Wrestling|date=September 24, 2021|accessdate=September 26, 2021|language=Spanish}}

Danielson won the AEW World Championship Eliminator Tournament (an eight-man single-elimination tournament) and received a future AEW World Championship match after defeating Dustin Rhodes,{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/23/10-23-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-cody-rhodes-vs-malakai-black-bryan-danielson-vs-dustin-rhodes-and-lance-archer-vs-eddie-kingston-in-aew-eliminator-tournament-matches/|title=10/23 AEW Dynamite results: Barnett's live review of Cody Rhodes vs. Malakai Black, Bryan Danielson vs. Dustin Rhodes, and Lance Archer vs. Eddie Kingston in AEW Eliminator tournament matches, Penelope Ford vs. Ruby Soho, and Serena Deeb vs. Hikaru Shida in TBS Title tournament matches, Jungle Boy vs. Brandon Cutler|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|first=Jake|last=Barnett|date=October 23, 2021|access-date=October 24, 2021}} Eddie Kingston,{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/10/29/10-29-aew-rampage-results-mcguires-live-review-of-bryan-danielson-vs-eddie-kingston-in-an-aew-eliminator-tournament-semifinal-match-dante-martin-vs-matt-sydal-aew-womens-champion-br/|title=10/29 AEW Rampage results: McGuire's live review of Bryan Danielson vs. Eddie Kingston in an AEW Eliminator tournament semifinal match, Dante Martin vs. Matt Sydal, AEW Women's Champion Britt Baker vs. Abadon in a non-title Trick or Treat match|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|first=Colin|last=McGuire|date=October 29, 2021|access-date=October 30, 2021}} and Miro in the finals on November 13 at Full Gear.{{cite web|last=Barnett|first=Jake|title=AEW Full Gear results: Barnett's live review of Kenny Omega vs. Hangman Page for the AEW World Championship, Bryan Danielson vs. Miro in the eliminator tournament finals, Penta and Rey Fenix vs. FTR for the AEW Tag Titles, CM Punk vs. Eddie Kingston, Britt Baker vs. Tay Conti for the AEW Women's Title, Darby Allin vs. MJF|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2021/11/13/aew-full-gear-results-barnetts-live-review-of-kenny-omega-vs-hangman-page-for-the-aew-world-championship-bryan-danielson-vs-miro-in-the-eliminator-tournament-finals-penta-and-rey-fenix-vs-ftr/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=November 13, 2021|access-date=November 13, 2021}} He would then feud with the recently-crowned AEW World Champion "Hangman" Adam Page, who he faced on December 15 at Winter is Coming. The match ended in another 60 minute time-limit draw, giving Danielson his second 5-star match from Meltzer.{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/newsletters/wrestling-observer-newsletter/december-20-2021-observer-newsletter-roh-final-battle-njpw-super-juniorstag-league-finals-reviews|title=December 20, 2021 Observer Newsletter: ROH Final Battle, NJPW Super Juniors/Tag League finals reviews|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|first=Dave|last=Meltzer|date=December 17, 2021|accessdate=December 21, 2021|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|url-access=subscription}} On the January 5, 2022 episode of Dynamite, Danielson once again faced Page for the World Championship, but was defeated, marking his first loss in AEW.{{cite web|last=Barnett|first=Jake|title=1/5 AEW Dynamite results: Barnett's live review of Hangman Page vs. Bryan Danielson for the AEW World Championship, Penta El Zero Miedo and Rey Fenix vs. Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus for the AEW Tag Titles, Ruby Soho vs. Jade Cargill to become the first TBS Champion, Malakai Black vs. Brian Pillman Jr.|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/01/05/1-5-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-hangman-page-vs-bryan-danielson-for-the-aew-world-championship-penta-el-zero-miedo-and-rey-fenix-vs-jungle-boy-and-luchasaurus-for-the-aew-t/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 5, 2022|accessdate=January 6, 2022}}

{{main|Blackpool Combat Club}}

Image:Bryan Danielson 2022-03-23.jpg

Shortly thereafter, he began a storyline with the recently returning Jon Moxley, offering to team up with him.{{cite web|url=https://www.allelitewrestling.com/post/aew-rampage-results-for-january-21-2022|title=AEW Rampage Results for January 21, 2022|publisher=All Elite Wrestling|author=AEW Staff|date=January 22, 2022|accessdate=January 24, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/bryan-danielson-jon-moxley-we-should-be-fighting-together|title=Bryan Danielson To Jon Moxley: "We Should Be Fighting Together"|work=Fightful|first=Gisberto|last=Guzzo|date=February 2, 2022|accessdate=February 5, 2022}} However, Moxley stated that he would only team with Danielson if they wrestled each other first.{{cite web|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2022/02/16/2-9-aew-dynamite-results-kellers-detailed-report-and-analysis-on-darby-challenging-guevara-for-tnt-title-punk-picks-the-time-and-stips-for-mjf-jericho-hager-vs-santana-ortiz/|title=2/16 AEW DYNAMITE RESULTS: Keller's detailed report and analysis on Darby challenging Guevara for TNT Title, Punk picks the time and stips for MJF, Jericho & Hager vs. Santana & Ortiz|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|publisher=TDH Communications, LLC|first=Wade|last=Keller|author-link=Wade Keller|date=February 16, 2022|accessdate=February 19, 2022}} At Revolution on March 6, Danielson lost to Moxley, after which the two began brawling; William Regal, once a mentor to both men, then made his surprise debut to break up the fight and force them to shake hands.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW Revolution results: Powell's live review of Hangman Page vs. Adam Cole for the AEW Title, Britt Baker vs. Thunder Rosa for the AEW Women's Title, Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus vs. Bobby Fish and Kyle O'Reilly vs. The Young Bucks for the AEW Tag Titles, CM Punk vs. MJF in a dog collar match, Jon Moxley vs. Bryan Danielson|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/03/06/aew-revolution-results-powells-live-review-of-hangman-page-vs-adam-cole-for-the-aew-title-britt-baker-vs-thunder-rosa-for-the-aew-womens-title-jungle-boy-and-luchasaurus-vs-bobby-fish-and-ky/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=March 6, 2022|access-date=March 6, 2022}} The two formed a team with Regal acting as their manager, later being named the Blackpool Combat Club.{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/bryan-danielson-jon-moxley-to-team-together-on-aew-dynamite-william-regal-in-their-corner|title=Bryan Danielson, Jon Moxley teaming up on AEW Dynamite with William Regal in their corner|work=F4WOnline|publisher=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|first=Ian|last=Carey|date=March 9, 2022|accessdate=March 11, 2022}}{{cite news |last1=Lafferriere |first1=Nicolás |title=Bryan Danielson y Jon Moxley reciben un nombre de equipo en AEW Dynamite |url=https://solowrestling.mundodeportivo.com/new/107153-aew-dynamite-blackpool-combat-club |access-date=March 24, 2022 |work=Solo Wrestling |date=March 24, 2022 |language=es}}

Following this, Wheeler Yuta was recruited into the group.{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/wheeler-yuta-earns-respect-blackpool-combat-club-48-aew-rampage|title=Wheeler Yuta Earns The Respect Of Blackpool Combat Club On 4/8 AEW Rampage|work=Fightful|first=Gisberto|last=Guzzo|date=April 8, 2022|accessdate=April 10, 2022}} They soon began a feud with the Jericho Appreciation Society, whom they lost to at Double or Nothing on May 29 in an Anarchy in the Arena match.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2022-05-29 |title=AEW Double Or Nothing results: Powell's live review of Hangman Page vs. CM Punk for the AEW Championship, MJF vs. Wardlow, Thunder Rosa vs. Serena Deeb for the AEW Women's Title, Owen Hart Cup tournament finals, The Hardys vs. The Young Bucks, Jungle Boy and Luchasaurus vs. Ricky Starks and Powerhouse Hobbs vs. Keith Lee and Swerve Strickland for the AEW Tag Titles |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/05/29/aew-double-or-nothing-results-powells-live-review-of-hangman-page-vs-cm-punk-for-the-aew-championship-mjf-vs-wardlow-thunder-rosa-vs-serena-deeb-for-the-aew-womens-title-owen-hart-cup-tourn/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} On the June 22 episode of Dynamite, Danielson revealed that he was not medically cleared to compete against Zack Sabre Jr. at AEW x NJPW: Forbidden Door on June 26, instead organizing a replacement as "the one person" he trusted to take his place at the event and the subsequent Blood and Guts special episode of Dynamite.{{Cite web |last=Rose |first=Bryan |date=June 22, 2022 |title=Bryan Danielson not medically cleared for AEW Forbidden Door, Blood & Guts |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/aew/bryan-danielson-not-medically-cleared-for-aew-forbidden-door-blood-guts |access-date=October 20, 2022 |website=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |language=en}} At Forbidden Door, the debuting Claudio Castagnoli took Danielson's place, defeating Sabre Jr. and joining the Blackpool Combat Club.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW-NJPW Forbidden Door results: Powell's live review of Jon Moxley vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for the Interim AEW World Title, Jay White vs. Kazuchika Okada vs. Hangman Page vs. Adam Cole for the IWGP World Heavyweight Title, Thunder Rosa vs. Toni Storm for the AEW Women's Title, Will Ospreay vs. Orange Cassidy for the IWGP U.S. Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/06/26/aew-njpw-forbidden-door-results-powells-live-review-of-jon-moxley-vs-hiroshi-tanahashi-for-the-interim-aew-world-title-jay-white-vs-kazuchika-okada-vs-hangman-page-vs-adam-cole-for-the-iw/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=June 26, 2022|access-date=June 26, 2022}} On the August 24 episode of Dynamite, Danielson challenged Chris Jericho to a match at All Out on September 4, which he accepted.{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=2022-08-24 |title=8/24 AEW Dynamite results: Barnett's live review of CM Punk vs. Jon Moxley for the unified AEW World Championship, Death Triangle vs. Will Ospreay and Aussie Open in an AEW Trios Title tournament match, Dax Harwood vs. Jay Lethal, Billy Gunn vs. Colten Gunn, Britt Baker vs. KiLynn King, Chris Jericho and Daniel Garcia meeting |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/08/24/8-24-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-cm-punk-vs-jon-moxley-for-the-unified-aew-world-championship-death-triangle-vs-will-ospreay-and-aussie-open-in-an-aew-trios-title-tournament-mat/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} At All Out, Danielson lost to Jericho.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2022-09-04 |title=AEW All Out results: Powell's live review of Jon Moxley vs. CM Punk for the AEW World Championship, Toni Storm vs. Britt Baker vs. Jamie Hayter vs. Hikaru Shida for the Interim AEW Women's Title, Chris Jericho vs. Bryan Danielson, Ricky Starks vs. Powerhouse Hobbs, "Jungle Boy" Jack Perry vs. Christian Cage, Casino Ladder Match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/09/04/aew-all-out-results-powells-live-review-of-jon-moxley-vs-cm-punk-for-the-aew-world-championship-toni-storm-vs-britt-baker-vs-jamie-hayter-vs-hikaru-shida-for-the-interim-aew-womens-title-ch/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}}

Afterwards, he competed in a tournament for the AEW World Championship, defeating Adam Page{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=2022-09-07 |title=9/7 AEW Dynamite results: Barnett's live review of Tony Khan addressing the status of the AEW World Championship and AEW Trios Titles, MJF's return promo, Wheeler Yuta vs. Daniel Garcia for the ROH Pure Rules Title, Death Triangle vs. Best Friends, Interim AEW Women's Champ Toni Storm vs. Penelope Ford in an eliminator match |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/09/07/9-7-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-tony-khan-addressing-the-status-of-the-aew-world-championship-and-aew-trios-titles-mjfs-return-promo-wheeler-yuta-vs-daniel-garcia-for-the-roh/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} and Jericho{{Cite web |last=Barnett |first=Jake |date=2022-09-14 |title=9/14 AEW Dynamite results: Barnett's live review of Bryan Danielson vs. Chris Jericho and Jon Moxley vs. Sammy Guevara in semifinal tournament matches for the vacant AEW World Championship, Toni Storm and Athena vs. Britt Baker and Serena Deeb |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/09/14/9-14-aew-dynamite-results-barnetts-live-review-of-bryan-danielson-vs-chris-jericho-and-jon-moxley-vs-sammy-guevara-in-semifinal-tournament-matches-for-the-vacant-aew-world-championship-toni-stor/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} before losing in the finals to Moxley at Grand Slam on September 21.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2022-09-21 |title=9/21 AEW Dynamite results: Powell's live review of Jon Moxley vs. Bryan Danielson for the vacant AEW World Championship, Swerve Strickland and Keith Lee vs. The Acclaimed for the AEW Tag Titles, Claudio Castagnoli vs. Chris Jericho for the ROH Title, Toni Storm vs. Athena vs. Britt Baker vs. Serena Deeb for the Interim AEW Women's Title, Pac vs. Orange Cassidy for the AEW All-Atlantic Title |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/09/21/9-21-aew-dynamite-results-powells-live-review-of-jon-moxley-vs-bryan-danielson-for-the-vacant-aew-world-championship-swerve-strickland-and-keith-lee-vs-the-acclaimed-for-the-aew-tag-titles-clau/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} The following week, Jericho gave Daniel Garcia an ultimatum about his loyalties, who told Jericho he did not take orders from him. Danielson came down and told Garcia to make his own decision, and offered him a spot in the Blackpool Combat Club.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2022-09-28 |title=9/28 AEW Dynamite results: Powell's live review of AEW World Champion Jon Moxley vs. Juice Robinson in an eliminator match, Chris Jericho vs. Bandido for the ROH Championship, Toni Storm vs. Serena Deeb for the Interim AEW Women's Championship, Saraya and MJF appearances |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/09/28/9-28-aew-dynamite-results-powells-live-review-of-aew-world-champion-jon-moxley-vs-juice-robinson-in-an-eliminator-match-chris-jericho-vs-bandido-for-the-roh-championship-toni-storm-vs-serena-d/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} On the October 12 episode of Dynamite, Danielson lost to Jericho in a ROH World Championship match after Garcia hit Danielson with his ROH Pure Championship.{{Cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=2022-10-12 |title=10/12 AEW Dynamite results: Powell's live review of Chris Jericho vs. Bryan Danielson for the ROH Championship, Pac vs. Orange Cassidy for the AEW All-Atlantic Championship, 'Jungle Boy' Jack Perry vs. Luchasaurus, Toni Storm and Hikaru Shida vs. Britt Baker and Jamie Hayter, Swerve Strickland vs. Billy Gunn |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/10/12/10-12-aew-dynamite-results-powells-live-review-of-chris-jericho-vs-bryan-danielson-for-the-roh-championship-pac-vs-orange-cassidy-for-the-aew-all-atlantic-championship-jungle-boy/ |access-date=2022-10-20 |website=Pro Wrestling Dot Net |language=en-US}} At the Full Gear event on November 19, Danielson challenged for the ROH World Championship in a four-way match involving Jericho, Castagnoli and Sammy Guevara, but lost.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW Full Gear results: Powell's live review of Jon Moxley vs. MJF for the AEW World Championship, The Acclaimed vs. Swerve Strickland and Keith Lee for the AEW Tag Titles, Toni Storm vs. Jamie Hayter for the Interim AEW Women's Title, Death Triangle vs. The Elite for the AEW Trios Titles, Saraya vs. Britt Baker|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2022/11/19/aew-full-gear-results-powells-live-review-of-jon-moxley-vs-mjf-for-the-aew-world-championship-the-acclaimed-vs-swerve-strickland-and-keith-lee-for-the-aew-tag-titles-toni-storm-vs-jamie-hayter/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=November 19, 2022|access-date=November 19, 2022}}

After this, Danielson began a rivalry with AEW World Champion MJF.{{cite web|title=1/4 AEW Dynamite results: Powell's live review of Samoa Joe vs. Darby Allin for the TNT Title, The Acclaimed vs. Jeff Jarrett and Jay Lethal for the AEW Tag Team Titles, Ricky Starks vs. Chris Jericho, Jade Cargill and Red Velvet vs. Skye Blue and Kiera Hogan, Swerve Strickland vs. AR Fox, Bryan Danielson vs. Tony Nese|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/01/04/1-4-aew-dynamite-results-powells-live-review-of-samoa-joe-vs-darby-allin-for-the-tnt-title-the-acclaimed-vs-jeff-jarrett-and-jay-lethal-for-the-aew-tag-team-titles-ricky-starks-vs-ch/|first=Jason|last=Powell|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=January 4, 2023|access-date=February 26, 2023}} The two faced in a 60-minute Iron Man match at the Revolution event on March 5, 2023, which Danielson lost after the match went to sudden death overtime.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW Revolution results: Powell's live review of MJF vs. Bryan Danielson in an Iron Man match for the AEW World Championship, Jamie Hayter vs. Saraya vs. Ruby Soho in a three-way for the AEW Women's Title, Jon Moxley vs. Hangman Page in a Texas Death match, Samoa Joe vs. Wardlow for the TNT Title, The Elite vs. House of Black for the AEW Trios Titles|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/03/05/aew-revolution-results-powells-live-review-of-mjf-vs-bryan-danielson-in-an-iron-man-match-for-the-aew-world-championship-jamie-hayter-vs-saraya-vs-ruby-soho-in-a-three-way-for-the-aew-womens/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=March 5, 2023|access-date=March 6, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230307195930/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/03/05/aew-revolution-results-powells-live-review-of-mjf-vs-bryan-danielson-in-an-iron-man-match-for-the-aew-world-championship-jamie-hayter-vs-saraya-vs-ruby-soho-in-a-three-way-for-the-aew-womens/|archive-date=March 7, 2023|url-status=live}} The match was met with critical acclaim,{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2023/03/07/aew-revolution-review-mjf-bryan-danielson|title='Revolution' Was the Momentum-Shifting Pay-Per-View AEW Needed|magazine=Sports Illustrated|first=Bryan|last=Alvarez|authorlink=Bryan Alvarez|date=March 7, 2023|accessdate=March 9, 2023}} and received a 5{{frac|3|4}} star rating from Dave Meltzer.{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/newsletters/wrestling-observer-newsletter/march-13-2023-observer-newsletter-aew-revolution-recap-wwe-legalized-gambling|title=March 13, 2023 Observer Newsletter: AEW Revolution recap, WWE & legalized gambling|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|first=Dave|last=Meltzer|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=March 10, 2023|accessdate=March 11, 2023|url-access=subscription}} On the following episode of Dynamite, Danielson declared that it was time for him "to go home".{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/aew-dynamite-3823-results-hangman-speaks-two-title-matches-ruby-soho-competes-and-more|title=AEW Dynamite (3/8/23) Results: Hangman Speaks, Two Title Matches, Ruby Soho Competes, And More|work=Fightful.com|first=Robert|last=Defelice|date=March 8, 2023|accessdate=March 9, 2023}} Danielson returned on the March 29 episode of Dynamite where he seemingly came out to help Kenny Omega from an attack by Moxley, Castagnoli, and Yuta but joined the group in attacking Omega, turning heel in the process.{{cite web|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2023/3/30/23662635/aew-dynamite-recap-review-mar-29-2023-bryan-danielson-heel-turn|title=AEW Dynamite recap & reactions (Mar. 29, 2023): Bryan Danielson heel turn|author=Manolo Has Pizzaz|publisher=Cageside Seats|date=March 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230330051256/https://www.cagesideseats.com/aew/2023/3/30/23662635/aew-dynamite-recap-review-mar-29-2023-bryan-danielson-heel-turn|archive-date=March 30, 2023|url-status=live}} At Double or Nothing on May 28, the Blackpool Combat Club defeated The Elite (Omega, Adam Page, and The Young Bucks) in an Anarchy in the Arena match.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW Double Or Nothing results: Powell's live review of MJF vs. Darby Allin vs. Jack Perry vs. Sammy Guevara in a four-way for the AEW World Championship, The Elite vs. BCC in Anarchy in the Arena, Jamie Hayter vs. Toni Storm for the AEW Women's Title, Jade Cargill vs. Taya Valkyrie for the TBS Title, Adam Cole vs. Chris Jericho in an unsanctioned match|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/05/28/aew-double-or-nothing-results-powells-live-review-of-mjf-vs-darby-allin-vs-jack-perry-vs-sammy-guevara-in-a-four-way-for-the-aew-world-championship-the-elite-vs-bcc-in-anarchy-in-the-arena-ja/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=May 28, 2023|access-date=May 28, 2023}}

At All Out on September 3, Danielson made his return from injury as a face and defeated Ricky Starks in a No Disqualification Strap match.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW All Out results: Powell's live review of Orange Cassidy vs. Jon Moxley for the AEW International Title, Luchasaurus vs. Darby Allin for the TNT Title, Bryan Danielson vs. Ricky Starks in a strap match, Kenny Omega vs. Konosuke Takeshita|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/09/03/aew-all-out-results-powells-live-review-of-orange-cassidy-vs-jon-moxley-for-the-aew-international-title-luchasaurus-vs-darby-allin-for-the-tnt-title-bryan-danielson-vs-ricky-starks-in-a-strap/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=September 3, 2023|access-date=September 3, 2023}}{{cite web|last=Defelice|first=Robert|title=Bryan Danielson Chokes Out Ricky Starks In Strap Match At AEW All Out, Ricky Steamboat Gets Physical|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/bryan-danielson-chokes-out-ricky-starks-strap-match-aew-all-out-ricky-steamboat-gets-physical|work=Fightful|date=September 3, 2023|access-date=October 12, 2023}} On October 1 at WrestleDream, Danielson defeated Zack Sabre Jr..{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW WrestleDream results: Powell's live review of Darby Allin vs. Christian Cage in a best of three falls match for the TNT Title, Bryan Danielson vs. Zack Sabre Jr., Swerve Strickland vs. Hangman Page|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/01/aew-wrestledream-results-powells-live-review-of-darby-allin-vs-christian-cage-in-a-best-of-three-falls-match-for-the-tnt-title-bryan-danielson-vs-zack-sabre-jr-swerve-strickland-vs-hangman-pa/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=October 1, 2023|access-date=October 1, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231002104751/https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/10/01/aew-wrestledream-results-powells-live-review-of-darby-allin-vs-christian-cage-in-a-best-of-three-falls-match-for-the-tnt-title-bryan-danielson-vs-zack-sabre-jr-swerve-strickland-vs-hangman-pa/|archive-date=October 2, 2023|url-status=live}} On November 11, Danielson and AEW president Tony Khan announced a tournament called the Continental Classic, which Danielson also announced he will be one of 12 competitors where he would compete in the Blue League.{{cite web|last=Defelice|first=Robert|title=Tony Khan Announces AEW Continental Classic Tournament Starts On 11/22, Concludes At AEW Worlds End|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/tony-khan-announces-aew-continental-classic-tournament-starts-1122-concludes-aew-worlds-end|work=Fightful|date=November 11, 2023|access-date=November 11, 2023|archive-date=November 12, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231112034526/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/tony-khan-announces-aew-continental-classic-tournament-starts-1122-concludes-aew-worlds-end|url-status=live}} Danielson finished top of his block with 10 points, allowing him to advance to the semi-final round. In the semi-final round, Danielson was defeated by Eddie Kingston, eliminating him from the tournament.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/12/27/aew-dynamite-results-12-27-powells-live-review-of-swerve-strickland-vs-jon-moxley-vs-jay-white-and-bryan-danielson-and-eddie-kingston-in-continental-classic-semifinal-matches/|title=AEW Dynamite results (12/27): Powell's live review of Swerve Strickland vs. Jon Moxley vs. Jay White, and Bryan Danielson and Eddie Kingston in Continental Classic semifinal matches|date=December 27, 2023|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=December 27, 2023}}

On the December 15, 2023 episode of Ring of Honor Wrestling, Danielson would make his return to Ring of Honor, now the sister promotion of All Elite Wrestling, for the first time since 2009, by challenging FTR (Dax Harwood and Cash Wheeler) and Mark Briscoe to a match at Final Battle against the Blackpool Combat Club in honor of Briscoe's later brother Jay. At the event, held later that month, the Blackpool Combat Club were defeated.{{cite web | url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10101275-roh-final-battle-2023-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-and-highlights | title=ROH Final Battle 2023 Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights | website=Bleacher Report }}

On March 3, 2024 at Revolution, Danielson unsuccessfully challenged Eddie Kingston for the Continental Crown Championship.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW Revolution results: Powell's live review of Sting and Darby Allin vs. The Young Bucks for the AEW Tag Titles in Sting's final match, Samoa Joe vs. Swerve Strickland vs. Hangman Page for the AEW World Championship|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/03/03/aew-revolution-results-powells-live-review-of-sting-and-darby-allin-vs-the-young-bucks-for-the-aew-tag-titles-in-stings-final-match-samoa-joe-vs-swerve-strickland-vs-hangman-page-for-the-aew/|date=March 3, 2024|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=March 3, 2024}} On April 21 at AEW Dynasty, Danielson was defeated by Will Ospreay. The match was met with acclaim and received a 6.5-star rating from Dave Meltzer, which makes the match the second greatest match by his ratings, only behind Kazuchika Okada vs. Kenny Omega at Dominion 6.9. This marks Danielson's 10th 5-or-higher-star-rated match overall.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW Dynasty results: Powell's live review of Samoa Joe vs. Swerve Strickland for the AEW World Championship, Will Ospreay vs. Bryan Danielson, FTR vs. Young Bucks in a ladder match for the AEW Tag Titles|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/04/21/aew-dynasty-results-powells-live-review-of-samoa-joe-vs-swerve-strickland-for-the-aew-world-championship-will-ospreay-vs-bryan-danielson-ftr-vs-young-bucks-in-a-ladder-match-for-the-aew-tag-ti/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=April 21, 2024|access-date=April 21, 2024}}

Danielson returned on the May 8, 2024 episode of Dynamite, becoming the final member of Team AEW with Eddie Kingston (later replaced by Darby Allin) and FTR (Cash Wheeler and Dax Harwood) to take on The Elite in an Anarchy in the Arena match at Double or Nothing.{{Cite web |last=Mueller|first=Chris|date=2024-05-08 |title=AEW Dynamite Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights From May 8|url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10120252-aew-dynamite-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-and-highlights-from-may-8|access-date=2024-05-09|website=Bleacher Report|language=en-US}} At Double or Nothing, Team AEW was defeated by The Elite.{{Cite web |last=Mueller |first=Doc-Chris |title=AEW Double or Nothing 2024 Results: Winners, Live Grades, Reaction and Highlights |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10122607-aew-double-or-nothing-2024-results-winners-live-grades-reaction-and-highlights |access-date=2024-05-27 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}

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In June, Danielson participated in the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, defeating Shingo Takagi in the first round at Forbidden Door,{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=AEW Forbidden Door results: Powell's live review of Swerve Strickland vs. Will Ospreay for the AEW World Championship, Jon Moxley vs. Tetsuya Naito for the IWGP World Heavyweight Title|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/06/30/aew-forbidden-door-results-powells-live-review-of-swerve-strickland-vs-will-ospreay-for-the-aew-world-championship-jon-moxley-vs-tetsuya-naito-for-the-iwgp-world-heavyweight-title/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=June 30, 2024|access-date=June 30, 2024}} Pac in the semi-final at Dynamite: Beach Break on July 3{{Cite web |last=Quinlan |first=Olivia |date=July 3, 2024 |title=AEW Dynamite: Beach Break Results 7/3 - Garcia Challenges Ospreay For International Title, Britt Baker Appears|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1615055/aew-dynamite-beach-break-july-3-garcia-challenges-ospreay-for-international-title-britt-baker-appears/ |access-date=July 16, 2024|website=Wrestling Inc.|language=en}} and "Hangman" Adam Page to win the tournament on the July 10 episode of Dynamite. In doing so, he also earned a match against Swerve Strickland for the AEW World Championship at All In on August 25.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/07/10/aew-dynamite-results-7-10-powells-live-review-of-bryan-danielson-vs-hangman-page-and-willow-nightingale-vs-mariah-may-in-the-finals-of-the-owen-hart-cup-tournaments/|title=AEW Dynamite results (7/10): Powell's live review of Bryan Danielson vs. Hangman Page and Willow Nightingale vs. Mariah May in the finals of the Owen Hart Cup tournaments|date=July 10, 2024|last=Powell|first=Jason|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=July 10, 2024}} On the July 31 episode of Dynamite, Danielson declared that if he failed to win the AEW World Championship at All In, he would never wrestle again.{{Cite web |last=Galizia |first=Joey |date=2024-08-01 |title=Bryan Danielson Putting His Career On The Line Against Swerve Strickland at AEW All In |url=https://www.sescoops.com/news/aew/bryan-danielson-swerve-strickland-aew-all-in/ |access-date=2024-08-01 |website=SEScoops |language=en-US}} On August 25 at All In, he defeated Strickland to win the AEW World Championship.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/08/25/aew-all-in-results-powells-live-review-of-swerve-strickland-vs-bryan-danielson-for-the-aew-world-championship-toni-storm-vs-mariah-may-for-the-aew-womens-championship/|title=AEW All In results: Powell's live review of Swerve Strickland vs. Bryan Danielson for the AEW World Championship, Toni Storm vs. Mariah May for the AEW Women's Championship|first=Jason|last=Powell|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=August 25, 2024|access-date=August 25, 2024}} On the following episode of Dynamite on August 28, he announced that as long as he's AEW World Champion, he would remain a full-time AEW wrestler and that his full-time career would end as soon as he lost the championship.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/08/28/aew-dynamite-results-8-28-barnetts-live-review-of-aew-world-champion-bryan-danielson-addresses-his-future-ricochet-vs-kyle-fletcher-jamie-hayter-vs-harley-cameron/|title=AEW Dynamite results (8/28): Barnett's live review of AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson addresses his future, Ricochet vs. Kyle Fletcher, Jamie Hayter vs. Harley Cameron|date=August 28, 2024|last=Barnett|first=Jake|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=August 29, 2024}} During his reign, he retained against Jack Perry at All Out. After the match, he was attacked by Castagnoli and Moxley, leading to Danielson's expulsion from the Blackpool Combat Club.{{cite web|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2024/09/07/aew-all-out-results-powells-live-review-of-swerve-strickland-vs-hangman-page-in-a-steel-cage-match-bryan-danielson-vs-jack-perry-for-the-aew-world-championship/|title=AEW All Out results: Powell's live review of Swerve Strickland vs. Hangman Page in a steel cage match, Bryan Danielson vs. Jack Perry for the AEW World Championship|first=Jason|last=Powell|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|date=September 7, 2024|access-date=September 7, 2024}} He lost the title against Moxley at WrestleDream, thus ending his reign at 48 days and full-time wrestling career. After the match, the Blackpool Combat Club would once again attack Danielson, writing him off television indefinitely.{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/results/aew-wrestledream-10122024-results-bryan-danielson-vs-jon-moxley-will-ospreay-mariah-may-more%3famp|title=AEW WrestleDream (10/12/2024) Results: Bryan Danielson vs Jon Moxley, Will Ospreay, Mariah May, More|work=Fightful.com|author=Luis Pulido|date=October 12, 2024|access-date=October 13, 2024}}

On December 9, Danielson made his first appearance since WrestleDream at the All In: Texas tickets on-sale rally, where he announced that he will be at the event but unsure if he will be wrestling.{{Cite web |last=Pritchard |first=Bill |date=2024-12-09 |title=Bryan Danielson: I Don't Know If I'll Be Able To Wrestle Again, But I'll Be At AEW All In 2025 |url=https://www.wrestlezone.com/news/1526053-bryan-danielson-i-dont-know-if-ill-be-able-to-wrestle-again-but-ill-be-at-aew-all-in-2025 |access-date=2024-12-09 |website=Wrestlezone |language=en-US}} In an April 2025 interview, AEW president Tony Khan confirmed that Danielson remained working with AEW behind the scenes, maintaining a role on the company's creative team.{{cite web|url=https://wrestlingnews.co/aew-news/tony-khan-addresses-bryan-danielsons-aew-status/|title=Tony Khan Addresses Bryan Danielson's AEW Status|work=WrestlingNews.co|first=Michael|last=Schrute|date=April 23, 2025|access-date=April 24, 2025}}

File:Bryan Danielson v Kazuchika Okada, AEW Forbidden Door 2023, 2023-06-25 03.jpg (left) at Forbidden Door in June 2023.]]

On June 6, 2023 at Dominion 6.4 in Osaka-jo Hall, Danielson made his return to NJPW for the first time since 2004 in a pre-taped vignette, challenging Kazuchika Okada to a match at Forbidden Door which Okada later accepted at a press conference.{{Cite web |last=Conway |first=Tyler |title=Bryan Danielson Challenges Okada, Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay Set for AEW x NJPW |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10078169-bryan-danielson-challenges-okada-kenny-omega-vs-will-ospreay-set-for-aew-x-njpw |access-date=2023-06-07 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en}}{{Cite web |date=2023-06-06 |title=Kazuchika Okada Sends A Message To Bryan Danielson |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/1306046/kazuchika-okada-sends-message-bryan-danielson-challenge/ |access-date=2023-06-07 |website=Wrestling Inc. |language=en-US}} At Forbidden Door on June 25, Danielson would defeat Okada via submission, despite suffering a legitimate broken arm following a flying elbow from Okada.{{cite web |last=Powell |first=Jason |date=June 25, 2023 |title=AEW-NJPW Forbidden Door results: Powell's live review of Bryan Danielson vs. Kazuchika Okada, Kenny Omega vs. Will Ospreay for the IWGP U.S. Championship, MJF vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi for the AEW World Championship |url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2023/06/25/aew-njpw-forbidden-door-results-powells-live-review-of-bryan-danielson-vs-kazuchika-okada-kenny-omega-vs-will-ospreay-for-the-iwgp-u-s-championship-mjf-vs-hiroshi-tanahashi-for-the-aew-world/ |access-date=June 25, 2023 |work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net}} On November 4, at Power Struggle, Danielson made another appearance in a pre-taped vignette and challenged Okada to a rematch at Wrestle Kingdom 18 which Okada accepted.{{Cite web |last=Renner |first=Ethan |date=2023-11-04 |title=Bryan Danielson challenges Kazuchika Okada for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/news/new-japan/bryan-danielson-challenges-kazuchika-okada-for-njpw-wrestle-kingdom-18 |access-date=2023-12-15 |website=WON/F4W - WWE news, Pro Wrestling News, WWE Results, AEW News, AEW results |language=en}} On January 4, 2024 at Wrestle Kingdom 18, Danielson was defeated by Okada. After the match both men bowed to one another, showing their mutual respect.{{cite web | url=https://wrestlingnews.co/njpw-news/njpw-wrestle-kingdom-18-results-okada-defeats-danielson-moxley-falls-short-in-title-match | title=NJPW Wrestle Kingdom 18 results: Okada defeats Danielson, Moxley falls short in title match | date=January 4, 2024 }} At The New Beginning in Osaka, Danielson was defeated by Zack Sabre Jr., in a rematch from AEW WrestleDream.

On March 29, 2024, at Homenaje a Dos Leyendas, Danielson made his Consejo Mundial de Lucha Libre (CMLL) debut, teaming with Claudio Castagnoli, Jon Moxley, and Matt Sydal in a losing effort against Volador Jr., Blue Panther, Místico, and Último Guerrero.{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=387934|title=CMLL Homenaje A Dos Leyendas 2024|work=Cagematch.net|accessdate=April 8, 2024}} After the match, Danielson was challenged to a singles match by Blue Panther. The two would wrestle in a submission match on the April 5 edition of CMLL Super Viernes, where Danielson defeated Panther.{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=391763|title=CMLL Super Viernes|work=Cagematch.net|accessdate=April 8, 2024}}

File:Daniel Bryan April 2012.jpg

File:Daniel Bryan WrestleMania 28.jpg]]

Danielson has spent the majority of his career without an overt character or catchphrase in favor of becoming popular with the fans through his monikers, signature mannerisms, and wrestling ability. His attire has also varied, with the majority of his tenure spent wearing a pair of short trunks,Murphy, Dan. "Report Cards of the Stars". Pro Wrestling Illustrated July 2008. 152. but he also ventured into wearing a mask for a time in Japan as an extension of his American Dragon persona.{{cite web|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/wwe/5-wwe-superstars-you-didn-t-know-once-competed-under-a-mask-ss|title = 5 WWE Superstars you didn't know once competed under a mask|date = May 2019}} He has cited a number of international wrestlers as influences to his style, including Japanese wrestlers Toshiaki Kawada and Mitsuharu Misawa and English wrestler William Regal.{{cite web|url=http://members.tripod.com/~kaientapes/amdrint.html|title=American Dragon Bryan Danielson interview|access-date=June 10, 2009}} He has also made mention of modeling his wrestling on that of American wrestler Dean Malenko and Canadian wrestler Chris Benoit in his early career, before using Brazilian jiu-jitsu as a platform to develop his own style.{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/interviews/default.asp?aID=20899|title=2007 Bryan Danielson interview|last=Alvarez|first=Bryan|publisher=Figure 4 Weekly|access-date=June 21, 2009}}

Danielson has been described as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.{{Cite web |last=Garcia |first=Raphael |date=2022-09-21 |title="Big Match" Bryan Danielson is the best professional wrestler of this generation |url=https://dailyddt.com/2022/09/21/big-match-bryan-danielson-best-professional-wrestler-generation/ |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=Daily DDT |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2021-04-17 |title=Kurt Angle Says Daniel Bryan Is The Best Technical Wrestler In The World |url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2021/04/kurt-angle-names-daniel-bryan-as-the-most-technical-wrestler-in-wwe/ |access-date=2023-06-29 |website=Wrestling Inc. |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |date=2023-10-10 |title=Swerve Strickland On Bryan Danielson: He's One Of The Greatest Of All Time |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/swerve-strickland-bryan-danielson-one-142327247.html |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=Yahoo Entertainment |language=en-US}}{{Cite web |last=Rivera |first=Joseph |date=2021-12-22 |title=Honestly: Bryan Danielson Is The Greatest Wrestler To Ever Exist |url=https://wrestlingrepublic.com/honestly-bryan-danielson-is-the-greatest-wrestler-to-ever-exist/ |access-date=2024-04-13 |website=Wrestling Republic |language=en-US}}

Some notable parts of Danielson's persona are his mannerisms and the reactions he inspires from the crowd during the course of his matches, which include the following:

• During his time in ROH, Danielson made his way to the ring to his entrance song ("The Final Countdown") and, once in the ring, stood on the top turnbuckle and sang the refrain along with the fans in attendance.Castle, Al. "The Best in the World: Is this more than hype?" Pro Wrestling Illustrated February 2009. 50. He reused the song as an entrance theme at the 2023 Forbidden Door, as well as at the 2023 All Out.{{cite web |title=IT'S THE FINAL COUNTDOWN! Bryan Danielson Makes His Return at AEW All Out 2023 | website=YouTube | date=September 3, 2023 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SiAG0T9jis |access-date=4 September 2023 |language=en}} His theme song in WWE was a rock variation of "Ride of the Valkyries".{{cite web| url-status = dead| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210827133546/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHU5D2O31vs| archive-date = August 27, 2021| url = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHU5D2O31vs| title = WWE: "Flight of the Valkyries" ► Daniel Bryan 9th Theme Song| website = YouTube| date=July 20, 2013 | access-date = August 27, 2021}} In AEW, his theme begins with the original version of the main theme from "Ride of the Valkyries" before going into a hip-hop variation.
• After winning the ROH World Championship, he displayed traits of a villainous persona, starting to behave more aggressively and threatening to the fans as well as taking more liberties with the rules; despite his rule-breaking character, he still retained a certain level of popularity with the fans and continued to uphold the company's Code of Honor, ROH's storyline rules of wrestler conduct, allowing him to perform as a more neutral character.{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/ROH_News_29/article_22907.shtml|title=ROH News: Spoiler-free preview of ROH's Driven PPV|date=September 21, 2007|last=Detrick|first=Jason|access-date=July 8, 2009|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}
• During his initial reign as ROH World Champion, he told the ring announcer to add an extra note about him pertaining to the current circumstances around his match, which was generally insulting the crowd or his opponent.{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/ubbthreads/showthreaded.php?Number=5855428|title=Favorite Bryan Danielson intro|publisher=411 Mania|date=September 15, 2007|access-date=July 14, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130906165455/http://www.411mania.com/ubbthreads/showthreaded.php?Number=5855428|archive-date=September 6, 2013}}
• At the beginning of his ROH matches, the crowd would chant "you're gonna get your fucking head kicked in" at his opponents.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/PPV_Reports_5/article_21053.shtml|title=Radican's ROH Respect Is Earned Report 7/20: ongoing "virtual time" coverage of PPV|date=July 20, 2007|last=Radican|first=Sean|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=July 14, 2009}} He brought back this catchphrase during his time in AEW, with it also being present (albeit censored) in his entrance music.
• After winning WWE's World Heavyweight Championship, he began shouting "Yes!" repeatedly on his way to the ring and after defeating an opponent, crediting mixed martial artist fighter Diego Sanchez with the inspiration.{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_59756.shtml|title=Video – Bryan reveals "Yes!" inspiration, Nigel would have been bigger WWE star?|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=March 30, 2012|access-date=April 3, 2011}}{{cite magazine|url=https://www.gq.com/entertainment/tv/blogs/the-stream/2012/04/daniel-bryan-on-wrestlemania-his-history-with-the-wwe-and-being-a-vegan-pro-wrestler.html|title=Video – Daniel Bryan on Wrestlemania, His History with the WWE, and Being a Vegan Pro fWrestler|last=Breihan|first=Tom|magazine=GQ|date=April 11, 2012|access-date=April 12, 2011}} This chant grew in popularity and has become his main catchphrase, being heard outside of WWE at events such as MLB, NHL, and NBA games,{{cite news|last=Ocal|first=Arda|title='Incredible' support from fans has WWE superstar Daniel Bryan primed for Extreme Rules (Page 1)|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2012/04/27/incredible-support-from-fans-has-wwe-superstar-daniel-bryan-primed-for-extreme-rules/|newspaper=The Baltimore Sun|access-date=April 29, 2012}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/ViewArticle.php?id=67348|title=THE DANIEL BRYAN LOVE CONTINUES|last=Johnson|first=Mike|publisher=Pro Wrestling Insider|date=April 3, 2012|access-date=April 5, 2012}} as well as at music concerts such as Andrew W.K. shows in Glasgow and Manchester.{{cite news|last=Geddes|first=Jonathan|title=Andrew WK, the Garage, Glasgow|url=http://www.heraldscotland.com/arts-ents/music/andrew-wk-the-garage-glasgow.17318862|newspaper=The Herald|access-date=April 25, 2012|date=April 16, 2012}} After turning into a villainous character at the start of 2012, he slowly turned against the fans; after WrestleMania XXVIII in April, he began chanting "No!" instead of "Yes!" He claimed that the fans were mocking him by chanting "Yes!" so he chanted "No!" back at them, but this then further encouraged the crowd to chant "Yes!" to annoy him as he was a villain. Shortly after turning back into a heroic character, he began chanting "Yes!" again, but would still shout "No!" when in a negative situation or showing disdain towards a critique, which also involved crowd participation.
• His "Yes!" chant again entered popular culture in late 2013 and early 2014. During Michigan State's regular-season victory over arch-rival Michigan, Spartans guard Travis Jackson celebrated a touchdown with a "Yes!" chant.{{cite episode|url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/michigan-state-university-leads-up-a-daniel-bryan-yes-chant-during-a-msu-basketb-26174700|title=Top-5 OT Thriller|series=SportsCenter|network=ESPN|date=January 7, 2014|access-date=February 10, 2014|archive-date=February 10, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140210223814/http://www.wwe.com/videos/michigan-state-university-leads-up-a-daniel-bryan-yes-chant-during-a-msu-basketb-26174700|url-status=dead}} (republished by WWE) On January 7, the university honored the football team, fresh off victory in the Rose Bowl, during halftime of the men's basketball home game against Ohio State. Jackson again led Bryan's chant, this time with the entire home crowd, especially the student section, joining in. The event quickly went viral and drew extensive coverage on ESPN's SportsCenter. One contributor to Yahoo! Sports speculated that this event and the associated media coverage led WWE to prematurely end his short-lived villainous run as a member of The Wyatt Family.{{cite news|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/news/did-michigan-state-university-change-course-wwe-history-154200564--spt.html|title=Did Michigan State University Change the Course of WWE History?|first=Patrick|last=Michael|work=Yahoo! Sports|date=January 15, 2014|access-date=January 30, 2014|archive-date=January 19, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140119051610/http://sports.yahoo.com/news/did-michigan-state-university-change-course-wwe-history-154200564--spt.html|url-status=dead}} In the wake of his championship victory at WrestleMania XXX, the Pittsburgh Pirates began using the "Yes!" chant as a rallying cry, gradually replacing the Zoltan gesture the Pirates had been using the previous two years; it was said that Pirates first baseman Gaby Sánchez, a huge wrestling fan, was behind the team using the "Yes!" chants.{{cite web|url=http://extramustard.si.com/2014/04/16/daniel-bryan-yes-chant-pittsburgh-pirates/|title=Daniel Bryan's 'Yes' Chant Has Invaded Major League Baseball|author=Dan Treadway|work=SI.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140419151212/http://extramustard.si.com/2014/04/16/daniel-bryan-yes-chant-pittsburgh-pirates/|archive-date=April 19, 2014}} In May, members of the San Francisco Giants started using the chant and hand gesture to celebrate home runs. This led to him performing the chant at a Giants playoff game and actively supporting the team all the way to the World Series, which the Giants won against the Kansas City Royals in seven games. He was also a part of the team's victory parade.{{cite web|url=http://www.csnbayarea.com/giants/rewind-blanco-runs-giants-kick-it-old-school-beat-braves|title=Rewind: Blanco runs, Giants kick it old school to beat Braves|last=Baggarly|first=Andrew|author-link=Andrew Baggarly|work=Comcast SportsNet Bay Area|date=May 14, 2014|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140518095820/http://www.csnbayarea.com/giants/rewind-blanco-runs-giants-kick-it-old-school-beat-braves|archive-date=May 18, 2014}} Fans of the New York Islanders now use the "Yes!" chant after every Islanders goal scored during home games.{{cite web|url=http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2014/11/14/pht-morning-skate-yes-isles-fans-indeed-stole-chant-from-wwe|title=PHT Morning Skate: Yes! Isles fans indeed stole chant from WWE|last=O'Brien|first=James|date=November 14, 2014}}
• On several occasions, such as the 2013 Slammy Awards, fans have successfully hijacked segments with his "Yes!" chant when he was either not involved or involved only secondarily. In the case of the "Championship Ascension Ceremony" segment, the fan's continuing "Yes!" chants forced John Cena to go off-script and acknowledge Bryan (especially since the show was held in Seattle) even though the segment was supposed to be about Cena and Randy Orton's impending title unification match.
• Throughout his career, Bryan has been known as a submission specialist.{{cite web|last=Robinson|first=Joe|url=http://www.espn.com/espn/thelife/videogames/blog/_/name/thegamer/id/6856839/daniel-bryan-talks-wwe-12-punk-cena|title=Daniel Bryan talks 'WWE 12,' Punk and Cena|date=August 31, 2011|access-date=July 3, 2018|website=ESPN|publisher=ESPN Internet Ventures}}{{cite web|last=Eck|first=Kevin|url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/bs-mtblog-2011-01-wwe_raw_newest_nexus_member_looks_familiar-story.html|title=WWE Raw: Newest Nexus member looks familiar|date=January 19, 2011|access-date=July 3, 2018|work=The Baltimore Sun|publisher=Baltimore Sun Media Group}} In his initial run on the independent circuit, he utilized a bridging double chickenwing, named the Cattle Mutilation, to finish his opponents.{{cite web|last1=DeBenedetto|first1=Paul|last2=Muñiz|first2=Michaelangelo|url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2017/03/the-15-best-wrestlers-in-ring-of-honor-history.html?p=3|title=The 15 Best Wrestlers in Ring of Honor History|date=March 10, 2017|access-date=July 3, 2018|work=Paste|publisher=Paste Media Group}}{{cite web|url=http://www.dgusa.tv/roster/danielson.htm|title=Bryan Danielson|access-date=July 3, 2018|publisher=Dragon Gate USA|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090715061000/http://www.dgusa.tv/roster/danielson.htm|archive-date=July 15, 2009}} This style has continued throughout his WWE career, where he used an omoplata crossface,{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/10-most-dangerous-submission-holds-right-now|title=The 10 most dangerous submission holds in WWE right now|date=April 15, 2018|access-date=July 3, 2018|publisher=WWE}} which has been variously called either the LeBell Lock, the "No!" Lock, or the "Yes!" Lock.{{cite web|last1=Benigno|first1=Anthony|last2=Sampogna|first2=Nicholas|last3=Leslie|first3=Justin|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/superstar-hobbies|title=That's What They Do: Wildest Superstar Hobbies|publisher=WWE|date=May 9, 2013|access-date=July 3, 2018}} After his return to active performing in 2018, he began using a heel hook to finish matches.{{cite web|last=Sapp|first=Sean Ross|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/match-ratings-wwe-smackdown-live-61218-podcast-notes-sean-ross-sapp|title=Match Ratings For WWE Smackdown Live 6/12/18, Podcast Notes From Sean Ross Sapp|date=June 12, 2018|access-date=July 3, 2018|website=Fightful.com|publisher=Shazzu, Inc.}}
• Shortly after capturing the WWE Championship for a fourth time by low blowing AJ Styles and turning into a villainous character at the end of 2018, Bryan changed his in-ring persona, beginning to smile more often in a sinister way and not leading any "Yes!" chants, which resulted in him receiving heat from the crowd.{{cite web|last=Powell|first=Jason|title=Powell's WWE Survivor Series live review: WWE Universal Champion Brock Lesnar vs. WWE Champion Daniel Bryan, Raw Women's Champion Ronda Rousey vs. Charlotte Flair in a non-title match, Intercontinental Champion Seth Rollins vs. U.S. Champion Shinsuke Nakamura|url=https://prowrestling.net/site/2018/11/18/powells-wwe-survivor-series-live-review-wwe-universal-champion-brock-lesnar-vs-wwe-champion-daniel-bryan-raw-womens-champion-ronda-rousey-vs-charlotte-flair-in-a-non-title-match/|work=Pro Wrestling Dot Net|access-date=November 18, 2018|date=November 18, 2018}}{{cite web|last=Keller|first=Wade|author-link=Wade Keller|title=11/20 WWE Smackdown Results: Keller's report on Survivor Series fallout including Charlotte snapping on Rousey, Daniel Bryan's heel turn and fallout from Lesnar match|url=https://www.pwtorch.com/site/2018/11/20/11-20-wwe-smackdown-results-kellers-report-on-survivor-series-fallout-including-charlotte-snapping-on-rousey-daniel-bryans-heel-turn-and-fallout-from-lesnar-match/|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=November 27, 2018|date=November 21, 2018}} After Survivor Series in November of that year, he also started to repeatedly call the fans "fickle" while claiming that the "old Daniel Bryan" that the people loved and the "Yes!" movement were both dead before christening himself as the "new Daniel Bryan". His character then became an exaggerated and villainous version of his real-life personality:{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_59384.shtml|title=WWE News: D-Bryan interview – stiff match vs. Sheamus at WM28?, reaction to playing heel vegan, health issues discovered pre-WWE, more|last=Caldwell|first=James|work=Pro Wrestling Torch|date=March 21, 2012|access-date=April 6, 2012}}{{cite web|title=The World's Most Humble Man: An Interview With WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan|url=http://rvamag.com/articles/full/21044/the-worlds-most-humble-man-an-interview-with-wwe-superstar-daniel-bryan|last=Nunnally|first=Doug|date=June 7, 2013|access-date=June 7, 2013|work=RVA Magazine|archive-date=March 8, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160308214009/http://rvamag.com/articles/full/21044/the-worlds-most-humble-man-an-interview-with-wwe-superstar-daniel-bryan|url-status=dead}} a militant environmentalist and vegan who constantly berated the WWE fans for their consumerism, environmental damage, and consumption of meat, as well as discussing the harm brought to animals by the farming industry.{{cite web|last=Crosby|first=Jack|title=WWE SmackDown results, recap, grades: Vicious side of 'new' Daniel Bryan emerges|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/wwe-smackdown-results-recap-grades-vicious-side-of-new-daniel-bryan-emerges/|website=CBSSports.com|date=December 5, 2018 |access-date=December 5, 2018}} He also chastised fellow wrestlers such as Mustafa Ali for driving an SUV.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2018-12-11/article/wwe-champion-daniel-bryan-def-mustafa-ali|title=WWE Champion Daniel Bryan def. Mustafa Ali|last=Benigno|first=Anthony|publisher=WWE|date=December 11, 2018|access-date=December 30, 2018}} Two days after the 2019 Royal Rumble, he threw the standard WWE Championship in a garbage can, bemoaning the fact it was made from leather, and introduced a new custom belt with the same design as the old one but made from entirely sustainable materials (such as the strap being made from hemp and the front and side plates carved from the wood of a "naturally fallen oak tree") to go with his new persona.{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/gallery/daniel-bryan-eco-friendly-wwe-championship-photos#fid-40319861|title=Daniel Bryan's eco-friendly WWE Championship: photos|work=WWE.com|access-date=January 30, 2019|quote=Bryan's title is made from 100 percent sustainable organic hemp and carved from a naturally fallen oak.}}

Danielson was prominently featured in the Wrestling Road Diaries documentary, which was filmed in 2009 before he signed with WWE.{{cite web|title=Wrestling Road Diaries DVD Trailer|url=http://www.wrestleview.com/misc-news/22107-video-the-wrestling-road-diaries-dvd-trailer|publisher=WrestleView|access-date=October 8, 2013|date=March 21, 2011}} In 2011, Danielson recorded a single with Kimya Dawson that was a tribute to wrestling legend "Captain" Lou Albano.

In 2013, Danielson recorded the voice for the character Daniel Bryrock in the animated film The Flintstones & WWE: Stone Age SmackDown!, which was released on March 10, 2015.{{cite web|url=http://www.ign.com/articles/2015/03/10/wwes-daniel-bryan-on-becoming-a-part-of-the-flintstones-universe|title=WWE's Daniel Bryan on Becoming a Part of the Flintstones Universe|first=Matt|last=Fowler|date=March 10, 2015|website=ign.com|access-date=June 21, 2017}}

On July 21, 2015, Danielson and Craig Tello co-wrote Danielson's autobiography Yes: My Improbable Journey to the Main Event of WrestleMania. Later that year, he was one of the judges on the sixth season of Tough Enough.{{cite web|last1=Klompus|first1=Jack|title=The Miz takes over from Hulk Hogan as a judge on WWE's Tough Enough|url=http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/ustv/s216/wwe/news/a660631/the-miz-takes-over-from-hulk-hogan-as-a-judge-on-wwes-tough-enough.html#~pjUgEWmEaA0f4c|website=Digital Spy|access-date=July 30, 2015|date=July 29, 2015}} After his relationship with Brie Bella became a regular feature on E! Network reality series Total Divas, he became part of the cast of the spin off series Total Bellas.

In May 2016, during his first retirement, Danielson competed in an Olympic weightlifting competition in his hometown.{{cite tweet|number=739213686531723264|user=WWEDanielBryan|title=Putting on the spandex battle jammies...|date=June 4, 2016}}{{cite tweet|number=739226840905048065|user=WWEDanielBryan|title=My first Olympic lifting competition!...|date=June 4, 2016}}{{cite tweet|number=739233811918004224|user=WWEDanielBryan|title=Competition part 2! This didn't count...|date=June 4, 2016}} He came in first place in his weight division, receiving a katana as his prize.{{cite tweet|number=739295774719152128|user=WWEDanielBryan|title=My prize for the competition? This...|date=June 5, 2016}}

Danielson has been featured in 10 WWE video games under the Daniel Bryan name, starting with WWE '12 in 2011 and most recently WWE 2K Battlegrounds in 2020. He was the alternate cover star of WWE 2K14, alongside The Rock. He made his first video game appearance under his real name in WWE 2K19, which featured a showcase story mode based on his career in WWE.

Danielson made his first appearance in a AEW video game under his real name when he appeared in AEW Fight Forever in 2023.

File:HoF 2015-03-28 18-51-34 ILCE-6000 4875 DxO (17524528836).jpg ceremony]]

Danielson married fellow WWE wrestler Brie Bella on April 11, 2014, after they had been dating for nearly three years.{{cite web|last=Kirk|first=Kamala|title=Total Divas' Brie Bella and WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan Are Married – See the Wedding Pics!|url=http://www.eonline.com/shows/total_divas/news/530653/total-divas-brie-bella-and-wwe-superstar-daniel-bryan-are-married-see-the-wedding-pics|work=E! Online|access-date=April 12, 2014|date=April 12, 2014}}{{cite web|title=WWE newswire: Bryan & Brie wedding details, who attended?; Ultimate Warrior Saturday updates, Batista DVD cover art|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_77697.shtml|website=PWTorch.com|access-date=July 26, 2014}} On April 6, 2016, almost two months after Danielson's retirement, Bella also semi-retired from wrestling so that the two could start a family.{{cite web|url=http://comicbook.com/2016/04/06/brie-bella-officially-retires-from-wwe/|title=Brie Bella Officially Retires From WWE|website=Comicbook.com|date=April 4, 2016 |access-date=April 6, 2016}} They have two children, born in 2017{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/totaldivas/article/brie-bella-daniel-bryan-have-daughter-birdie?sf77960394=1|title=Birdie is here! Brie Bella and Daniel Bryan welcome their daughter to the world|author=WWE.com Staff|publisher=WWE|date=May 9, 2017|access-date=May 14, 2017}} and 2020.{{cite news |last1=Mizoguchi |first1=Karen |title=It's a Boy! Brie Bella and Daniel Bryan Welcome Their Second Child |url=https://people.com/parents/brie-bella-daniel-bryan-welcome-second-child-boy/ |access-date=August 18, 2020 |work=PEOPLE.com |date=August 2, 2020 |language=EN}} They reside in Napa County, California,{{cite web|url=https://www.etonline.com/nikki-and-brie-bella-reveal-their-families-are-moving-to-napa-valley-to-simplify-their-lives-155261|title = Nikki and Brie Bella Reveal Their Families Are Moving to Napa Valley to 'Simplify' Their Lives | Entertainment Tonight| date=October 22, 2020 }} having previously lived in Phoenix, Arizona.{{cite web|url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1200526/brie-nikki-bella-are-moving-all-the-details-on-their-new-lives-in-a-new-city|title = Brie & Nikki Bella Are Moving: All the Details on Their New Lives in a New City|date = October 21, 2020}}

Danielson originally began training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu in 2002 under Wallid Ismail. In 2009, he lived in Las Vegas, where he began training in MMA at Randy Couture's Xtreme Couture Mixed Martial Arts. He currently holds a purple belt in jiu-jitsu.{{cite news|last=Ocal|first=Arda|title='Incredible' support from fans has WWE superstar Daniel Bryan primed for Extreme Rules (Page 2)|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/2012/04/27/incredible-support-from-fans-has-wwe-superstar-daniel-bryan-primed-for-extreme-rules/|newspaper=The Baltimore Sun|access-date=April 29, 2012|archive-date=November 9, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131109041231/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/2012-04-27/sports/bal-daniel-bryan-incredible-support-from-fans-has-wwe-superstar-primed-for-extreme-rules-20120427_1_sheamus-chant-wwe-events/2|url-status=live}}{{Citation|title=The MMA Hour: Glover Teixeira, Bryan Danielson, Yair Rodriguez, and more {{!}} Nov 10, 2021| date=November 10, 2021 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mdmPp9LmLug|language=en|access-date=November 10, 2021}} He was also roommates with Xtreme Couture's head grappling trainer Neil Melanson, and had previously lived with former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Lyoto Machida and fellow professional wrestler Shinsuke Nakamura while they trained at the NJPW Dojo in 2003.{{cite web|title=Exclusive: Lyoto Machida Recalls Living With Daniel Bryan And Shinsuke Nakamura {{!}} Fightful News|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/exclusives/exclusive-lyoto-machida-recalls-living-daniel-bryan-and-shinsuke-nakamura|access-date=March 23, 2021|website=www.fightful.com|language=en}}

Danielson became a vegan in 2009 after suffering from elevated liver enzymes and several staph infections.{{cite web|url=http://blog.peta2.com/2011/04/vegan-wwe-superstar-daniel-bryan.html|title=Vegan WWE Superstar Daniel Bryan|date=April 1, 2011|access-date=June 23, 2011|publisher=Peta|archive-date=June 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607074551/http://blog.peta2.com/2011/04/vegan-wwe-superstar-daniel-bryan.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://tsmradio.com/coltcabana/2011/11/09/aow-68-daniel-bryan/|title=AOW 68: Daniel Bryan « Art Of Wrestling|publisher=Tsmradio.com|date=November 9, 2011|access-date=June 10, 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120530095913/http://tsmradio.com/coltcabana/2011/11/09/aow-68-daniel-bryan/|archive-date=May 30, 2012}} In 2012, he received PETA's Libby Award for Most Animal-Friendly Athlete.{{cite web|title=Bryan tops pro athletes for PETA award|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_57116.shtml|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch|access-date=January 19, 2012}} That same year, Mayor Micah Cawley of Yakima, Washington, declared January 13 "Daniel Bryan Day".{{cite web|title=peta2 names Bryan "Most Animal-Friendly Athlete"|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/overtheropes/daniel-bryan-peta2|publisher=WWE|quote=Last Friday, Mayor Micah Cawley of Yakima, Wash., declared Jan. 13 "Daniel Bryan Day" in honor of The Submission Specialist, who hails from nearby Aberdeen, Wash.}} Later that year, Danielson explained that he was no longer a vegan due to his inability to find sufficient vegan food while traveling with WWE. He also revealed that he had developed a soy intolerance and could not find enough non-soy vegan protein on the road, but was still maintaining a primarily vegan diet. In 2018, it was reported that he and his wife planned to raise their children as vegetarians.{{cite web|url=https://people.com/parents/brie-bella-raising-daughter-birdie-vegetarian/|title=Total Bellas' Brie Bella Talks Raising Daughter Birdie, 11 Months, as a Vegetarian|last=Guglielmi|first=Jodi|website=People|date=April 24, 2018|access-date=February 21, 2019}} In 2022, he stated that he was still "very much in favor of a plant-heavy diet" but does not "stress too much if he feels like eating off-plan".{{cite web |url=https://www.muscleandfitness.com/athletes-celebrities/pro-tips/aews-bryan-danielson-wrestling-tips-to-stay-fit-at-40/ |title=AEW's Bryan Danielson Wrestling Tips To Stay Fit At 40|website=Muscle & Fitness |date=September 22, 2021 |access-date=February 22, 2022}}

In 2011, in response to fans mistakenly pointing out what they believed was a nicotine patch on his arm, Danielson revealed that the discoloration actually stems from vitiligo.{{cite web |url=https://twitter.com/WWEDanielBryan/status/97214858474422272 |title=Daniel Bryan on Twitter: "@tarynlove77 It's vitiligo, not any artificial patch, which is an autoimmune disease you can look up on Wikipedia." |website=twitter.com |access-date=January 11, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305053243/https://twitter.com/WWEDanielBryan/status/97214858474422272 |archive-date=March 5, 2016 |url-status=dead}}

In October 2012, a social media campaign was started in an attempt to help Connor Michalek meet Danielson, his personal hero. Michalek was six years old at the time and suffered from cancer of the brain and spine.{{cite web|title=Online effort to help 6-year-old fighting brain cancer meet WWE star succeeds|url=http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/local/6-year-old-fighting-brain-cancer-hopes-online-effo/nSZBb/|publisher=WXPI|access-date=March 19, 2015|date=October 10, 2012|archive-date=November 18, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151118143050/http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/local/6-year-old-fighting-brain-cancer-hopes-online-effo/nSZBb/|url-status=dead}} The campaign succeeded, with Danielson meeting Michalek in December 2012{{cite web|last1=Noel|first1=Carly|title=Pittsburgh boy battling cancer meets hero, WWE star Daniel Bryan|url=https://www.wpxi.com/news/pittsburgh-area-boy-battling-cancer-meets-hero-wwe_ntzfx/197740690/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160412105012/http://www.wpxi.com/news/pittsburgh-area-boy-battling-cancer-meets-hero-wwe_ntzfx/197740690 |archive-date=April 12, 2016 |publisher=WXPI |date=December 18, 2012 |access-date=March 19, 2015}} and October 2013.{{cite web|title=Video: Local boy fighting cancer reunited with WWE star|url=http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/video-local-boy-fighting-cancer-reunited-wwe-star/nbJFs/|publisher=WXPI|access-date=March 19, 2015|date=October 8, 2013|archive-date=March 13, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150313123711/http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/video-local-boy-fighting-cancer-reunited-wwe-star/nbJFs/|url-status=dead}} After Michalek's death, he was posthumously awarded the Warrior Award by Danielson at the WWE 2015 Hall of Fame ceremony.

In a 2015 interview, Danielson revealed that he is a lifelong teetotaler who has never had a drink of alcohol.{{cite web|last=Sapp|first=Sean Ross|title=Daniel Bryan Talks Never Having A Drink In His Life, Why He Grew His Hair Out, Brie Bella, More|website=Wrestling, Inc.|date=7 August 2015|url=https://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2015/08/daniel-bryan-talks-never-having-a-drink-in-his-life-599181/|access-date=30 April 2024}}

Danielson is a fan of the Seattle Seahawks and was given control of the team's Twitter account for a Q&A session in 2015,{{Cite news|last=Payne|first=Marissa|title=WWE superstar Daniel Bryan took over the Seattle Seahawks Twitter account|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2015/01/30/wwe-superstar-daniel-bryan-took-over-the-seattle-seahawks-twitter-account/|access-date=June 7, 2020|newspaper=Washington Post|language=en}} as well as wearing Seahawks-themed wrestling gear at WWE SummerSlam in 2018{{cite web|title=Photos: Daniel Bryan channels Seattle's "12th Man" at SummerSlam|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/summerslam/summerslam-2018/gallery/daniel-bryan-seattle-seahawks-ring-gear-summerslam-photos|access-date=June 7, 2020|website=WWE|language=en}} and AEW WrestleDream in 2023.{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hH6k98JmXUo | title=Bryan Danielson's Hometown Entrance at AEW WrestleDream! | website=YouTube | date=October 2, 2023 }} He also supports Everton FC.{{cite web | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qByAU06UUv0 | title=Daniel Bryan on his love for Everton | website=YouTube | date=June 2018 }} A self-described environmentalist and anti-consumerist, he has discussed feeling like a hypocrite for selling WWE merchandise,{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/daniel-bryan-feels-hypocrite-selling-wwe-merchandise-he-and-john-cena-talk-about-politics|title=Daniel Bryan Feels Like A 'Hypocrite' For Selling WWE Merchandise; He And John Cena Talk About Politics|last=Rose|first=Bryan|publisher=Fightful|date=January 2, 2018|access-date=December 30, 2018}} and endorsed Green Party nominee Jill Stein in the 2016 presidential election.{{cite web|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/wwe-news-daniel-bryan-reveals-who-he-is-voting-for-aj-styles-becky-lynch-more-set-for-wizard-world/|work=411MANIA |title=WWE News: Daniel Bryan Reveals Who He Is Voting For, AJ Styles, Becky Lynch & More Set For Wizard World|access-date=September 29, 2016}}

{{multiple image

| align = right

| width = 170

| direction = vertical

| image1 = WWE 2014-04-07 19-07-05 NEX-6 0796 DxO (13929316452).jpg

| caption1 = Danielson (as Daniel Bryan) was a five-time world champion in WWE—pictured here as WWE World Heavyweight Champion, then represented by the former World Heavyweight Championship belt (around his waist) and the 2013–2014 version of the WWE Championship belt (over his shoulder).

| image2 = Tag Team Champion Daniel Bryan.jpg

| caption2 = Danielson (as Daniel Bryan) found success with Kane as part of Team Hell No by capturing the WWE Tag Team Championship.

| image3 = Daniel Bryan IC Champion March 2015.jpg

| caption3 = Danielson (as Daniel Bryan) is a former WWE Intercontinental Champion – the last title he held before his temporary retirement.

| image4 = United States Champion Daniel Bryan.jpg

| caption4 = As Daniel Bryan, Danielson is a former WWE United States Champion – the first title he won in WWE.

| image5 = Bryan Danielson, AEW Champ Sept 2024 (cropped2).jpg

| caption5 = Danielson as AEW World Champion

| image6 = American Dragon....jpg

| caption6 = Under his American Dragon persona, Danielson is a former ROH World Champion.

}}

• All Elite Wrestling
• AEW World Championship (1 time)
• AEW World Championship Eliminator Tournament (2021){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=7248&page=2|title=AEW World Championship Eliminator Tournament (2021)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch – The Internet Wrestling Database|date=November 13, 2021|access-date=November 14, 2021}}
• Owen Hart Cup (2024)
• AEW Dynamite Awards (2 times)
• Biggest Beatdown (2022) – {{small|60 minute match vs. "Hangman" Adam Page}}
• Biggest Surprise (2022) – {{small| debut at All Out (shared with Adam Cole)}}
• All Pro Wrestling
• APW Worldwide Internet Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.titlehistories.com/All_Pro_Wrestling.htm|title=All Pro Wrestling Title Histories|access-date=July 11, 2008|publisher=titlehistories.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=47|title=APW Worldwide Internet Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=June 16, 2002|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• King of the Indies (2001){{cite web|url=http://www.allprowrestling.com/apwgarage/01results.html|title=All Pro Wrestling 2001 Results|access-date=July 8, 2009|publisher=All Pro Wrestling|archive-date=September 27, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927225337/http://www.allprowrestling.com/apwgarage/01results.html|url-status=dead}}
• All Star Wrestling
• World Heavy-Middleweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1403|title=ASW World Mid-Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=May 6, 2003|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• World Heavy-Middleweight Championship Tournament (2003){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=643&page=2|title=Matches « World Mid-Heavyweight Title Tournament « Tournaments Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}
• CBS Sports
• Best Promo of the Year (2018) – {{small|Promo during TLC kickoff show}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/wwe/news/the-man-comes-around-becky-lynch-breaks-out-for-wwe-as-the-2018-wrestler-of-the-year/|title=The Man comes around: Becky Lynch breaks out for WWE as the 2018 Wrestler of the Year|last=Silverstein|first=Adam|date=December 26, 2018|work=CBS Sports}}
• Comeback Wrestler of the Year (2018)
• Connecticut Wrestling Entertainment
• CTWE Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1719|title=CTWE Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=September 12, 2009|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• East Coast Wrestling Association
• ECWA Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Low Ki{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/ttecwa.html|title=Solie's Title Histories: ECWA – EAST COAST WRESTLING ASSOCIATION|website=www.solie.org}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=29|title=ECWA Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=April 7, 2001|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• ESPN
• Match of the Year (2024) – vs. Will Ospreay at AEW Dynasty{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/43101880/pro-wrestling-2024-awards-best-men-women-wrestler-feud-more|title=Pro Wrestling 2024 awards: The best men's and women's wrestler, feud and more|author=ESPN staff|date=December 26, 2024|work=ESPN|access-date=December 27, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241227123647/https://www.espn.com/wwe/story/_/id/43101880/pro-wrestling-2024-awards-best-men-women-wrestler-feud-more|archive-date=December 27, 2024|url-status=live}}
• Evolve
• Match of the Year (2010) {{small|vs. Munenori Sawa on September 11}}{{cite web|url=http://www.evolvewrestling.com/news/169.htm|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717202800/http://www.evolvewrestling.com/news/169.htm|url-status=dead|archive-date=July 17, 2011|title=Results Of Year End Awards|date=January 4, 2011|access-date=January 6, 2011|work=Evolve}}
• Extreme Canadian Championship Wrestling
• NWA Canadian Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.eccw.com/championship/nwacanadianjuniorheavyweight|title=NWA Junior Heavyweight Championship|access-date=July 8, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090322185453/http://www.eccw.com/championship/nwacanadianjuniorheavyweight|archive-date=March 22, 2009}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=720|title=NWA Canadian Junior Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=October 12, 2001|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• Full Impact Pro
• FIP Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=235|title=FIP Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=January 14, 2006|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• International Catch Wrestling Alliance
• Expo Tournament (2008){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=26&nr=903&page=2|title=Matches « Expo 2008 Tournament « Tournaments Database « CAGEMATCH – The Internet Wrestling Database|website=www.cagematch.net}}
• International Wrestling Association
• IWA Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.pwinsider.com/article/49219/iwa-summer-attiude-results-bryan-danielson-wins-gold-savio-vega-and-more-from-anniversary-event-in-puerto-rico.html?p=1|title=IWA Summer Attiude [sic] Results: Bryan Danielson Wins Gold|date=July 19, 2010|access-date=September 16, 2012}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1017|title=IWA Puerto Rico Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=July 17, 2010|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• Memphis Championship Wrestling
• MCW Southern Light Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=41|title=MCW Southern Light Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=August 12, 2000|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• MCW Southern Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Spanky{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=43|title=MCW Southern Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=December 1, 2000|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• NWA Mid-South
• NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.titlehistories.com/NWA_Southern_Junior_Heavyweight_Title.htm|title=NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Championship|access-date=July 8, 2009|archive-date=July 23, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723161515/http://www.titlehistories.com/NWA_Southern_Junior_Heavyweight_Title.htm|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=1057|title=NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=September 1, 2000|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• New Japan Pro-Wrestling
• IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Curry Man{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=147|title=IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=March 12, 2004|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• Best of the American Super Juniors (2004){{cite web|url=http://www.puroresumission.com/tournaments/njpw_americajr.html|title=PuroresuMission R (Reborn, Return, Revolution)|publisher=Puroresumission.com|access-date=June 10, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101014233238/http://www.puroresumission.com/tournaments/njpw_americajr.html|archive-date=October 14, 2010|url-status=dead}}
• Pro Wrestling Guerrilla
• PWG World Championship (2 times){{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/htpwg.html|access-date=July 27, 2008|last=Westcott|first=Brian|title=PWG – Pro Wrestling Guerrilla PWG Heavyweight Title History|publisher=Solie}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=123|title=PWG World Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=July 29, 2007|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• Pro Wrestling Illustrated
• Comeback of the Year (2018){{cite web|url=https://superluchas.com/aj-styles-y-becky-lynch-lideran-los-premios-pwi-2018/|title=AJ Styles y Becky Lynch lideran los premios PWI 2018|work=Súper Luchas|date=January 2, 2019|access-date=March 17, 2019}}
• Feud of the Year (2013) {{small|vs. The Authority}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html|title=PWI Awards|work=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|publisher=Kappa Publishing Group|access-date=April 22, 2017|archive-date=January 21, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160121172943/http://www.pwi-online.com/pages/PWIawards.html|url-status=dead}}
• Inspirational Wrestler of the Year (2014)
• Match of the Year (2013) {{small|vs. John Cena at SummerSlam}}
• Most Popular Wrestler of the Year (2013)
• Wrestler of the Year (2013)
• Ranked No. 1 of the top 500 wrestlers in the PWI 500 in 2014{{cite web|url=http://www.profightdb.com/pwi-500/2014.html|title=Pro Wrestling Illustrated (PWI) 500 for 2014|access-date=December 2, 2014|work=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|publisher=The Internet Wrestling Database}}
• Pro Wrestling Noah
• GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.puroresucentral.com/danielson.html|title=Bryan Danielson|last=Wilson|first=Kevin|publisher=Puroresu Central|date=July 1, 2009|access-date=July 6, 2009}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=142|title=GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=September 14, 2008|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• Ring of Honor
• ROH Pure Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohpuretitle.php|title=Ring Of Honor Pure Championship|access-date=April 5, 2010|publisher=Ring of Honor|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100404064124/http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohpuretitle.php|archive-date=April 4, 2010}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=120|title=ROH Pure Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=August 12, 2006|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• ROH World Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=121|title=ROH World Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=September 17, 2005|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• Survival of the Fittest (2004)
• ROH Year-End Award (2 times)
• Wrestler of the Year (2007)
• Match of the Year (2007) {{small|vs. Takeshi Morishima (Manhattan Mayhem II)}}
• ROH Hall of Fame (Class of 2022){{cite web|url=https://www.rohwrestling.com/news/bryan-danielson-inducted-inaugural-roh-hall-fame-class|title=Bryan Danielson Inducted into Inaugural ROH Hall of Fame Class|work=Ring of Honor|date=February 7, 2022 |access-date=February 7, 2022}}
• Sports Illustrated
• Ranked No. 10 of the top 10 men's wrestlers in 2018{{cite magazine|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2019/01/03/wwe-njpw-aew-news-best-wrestlers-2018-cody-rhodes-kenny-omega|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190104044607/https://www.si.com/wrestling/2019/01/03/wwe-njpw-aew-news-best-wrestlers-2018-cody-rhodes-kenny-omega|title=The Week in Wrestling: Top 10 Men's Wrestlers of 2018|magazine=Sports Illustrated|date=January 3, 2019|access-date=January 12, 2019|archive-date=January 4, 2019|url-status=dead}}
• Ranked No. 5 of the top 10 wrestlers in 2021{{Cite magazine|last=Barrasso|first=Justin|title=The Top 10 Wrestlers of 2021|url=https://www.si.com/wrestling/2022/01/06/top-10-wrestlers-2021-roman-reigns-kenny-omega-bryan-danielson|access-date=2022-02-02|magazine=Sports Illustrated|language=en-us}}
• Texas Wrestling Alliance
• TWA Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Spanky{{cite web |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/other-wrestling/daily-pro-wrestling-history-0322-dutch-mantel-wins-southern-title-jerry-lawler | title=Daily pro wrestling history (03/21): Flair vs. Fujinami at WCW/NJPW Supershow | date=March 21, 2020 | access-date=March 22, 2020 | work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter | first=Brian | last=Hoops}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=185|title=TWA Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=March 21, 2000|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• Texas Wrestling Entertainment
• TWE Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=69695|title=TWE Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• Westside Xtreme Wrestling
• wXw World Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.wxw-wrestling.com/index2.php?content=title_history&id=1|title=wXw World Heavyweight Title|access-date=May 11, 2010|publisher=Westside Xtreme Wrestling|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120209173736/http://www.wxw-wrestling.com/index2.php?content=title_history&id=1|archive-date=February 9, 2012}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=65|title=wXw World Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=March 7, 2009|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• Ambition 1 (2010)
• World Series Wrestling
• WSW Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/htwsw.html|access-date=July 3, 2008|last=Pulsone|first=Mario|title=WSW – World Series Wrestling WSW Heavyweight Title History|publisher=Solie}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=574|title=WSW Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=June 1, 2007|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• World Wrestling Entertainment/WWE
• WWE Championship (4 times){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwechampionship/20130818-daniel-bryan|title=Daniel Bryan's first WWE Championship reign|publisher=WWE|access-date=March 21, 2015|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130822125839/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwechampionship/20130818-daniel-bryan|archive-date=August 22, 2013}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwe-world-heavyweight-championship/20130915-daniel-bryan|title=Daniel Bryan's second WWE Championship reign|access-date=March 21, 2015|publisher=WWE|archive-date=January 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160120000121/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwe-world-heavyweight-championship/20130915-daniel-bryan|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwe-world-heavyweight-championship/20140406-daniel-bryan|title=Daniel Bryan's third WWE World Heavyweight Championship reign|access-date=March 21, 2015|publisher=WWE|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140410143454/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwe-world-heavyweight-championship/20140406-daniel-bryan|archive-date=April 10, 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/shows/smackdown/2018-11-13/article/wwe-championship-match|title=Daniel Bryan def. AJ Styles to win the WWE Championship|publisher=WWE|first=Ryan|last=Pappolla|date=November 13, 2018|access-date=November 13, 2018}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=20|title=WWE Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• World Heavyweight Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=17|title=World Heavyweight Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=December 18, 2011|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• WWE Intercontinental Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/20150329-daniel-bryan|title=Intercontinental Championship – Daniel Bryan|access-date=March 29, 2015|publisher=WWE|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402000014/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/20150329-daniel-bryan|archive-date=April 2, 2015}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/intercontinental/|title=WWE Intercontinental Championship|access-date=August 5, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=16|title=WWE Intercontinental Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=August 18, 2013|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• WWE United States Championship (1 time){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/unitedstates/15749366|title=Daniel Bryan's first United States Championship reign|date=September 19, 2010|access-date=October 25, 2010|publisher=World Wrestling Entertainment|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100924055602/http://www.wwe.com/inside/titlehistory/unitedstates/15749366|archive-date=September 24, 2010}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/unitedstates/|title=WWE United States Championship|access-date=May 25, 2020}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=62|title=WWE United States Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• WWE Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Kane{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwetag/09162012-daniel-bryan-kane|title=Team Hell No's first WWE Tag Team Championship reign|access-date=March 21, 2015|publisher=WWE|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150324053028/http://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/wwetag/09162012-daniel-bryan-kane |archive-date=March 24, 2015 }}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=61|title=WWE Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Rowan{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/classics/titlehistory/smackdown-tag-team-championships|title=WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championships|website=WWE|access-date=July 11, 2019}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=5&nr=3117|title=WWE SmackDown Tag Team Championship|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• Money in the Bank (SmackDown 2011){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/moneyinthebank/2011/smackdown-money-in-the-bank-ladder-match|title=Daniel Bryan wins the Smack Down Money in the Bank Ladder Match|access-date=July 17, 2011|publisher=WWE}}{{cite web|url=https://www.cagematch.net/?id=1&nr=66471|title=Money in the Bank (SmackDown 2011)|first=Philip|last=Kreikenbohm|publisher=Cagematch.net|date=July 17, 2011|access-date=October 10, 2020}}
• Match of the Year (2019) {{small|vs. Kofi Kingston at WrestleMania 35}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wwe.com/article/top-25-matches-of-2019|title=The Top 25 Matches of 2019|publisher=WWE|date=December 30, 2019|access-date=January 1, 2020}}
• 26th Triple Crown Champion{{cite web|title=411's Wrestler of the Week – Rollins Takes WOTY|url=http://411mania.com/wrestling/411s-wrestler-of-the-week-rollins-takes-woty/|publisher=411Mania|access-date=March 31, 2015}}
• Sixth Grand Slam Champion (under current format; 15th overall){{cite web|title=The new Grand Slam winners: The six Superstars who have won every active championship: Daniel Bryan|url=http://www.wwe.com/inside/new-grand-slam-winners/page-6|publisher=WWE|access-date=August 10, 2015|archive-date=August 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150812230557/http://www.wwe.com/inside/new-grand-slam-winners/page-6|url-status=dead}}
• Slammy Award (12 times)
• Beard of the Year (2013){{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2013-12-09/full-slammy-award-winners-2013-26168790/page-6|title=2013 Slammy Award winners|date=December 8, 2013|access-date=March 21, 2015|publisher=WWE}}
• Catchphrase of the Year (2013) – {{small|YES! YES! YES!}}
• Cole in Your Stocking (2010) – {{small|attacking Michael Cole on NXT}}{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_46025.shtml|title=WWE News: Full list of 2010 Slammy Awards, 10 announced on WWE's website|date=December 13, 2010|access-date=December 17, 2010|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}
• Couple of the Year (2013, 2014) – {{small|with Brie Bella}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2014-12-08/2014-slammy-award-winners-26895314/page-3|title=2014 Slammy Award winners|last=Laboon|first=Jeff|publisher=WWE|date=December 8, 2014|access-date=March 21, 2015}}
• Facial Hair of the Year (2012){{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/28892-slammy-award-winners-voted-by-wwecom|title=Slammy award winners voted by WWE.com|date=December 16, 2012|access-date=March 21, 2015|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}
• Fan Participation of the Year (2013) – {{small|YES! chants}}{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_75022.shtml|title=WWE news: Complete list of "Slammys" winners during Raw|last=Caldwell|first=James|date=December 9, 2013|access-date=March 21, 2015|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}
• Rivalry of the Year (2014) {{small|vs. The Authority}}
• Shocker of the Year (2010) – {{small|The Nexus' debut}}
• Superstar of the Year (2013)
• Tweet of the Year (2012) – {{small|"Goat face is a horrible insult. My face is practically perfect in every way. In fact, from now on I demand to be called Beautiful Bryan"}}{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/raw/2012-12-17/slammy-award-winners-26077044/page-6|title=2012 WWE Slammy Awards and WWE.com Slammy Awards winners|date=December 16, 2012|access-date=March 21, 2015|publisher=WWE}}
• Upset of the Year (2012) – {{small|defeating Mark Henry and Big Show at the Royal Rumble}}
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter
• Best Non-Wrestler (2017){{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-radio/wor-2017-wrestling-observer-newsletter-awards-discussion-and-more-253601|title=WOR: 2017 WRESTLING OBSERVER NEWSLETTER AWARDS DISCUSSION AND MORE!|last=Alvarez|first=Bryan|author-link=Bryan Alvarez|date=March 15, 2018|access-date=March 15, 2018|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}
• Best on Interviews (2018){{cite web|url=https://www.postwrestling.com/2019/03/17/bonus-show-wrestling-observer-newsletter-awards/|title=BONUS SHOW: Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards|date=March 17, 2019|access-date=March 23, 2019|work=Post Wrestling}}
• Best Pro Wrestling Book (2015) – {{small|Yes: My Improbable Journey to the Main Event of WrestleMania with Craig Tello}}{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 25, 2016|title=January 25, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2015 Observer Awards Issue|journal=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|location=Campbell, California|issn=1083-9593|page=48}}
• Best Pro Wrestling DVD (2015) – {{small|Daniel Bryan: Just Say Yes! Yes! Yes!}}
• Best Technical Wrestler (2005–2013, 2021–2023){{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=February 10, 2016|title=February 15, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Daniel Bryan Retires|journal=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|location=Campbell, California|issn=1083-9593}}{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 27, 2014|title=January 27, 2014 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: 2013 Annual awards issue, best in the world in numerous categories, plus all the news in pro-wrestling and MMA over the past week and more|journal=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|location=Campbell, California|issn=1083-9593|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/component/content/article/110-wrestling-observer-newsletter/35067-jan-27-2014-wrestling-observer-newsletter-2013-annual-awards-issue-best-in-the-world-in-numerous-categories-plus-all-the-news-in-pro-wrestling-and-mma-over-the-past-week-and-more|access-date=May 6, 2015|archive-date=August 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200827052359/https://www.f4wonline.com/|url-status=dead}}{{rp|1–37}}{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/newsletters/wrestling-observer-newsletter/february-21-observer-newsletter-2021-awards-issue-cod-and-brandi-rhodes-leave-aew|title=February 21, 2022 Observer Newsletter: 2021 Awards issue, Cody and Brandi Rhodes leave AEW|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|first=Dave|last=Meltzer|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|date=February 18, 2022|accessdate=February 18, 2022|url-access=subscription}}{{cite web|url=https://wrestlepurists.com/2022-wrestling-observer-awards-results/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230228204042/https://wrestlepurists.com/2022-wrestling-observer-awards-results/ |archive-date=February 28, 2023 |title=2022 Wrestling Observer Awards Results |work=WrestlePurists |author=Jaymond P |date=February 24, 2023 |access-date=March 4, 2023}}{{Cite journal|title=February 2023 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Results of the 2022 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|date=February 2023|journal=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}{{cite web |last1=Meltzer |first1=Dave |title=February 26, 2024 Observer Newsletter: 2023 Observer Awards issue |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/newsletters/wrestling-observer-newsletter/february-26-2024-observer-newsletter-2023-observer-awards-issue |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |date=February 23, 2024 |access-date=February 23, 2024}}
• Pro Wrestling Match of the Year (2007) {{small|vs. Takeshi Morishima at ROH Manhattan Mayhem II}}{{cite journal|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=January 26, 2011|title=Biggest issue of the year: The 2011 Wrestling Observer Newsletter Awards Issue|periodical=Wrestling Observer Newsletter|location=Campbell, CA|pages=1–40|issn=1083-9593}}
• Pro Wrestling Match of the Year (2024) {{small|vs. Will Ospreay on 21 April at the Dynasty}}{{cite web |last1=Meltzer |first1=Dave |title=February 17, 2025 Observer Newsletter: The 2024 Awards issue |url=https://www.f4wonline.com/wrestling-observer-newsletter/february-17-2025-observer-newsletter-the-2024-awards-issue/ |work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter |date=February 14, 2025 |access-date=February 14, 2025}}
• Most Outstanding Wrestler (2006–2010)
• Most Outstanding Wrestler of the Decade (2000–2009){{cite web|url=http://superluchas.com/segun-el-wrestling-observer-quienes-son-los-mejores-los-mejores-de-la-decada/|title=Según el Wrestling Observer… ¿Quiénes son los mejores los mejores de la década?|last=Beltrán|first=William|date=August 3, 2010|access-date=October 30, 2015|work=Superluchas|language=es}}
• Wrestling Observer Newsletter Hall of Fame (Class of 2016){{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/december-5-2016-wrestling-observer-newsletter-wrestling-observer-hall-fame-4-inductees-225571|title=December 5, 2016 Wrestling Observer Newsletter: Wrestling Observer Hall of Fame with 4 inductees|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|author-link=Dave Meltzer|date=November 30, 2016|access-date=December 1, 2016|work=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}

• PETA Libby Award for Most Animal-Friendly Athlete (2012){{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/quicknews/article_57116.shtml|title=Bryan tops pro athletes for PETA award|date=January 18, 2012|access-date=March 21, 2015|last=Caldwell|first=James|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}

{{reflist|group=Note}}

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