Credit: WWE.com
Despite Bryan Danielson’s undeniable success during his long tenure with WWE, a significant portion of his fanbase argues that the company ultimately harmed his wrestling career rather than elevated it. Known as one of the best technical wrestlers of his generation, Danielson’s journey with WWE is often viewed as a double-edged sword a blend of breakthrough moments and missed opportunities due to creative restrictions and backstage politics.
The Rise and Challenges of Bryan Danielson in WWE
Bryan Danielson, who rose to fame on the independent circuit before signing with WWE in 2009, quickly showed he could deliver top-quality matches and captivate audiences. His path included a firing and rehiring in 2010, after an infamous incident where he unknowingly broke WWE’s no-choking policy during the Nexus storyline. Danielson was released for choking announcer Justin Roberts with a tie but was rehired shortly after a turn of events that paradoxically acted as a springboard to reignite his WWE run.
Danielson’s eventual WWE Championship win at SummerSlam 2013 against John Cena was one of the highlights of his career, but it came with a controversial finish: after the victory, Triple H betrayed him, enabling Randy Orton to cash in his Money in the Bank contract immediately. This moment sparked the famous “Yes Movement,” which brought WWE fans behind Danielson like never before.
Why Fans Say WWE “Ruined” Bryan Danielson’s Career
1. Creative Restrictions and “The B+ Player” Label
One of the most cited reasons among Danielson’s critics is WWE’s refusal to fully embrace his wrestling style and persona. Sources close to WWE revealed that Vince McMahon considered Danielson a “B+ player,” a pejorative label suggesting Bryan was good but not a true main event top star according to WWE’s vision. This perception led to stifled creative directions that kept Danielson from consistently receiving the main event pushes he arguably deserved.
Despite his proven ability to draw massive crowd reactions and perform high-quality matches, Danielson was often saddled with storylines that curtailed his momentum or positioned him as a perpetual underdog rather than a dominant champion. His frequent battles against The Authority faction championed by Triple H but undermined by Vince McMahon’s interference highlight this disconnect with the company’s upper management.
2. Limited Use of His Signature “Yes!” Chant and Persona
Danielson’s iconic “Yes!” chant was a major crowd favorite and became a cultural phenomenon, but WWE eventually pushed him to retire the chant himself out of respect for the company and intellectual property reasons after his departure[5]. Many fans believe WWE restricted how he could use the chant and expressed his persona, limiting the full emotional potential that had driven his popularity during his peak.
Behind the Scenes: What WWE Insiders Say
According to a WWE insider, “Bryan was a masterful wrestler, but the old guard never fully trusted that style as the center of the show. It was always about bigger-than-life personalities and less about in-ring technical prowess. Bryan’s style was revolutionary, but WWE’s conservative approach meant he never got to flourish the way he could have had the company been more flexible.”
Another source close to Danielson revealed, “Bryan was frustrated with the creative limitations. He knew he was giving his best every night, but the storylines kept pulling him back. That ‘B+ player’ line became something of an inside joke, but it stung. He wanted to be the best and he was.”
Moving Beyond WWE: A New Chapter in AEW and Wrestling Freedom
After departing WWE, Danielson joined AEW, where he found a promotion that prioritized wrestling quality and allowed him far greater creative freedom. He mentioned that AEW’s “wrestling-focused” environment was a major reason for his switch, signaling that WWE’s corporate style was a limiting factor.
Danielson has even stated that some of his most rewarding moments happened outside WWE, which speaks volumes about the constraints he faced at WWE over the years. Fans often point out that Danielson’s AEW matches showcase his true potential without the typical WWE restrictions, reinforcing their view that WWE’s creative approach “ruined” what could have been a legendary career solely within that company.
Why Some Fans Still Defend WWE’s Role
It is important to acknowledge that despite the criticism, Danielson’s WWE career did bring him global fame and mainstream recognition. He became one of WWE’s biggest stars during the early 2010s, delivering standout moments such as his WrestleMania 30 match and main-eventing multiple pay-per-views.
Many fans believe his tenure helped Danielson transition from a beloved indie hero to a worldwide wrestling icon. However, the persistent frustrations with WWE’s creative booking keep the debate alive.
A Balanced View: Success and Setbacks
While WWE was instrumental in putting Danielson on the global map, the company’s creative decisions and backstage politics arguably capped his career growth, leaving many fans convinced that his full potential was never fully realized in WWE.
His firing and rehiring episode in 2010 inadvertently helped kickstart his career inside WWE but also highlighted the company’s strict backstage policies and how they could disrupt careers. His battles with The Authority faction, while memorable, often ended with him on the losing side due to bookings that emphasized story over his in-ring excellence.
The Legacy of a Wrestling Icon
Bryan Danielson’s WWE run is complex a mix of brilliant highs and creatively stunted moments. Fans argue that WWE’s corporate structure and certain influential figures within it limited Danielson’s career peak. Yet, his contributions to professional wrestling remain indisputable.
As a backstage source sums it up: “Bryan changed the game regardless of where he wrestled, but the frustration he felt during WWE years is why so many fans argue the company never quite got their money’s worth out of him.”
Danielson’s story exemplifies how wrestling careers can be shaped not only by talent but also by the politics and vision of the companies behind the scenes a dynamic that continues to fuel passionate debate among wrestling fans worldwide.