Major Breaking Backstage Updates – Daniel Bryan’s Retirement

UPDATE x4: The retirement announcement is “very much legitimate and real.” Bryan getting time to talk tonight will be similar to how Edge was allowed to say goodbye and announce his retirement. Finally, there are signs posted backstage at RAW, encouraging talent to go on social media and address his retirement, using the hashtag #ThankYouDanielBryan.

UPDATE x3: During a new audio update with Dave Metlzer and Bryan Alvarez, new details on Bryan’s situation were revealed.

* Bryan had a discussion with Vince McMahon about wrestling outside of WWE (ROH/New Japan) by Dr. Maroon said no. Some feel that Maroon and WWE are afraid of concussion related lawsuits and the Concussion movie.

* WWE did freeze his contract, similar to what they did with Rey Mysterio. Bryan is still being paid by WWE.

* Bryan had tests done the Thursday prior to the Royal Rumble. These tests looked at all parts of the brain.

* More tests were reportedly scheduled, and word is that the results were concerning enough for him to make the announcement. Further testing could reveal more bad news.

* WWE reiterated that they would not be clearing Bryan.

* This was Bryan’s decision.

UPDATED x2: Pro Wrestling Sheet reports that the retirement is the real deal. Their sources say that the announcement is legitimate, and that this is not some sort of “storyline” or “bait and switch” situation.

UPDATE: Jonathan Coachman posted the following on Twitter, announcing that Daniel Bryan will be his guest tomorrow night on ESPN…

ORIGINAL: Daniel Bryan posted the following on Twitter today, announcing that he is retiring from wrestling due to medical reasons. He also states that he will elaborate further on Raw tonight…

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