Jump to content

Bryan Danielson: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
[pending revision][pending revision]
← Previous editNext edit →
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
No edit summary
No edit summary
Line 16: Line 16:
'''Bryan Danielson'''<ref name="slam">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/danielson_bryan.html|title=Bryan Danielson|last=Milner|first=John M.|coauthors=Clevett|first=Jason|accessdate=2010-02-20|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> (born May 22, 1981)<ref name="slam"/> is an [[United States|American]] [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], who is currently signed to [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) under the ring name '''Daniel Bryan'''. He is also known by his [[Ring name|alias]], and later [[nickname]], the '''American Dragon'''.<ref name="slam"/><ref name="DGUSA"/>
'''Bryan Danielson'''<ref name="slam">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/Bios/danielson_bryan.html|title=Bryan Danielson|last=Milner|first=John M.|coauthors=Clevett|first=Jason|accessdate=2010-02-20|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> (born May 22, 1981)<ref name="slam"/> is an [[United States|American]] [[Professional wrestling|professional wrestler]], who is currently signed to [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE) under the ring name '''Daniel Bryan'''. He is also known by his [[Ring name|alias]], and later [[nickname]], the '''American Dragon'''.<ref name="slam"/><ref name="DGUSA"/>


In professional wrestling, Danielson is a three-time [[World Heavyweight Championship (professional wrestling)|world champion]], having won the [[ROH World Championship]] in [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) once<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/titlehistory/|title=ROH World Championship History|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|accessdate=2009-04-08}}</ref> and the [[PWG World Championship]] twice in [[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]] (PWG).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/world_champion/champion010.html|title=PWG World Champion|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]|accessdate=2009-05-14}}</ref><ref name="Danielson2">{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/world_champion/champion014.html|title=Bryan Danielson's second reign|accessdate=2009-09-05|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]}}</ref> He has also held the [[FIP World Heavyweight Championship]] once in [[Full Impact Pro]] and the wXw World Heavyweight Championship once in Westside Xtreme Wrestling. In addition, Danielson has also won the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] once in [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] and is officially recognized as the last [[ROH Pure Championship|ROH Pure Champion]], as he unified the Pure title with the ROH World title in 2006.<ref name="PWI%25252007">Saks, Stu. ''Pro Wrestling Illustrated 2007 Almanac and Book of Facts''. Blue Bell Publishing, 2007.</ref> He also won the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] in [[New Japan Pro Wrestling]] with [[Christopher Daniels|Curry Man]].<ref name="slam"/>
In professional wrestling, Danielson is a three-time [[World Heavyweight Championship (professional wrestling)|world champion]], having won the [[ROH World Championship]] in [[Ring of Honor]] (ROH) once<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/titlehistory/|title=ROH World Championship History|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]|accessdate=2009-04-08}}</ref> and the [[PWG World Championship]] twice in [[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]] (PWG).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/world_champion/champion010.html|title=PWG World Champion|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]|accessdate=2009-05-14}}</ref><ref name="Danielson2">{{cite web|url=http://www.prowrestlingguerrilla.com/results/world_champion/champion014.html|title=Bryan Danielson's second reign|accessdate=2009-09-05|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]}}</ref> He has also held the [[FIP World Heavyweight Championship]] once in [[Full Impact Pro]] and the wXw World Heavyweight Championship once in Westside Xtreme Wrestling. In addition, Danielson has also won the [[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] once in [[Pro Wrestling Noah]] and is officially recognized as the last [[ROH Pure Championship|ROH Pure Champion]], as he unified the Pure title with the ROH World title in 2006.<ref name="PWI%2525252007">Saks, Stu. ''Pro Wrestling Illustrated 2007 Almanac and Book of Facts''. Blue Bell Publishing, 2007.</ref> He also won the [[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] in [[New Japan Pro Wrestling]] with [[Christopher Daniels|Curry Man]].<ref name="slam"/>


Until 2009, Danielson primarily competed on the [[independent circuit]]. ROH was generally regarded as his home promotion, but he also worked in FIP, PWG, and the [[National Wrestling Alliance]] (NWA). He has also worked internationally, most notably in Pro Wrestling Noah through ROH's involvement in the [[Global Professional Wrestling Alliance]], a global organization of cooperative promotions that allow their competitors to travel abroad to other companies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zerooneusa.com/news33.php|title=Global Professional Wrestling Alliance!|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Zero1]]|date=2006-09-12|accessdate=2009-06-08}}</ref> He also competed in a handful of matches in WWE before signing an actual contract with the company in 2009.<ref name="OWOW"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_25873.shtml|title=6/9 WWE Raw Holt report: What the live crowd saw that the TV viewers didn't (and why they were especially upset)|last=Nagy|first=Adam|date=2008-06-10|accessdate=2009-06-10|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
Until 2009, Danielson primarily competed on the [[independent circuit]]. ROH was generally regarded as his home promotion, but he also worked in FIP, PWG, and the [[National Wrestling Alliance]] (NWA). He has also worked internationally, most notably in Pro Wrestling Noah through ROH's involvement in the [[Global Professional Wrestling Alliance]], a global organization of cooperative promotions that allow their competitors to travel abroad to other companies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.zerooneusa.com/news33.php|title=Global Professional Wrestling Alliance!|publisher=[[Pro Wrestling Zero1]]|date=2006-09-12|accessdate=2009-06-08}}</ref> He also competed in a handful of matches in WWE before signing an actual contract with the company in 2009.<ref name="OWOW"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/WWE_News_3/article_25873.shtml|title=6/9 WWE Raw Holt report: What the live crowd saw that the TV viewers didn't (and why they were especially upset)|last=Nagy|first=Adam|date=2008-06-10|accessdate=2009-06-10|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
Line 22: Line 22:
==Professional wrestling career==
==Professional wrestling career==
===Early career (1999–2004)===
===Early career (1999–2004)===
Danielson's first exposure in wrestling was as a [[Backyard wrestling|backyard wrestler]] competing for Backyard Championship Wrestling (BCW) under his real name with the [[nickname]] "The Dagger". There he won the promotion's Heavyweight Championship.<ref name="OWOW"/> After Danielson graduated from high school in 1999, he decided to pursue wrestling professionally and initially attempted to train at [[Dean Malenko]]'s [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#School|wrestling school]]. Due to its subsequent closure, however, he instead trained under [[Shawn Michaels]] at the [[Texas Wrestling Academy]].<ref name="fiery%252520words">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/09/14/1838600.html|title=Fiery words from American Dragon|date=2006-09-21|last=Clevett|first=Jason|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Danielson debuted in Michaels' promotion, the [[Texas Wrestling Alliance]] (TWA), and on March 21, 2000, he won his first [[Championship (professional wrestling)|professional wrestling championship]], when he teamed with [[Brian Kendrick|Spanky]] to win the TWA Tag Team Championship by defeating Jeromy Sage and Ruben Cruz.<ref name="slam"/>
Danielson's first exposure in wrestling was as a [[Backyard wrestling|backyard wrestler]] competing for Backyard Championship Wrestling (BCW) under his real name with the [[nickname]] "The Dagger". There he won the promotion's Heavyweight Championship.<ref name="OWOW"/> After Danielson graduated from high school in 1999, he decided to pursue wrestling professionally and initially attempted to train at [[Dean Malenko]]'s [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#School|wrestling school]]. Due to its subsequent closure, however, he instead trained under [[Shawn Michaels]] at the [[Texas Wrestling Academy]].<ref name="fiery%25252520words">{{cite web|url=http://slam.canoe.ca/Slam/Wrestling/2006/09/14/1838600.html|title=Fiery words from American Dragon|date=2006-09-21|last=Clevett|first=Jason|work=Slam! Sports|publisher=[[Canadian Online Explorer]]}}</ref> Danielson debuted in Michaels' promotion, the [[Texas Wrestling Alliance]] (TWA), and on March 21, 2000, he won his first [[Championship (professional wrestling)|professional wrestling championship]], when he teamed with [[Brian Kendrick|Spanky]] to win the TWA Tag Team Championship by defeating Jeromy Sage and Ruben Cruz.<ref name="slam"/>


As Danielson continued to tour the country, he was signed to a developmental deal by the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF) to work in their [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental system]] where recently signed performers train and refine their skills before debuting on WWF's television programming, and was assigned to [[Memphis Championship Wrestling]] (MCW). There, Danielson gained exposure, and was trained by WWF competitor, [[Darren Matthews|William Regal]]. It was during this time that Danielson adopted his well-known moniker "American Dragon".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=21327|title=Wrestling Observer – headlines|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|publisher=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> WWF severed its ties with MCW in 2001, releasing Danielson from his contract, but not before he won the [[MCW Light Heavyweight Championship]] and the [[MCW Tag Team Championship]] with Spanky.<ref name="slam"/> Danielson returned to the company on later dates after it was renamed [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] to compete on its [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#B-Show|secondary programming]], ''[[WWE Velocity|Velocity]]'' and ''[[WWE Heat|Heat]]'', initially as [[Job (professional wrestling)#Jobbers|enhancement talent]] before being allowed to compete in longer matches; he once wrestled future [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]] [[John Cena]] in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030116.html|title=SmackDown! January 16, 2003|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|date=2003-01-16|accessdate=2009-07-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030123.html|title=SmackDown!|date=2003-01-23|accessdate=2003-01-23|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
As Danielson continued to tour the country, he was signed to a developmental deal by the [[World Wrestling Entertainment|World Wrestling Federation]] (WWF) to work in their [[Farm team#Professional wrestling|developmental system]] where recently signed performers train and refine their skills before debuting on WWF's television programming, and was assigned to [[Memphis Championship Wrestling]] (MCW). There, Danielson gained exposure, and was trained by WWF competitor, [[Darren Matthews|William Regal]]. It was during this time that Danielson adopted his well-known moniker "American Dragon".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlingobserver.com/wo/news/headlines/default.asp?aID=21327|title=Wrestling Observer – headlines|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|authorlink=Dave Meltzer|publisher=Wrestling Observer Newsletter}}</ref> WWF severed its ties with MCW in 2001, releasing Danielson from his contract, but not before he won the [[MCW Light Heavyweight Championship]] and the [[MCW Tag Team Championship]] with Spanky.<ref name="slam"/> Danielson returned to the company on later dates after it was renamed [[World Wrestling Entertainment]] to compete on its [[Glossary of professional wrestling terms#B-Show|secondary programming]], ''[[WWE Velocity|Velocity]]'' and ''[[WWE Heat|Heat]]'', initially as [[Job (professional wrestling)#Jobbers|enhancement talent]] before being allowed to compete in longer matches; he once wrestled future [[WWE Championship|WWE Champion]] [[John Cena]] in a losing effort.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030116.html|title=SmackDown! January 16, 2003|publisher=Online World of Wrestling|date=2003-01-16|accessdate=2009-07-09}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/results/smackdown/030123.html|title=SmackDown!|date=2003-01-23|accessdate=2003-01-23|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
Line 68: Line 68:
**''Danielson Special'' ([[Suplex#Double underhook suplex|Double underhook suplex]] floated over into a [[Professional wrestling holds#Crucifix armbar|crucifix armbar]])<ref name=SuperJuniors>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/DVDs_-_VGames_-_Books_25/article_19840.shtml|title=DVD Review: New Japan: "Best of Super Juniors," (4-16-04), with Danielson, Kazarian, Samoa Joe, X-Pac|date=2007-03-27|last=Vetter|first=Chris|accessdate=2009-11-29|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
**''Danielson Special'' ([[Suplex#Double underhook suplex|Double underhook suplex]] floated over into a [[Professional wrestling holds#Crucifix armbar|crucifix armbar]])<ref name=SuperJuniors>{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/DVDs_-_VGames_-_Books_25/article_19840.shtml|title=DVD Review: New Japan: "Best of Super Juniors," (4-16-04), with Danielson, Kazarian, Samoa Joe, X-Pac|date=2007-03-27|last=Vetter|first=Chris|accessdate=2009-11-29|publisher=Pro Wrestling Torch}}</ref>
**[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving headbutt|Diving headbutt]]<ref name="OWOW"/>
**[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Diving headbutt|Diving headbutt]]<ref name="OWOW"/>
**[[Professional wrestling attacks#European uppercut|European uppercut]]<ref name=SuperJuniors%25252F>
**[[Professional wrestling attacks#European uppercut|European uppercut]]<ref name=SuperJuniors%2525252F>
**[[Professional wrestling holds#Indian deathlock|Indian deathlock]]<ref name="OWOW"/>
**[[Professional wrestling holds#Indian deathlock|Indian deathlock]]<ref name="OWOW"/>
**Multiple [[suplex]] variations<ref name="DGUSA"/>
**Multiple [[suplex]] variations<ref name="DGUSA"/>
***[[Suplex#Belly to back suplex|Belly to back]],<ref name="OWOW"/> sometimes from the [[Suplex#Superplex|top rope]]<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name="Resu"/>
***[[Suplex#Belly to back suplex|Belly to back]],<ref name="OWOW"/> sometimes from the [[Suplex#Superplex|top rope]]<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name="Resu"/>
***[[Suplex#Cravate suplex|Cravate]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/44482/ROH---Ring-of-Homicide-DVD-Review.htm|title=ROH – Ring of Homicide DVD Review|last=Ziegler|first=Jacob|coauthors=Garoon, Brad|date=2006-08-25|work=411Mania|accessdate=2009-11-29}}</ref>
***[[Suplex#Cravate suplex|Cravate]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/44482/ROH---Ring-of-Homicide-DVD-Review.htm|title=ROH – Ring of Homicide DVD Review|last=Ziegler|first=Jacob|coauthors=Garoon, Brad|date=2006-08-25|work=411Mania|accessdate=2009-11-29}}</ref>
***[[Suplex#German suplex|German]]<ref name=DBDVN2%25252F>
***[[Suplex#German suplex|German]]<ref name=DBDVN2%2525252F>
***[[Suplex#Northern Lights suplex|Northern Lights]]<ref name="OWOW"/>
***[[Suplex#Northern Lights suplex|Northern Lights]]<ref name="OWOW"/>
***[[Suplex#Snap suplex|Snap]]<ref name=DBDVN2%25252F>
***[[Suplex#Snap suplex|Snap]]<ref name=DBDVN2%2525252F>
***[[Suplex#Tiger suplex|Tiger]]<ref name=DBDVN2%25252F>
***[[Suplex#Tiger suplex|Tiger]]<ref name=DBDVN2%2525252F>
**''Roaring Elbow'' ([[Professional wrestling attacks#Discus|Discus]] [[Professional wrestling attacks#Elbow smash|elbow smash]])<ref name="OWOW"/>
**''Roaring Elbow'' ([[Professional wrestling attacks#Discus|Discus]] [[Professional wrestling attacks#Elbow smash|elbow smash]])<ref name="OWOW"/>
**[[Professional wrestling throws#Fireman's carry slam|Rolling fireman's carry slam]]<ref name="OWOW"/>
**[[Professional wrestling throws#Fireman's carry slam|Rolling fireman's carry slam]]<ref name="OWOW"/>
**[[Professional wrestling attacks#Big boot|Running big boot]]<ref name="OWOW"/>
**[[Professional wrestling attacks#Big boot|Running big boot]]<ref name="OWOW"/>
**[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Springboard|Springboard]] [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Suicide|suicide]] [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Senton|senton]]<ref name="DGUSA"/>
**[[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Springboard|Springboard]] [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Suicide|suicide]] [[Professional wrestling aerial techniques#Senton|senton]]<ref name="DGUSA"/>
**[[Professional wrestling holds#Surfboard|Surfboard]]<ref name=DBDVN2%25252F>
**[[Professional wrestling holds#Surfboard|Surfboard]]<ref name=DBDVN2%2525252F>


*'''[[Manager (professional wrestling)|Managers]]'''
*'''[[Manager (professional wrestling)|Managers]]'''
**[[Dave Prazak]]<ref name="Hell%252520freezes%252520over"/>
**[[Dave Prazak]]<ref name="Hell%25252520freezes%25252520over"/>


*'''[[Nickname]]s'''
*'''[[Nickname]]s'''
**"The American Dragon"<ref name="OWOW"/>
**"The American Dragon"<ref name="OWOW"/>
**"The American Dolphin" ([[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla|PWG]])<ref name="AmDolph"/>
**"The Best Wrestler in the World"<ref name="OWOW"/><ref name="ROHHFO">{{cite web|url=http://pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/DVDs_-_VGames_-_Books_25/article_16099.shtml|title=Tape Review, ROH, "Hell Freezes Over," Jan. 14, 2006, with Hero-American Dragon, Styles-Sydal|last=Vetter|first=Chris|date=2006-02-15|accessdate=2010-04-10|work=PW Torch|publisher=TDH Communications Inc|quote=Dragon declared himself “the best wrestler in the world.”}}</ref>
**"The Dagger"<ref name="OWOW"/>
**"The Master of the Small Package"<ref name="OWOW"/>

*'''[[Music in professional wrestling|Entrance themes]]'''
**"[[Self Esteem (song)|Self Esteem]]" by [[The Offspring]]<ref name=Music>{{cite web|url=http://www.onlineworldofwrestling.com/information/music/enter/|title=Wrestler Entrance Music|accessdate=2009-12-28|publisher=Online World of Wrestling}}</ref>
**"[[Obsession (song)|Obsession]]" by [[Animotion]]<ref name="Hell%252520freezes%252520over">{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/video_reviews/39619/ROH---Hell-Freezes-Over-DVD-Review.htm|title=ROH – Hell Freezes Over DVD Review|date=2006-04-27|last=Zeigler|first=Jacob|accessdate=2010-02-28|publisher=411mania}}</ref>
**"[[The Final Countdown (song)|The Final Countdown]]" by [[Europe (band)|Europe]]<ref name="final%252520countdown"/>

==Championships and accomplishments==
*'''[[All Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[APW Worldwide Internet Championship]] ([[APW Worldwide Internet Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.titlehistories.com/All_Pro_Wrestling.htm|title=All Pro Wrestling Title Histories|accessdate=2008-07-11|publisher=titlehistories.com}}</ref>
**King of the Indies (2001)<ref name="DGUSA"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.allprowrestling.com/apwgarage/01results.html|title=All Pro Wrestling 2001 Results|accessdate=2009-07-08|publisher=[[All Pro Wrestling]]}}</ref>

*'''[[All Star Wrestling]]'''
**ASW World Heavy Middleweight Championship (1 time)<ref name="slam"/>

*'''[[East Coast Wrestling Association]]'''
**[[ECWA Tag Team Championship]] ([[ECWA Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Brandon Silvestry|Low Ki]]

*'''[[Full Impact Pro]]'''
**[[FIP World Heavyweight Championship|FIP Heavyweight Championship]] ([[List of FIP World Heavyweight Champions|1 time]])<ref name="DGUSA"/>

*'''[[NWA: Extreme Canadian Championship Wrestling|Extreme Canadian Championship Wrestling]]'''
**[[NWA Canadian Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA Canadian Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.eccw.com/championship/nwacanadianjuniorheavyweight|title=NWA Junior Heavyweight Championship|accessdate=2009-07-08}}</ref>

*'''[[Memphis Championship Wrestling]]'''
**[[MCW Southern Light Heavyweight Championship]] ([[MCW Southern Light Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="slam"/>
**[[MCW Southern Tag Team Championship]] ([[MCW Southern Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]]) – with [[Brian Kendrick|Spanky]]<ref name="slam"/>

*'''[[National Wrestling Alliance|NWA Mid-South]]'''
**[[NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.titlehistories.com/NWA_Southern_Junior_Heavyweight_Title.htm|title=NWA Southern Junior Heavyweight Championship|accessdate=2009-07-08}}</ref>

*'''[[New Japan Pro Wrestling]]'''
**[[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship]] ([[IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="DGUSA"/> – with [[Christopher Daniels|Curry Man]]<ref name="slam"/>

*'''[[Pro Wrestling Illustrated]]'''
**PWI ranked him #'''13''' of the best 500 singles wrestlers in the [[Pro Wrestling Illustrated#PWI 500|PWI 500]] in 2008<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wrestlinginc.com/news/2008/918/randy_orton_346514.shtml|title=The Complete 'PWI 500' List For 2008|date=2008-09-18|last=Clark|first=Ryan|accessdate=2009-03-12|work=Pro Wrestling Illustrated|publisher=WrestlingInc.com}}</ref>

*'''[[Pro Wrestling Guerrilla]]'''
**[[PWG World Championship]] ([[List of PWG World Champions|2 times]])<ref name="DGUSA"/><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/htpwg.html|accessdate=2008-07-27|last=Westcott|first=Brian|title=PWG – Pro Wrestling Guerrilla PWG Heavyweight Title History|publisher=Solie}}</ref>

*'''[[Pro Wrestling Noah]]'''
**[[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship]] ([[GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="DGUSA"/><ref name="Resu"/>

*'''Pro Wrestling Report'''
**Independent Wrestler of the Year (2006)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://pwrshow.blogspot.com/search?q=2006|title=2006|publisher=Pro Wrestling Report|accessdate=2009-07-08}}</ref>

*'''[[Ring of Honor]]'''
**[[ROH Pure Championship]] ([[ROH Pure Championship#Title history|1 time]])<ref name="ROHpure">{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/rohpuretitle.php|title=Ring Of Honor Pure Championship|accessdate=2010-04-05|publisher=[[Ring of Honor]]}}</ref>
**[[ROH World Championship]] ([[List of ROH World Champions|1 time]])<ref name="ROHworld"/>
**Survival of the Fittest (2004)<ref name="slam"/><ref name="DGUSA"/>

*'''[[Texas Wrestling Alliance]]'''
**TWA Tag Team Championship (1 time) – with Spanky<ref name="slam"/>

*'''Westside Xtreme Wrestling'''
**wXw World Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wxw-wrestling.com/index2.php?content=title_history&id=1|title=wXw World Heavyweight Title|accessdate=2010-05-11|publisher=Westside Xtreme Wrestling}}</ref>

*'''World Series Wrestling'''
**WSW Heavyweight Championship (1 time)<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.solie.org/titlehistories/htwsw.html|accessdate=2008-07-03|last=Pulsone|first=Mario|title=WSW – World Series Wrestling WSW Heavyweight Title History|publisher=Solie}}</ref>

*'''[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rohwrestling.com/news/article.aspx?id=1112|title=ROH Dominates Wrestling Observer Awards|date=2007-01-22|accessdate=2009-06-11}}</ref>
**[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Best Technical Wrestler|Best Technical Wrestler]] (2005–2009)<ref name="DGUSA"/><ref name="WON09">{{cite web|url=http://www.f4wonline.com/content/view/12105/137/|title=Feb. 1 2010 Observer Newsletter: 2009 Awards Issue, Possible biggest wrestling news story of 2010|last=Meltzer|first=Dave|publisher=[[Dave Meltzer|Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]|date=2010-01-27|accessdate=2010-01-30}}</ref>
**[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Match of the Year|Match of the Year]] (2007)<ref name="DGUSA"/> <small>vs. [[Takeshi Morishima]] on August 25</small>
**[[List of Wrestling Observer Newsletter awards#Most Outstanding Wrestler|Most Outstanding Wrestler]] (2006–2009)<ref name="DGUSA">{{cite web|url=http://www.dgusa.tv/roster/danielson.htm|title=Bryan Danielson|accessdate=2009-07-25|publisher=[[Dragon Gate USA]]}}</ref><ref name="WON09"/>


==References==
==References==

Revision as of 20:36, 8 June 2010

Bryan Danielson
Born (1981-05-22) May 22, 1981 (age 43)[1]
Aberdeen, Washington[1]
Professional wrestling career
Ring name(s)American Dragon[2]
Bryan Danielson[2]
Daniel Bryan[2][3]
Billed height5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)[2]
Billed weight190 lb (86 kg)[2]
Billed fromAberdeen, Washington[2]
Trained byTexas Wrestling Academy[1]
Rudy Boy Gonzalez[2]
Shawn Michaels[2]
William Regal[4]
Tracy Smothers[2]
Masato Tanaka[2]
DebutOctober 4, 1999[5]

Bryan Danielson[1] (born May 22, 1981)[1] is an American professional wrestler, who is currently signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) under the ring name Daniel Bryan. He is also known by his alias, and later nickname, the American Dragon.[1][7]

In professional wrestling, Danielson is a three-time world champion, having won the ROH World Championship in Ring of Honor (ROH) once[8] and the PWG World Championship twice in Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG).[9][10] He has also held the FIP World Heavyweight Championship once in Full Impact Pro and the wXw World Heavyweight Championship once in Westside Xtreme Wrestling. In addition, Danielson has also won the GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship once in Pro Wrestling Noah and is officially recognized as the last ROH Pure Champion, as he unified the Pure title with the ROH World title in 2006.[11] He also won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship in New Japan Pro Wrestling with Curry Man.[1]

Until 2009, Danielson primarily competed on the independent circuit. ROH was generally regarded as his home promotion, but he also worked in FIP, PWG, and the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). He has also worked internationally, most notably in Pro Wrestling Noah through ROH's involvement in the Global Professional Wrestling Alliance, a global organization of cooperative promotions that allow their competitors to travel abroad to other companies.[12] He also competed in a handful of matches in WWE before signing an actual contract with the company in 2009.[2][13]

Professional wrestling career

Early career (1999–2004)

Danielson's first exposure in wrestling was as a backyard wrestler competing for Backyard Championship Wrestling (BCW) under his real name with the nickname "The Dagger". There he won the promotion's Heavyweight Championship.[2] After Danielson graduated from high school in 1999, he decided to pursue wrestling professionally and initially attempted to train at Dean Malenko's wrestling school. Due to its subsequent closure, however, he instead trained under Shawn Michaels at the Texas Wrestling Academy.[14] Danielson debuted in Michaels' promotion, the Texas Wrestling Alliance (TWA), and on March 21, 2000, he won his first professional wrestling championship, when he teamed with Spanky to win the TWA Tag Team Championship by defeating Jeromy Sage and Ruben Cruz.[1]

As Danielson continued to tour the country, he was signed to a developmental deal by the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) to work in their developmental system where recently signed performers train and refine their skills before debuting on WWF's television programming, and was assigned to Memphis Championship Wrestling (MCW). There, Danielson gained exposure, and was trained by WWF competitor, William Regal. It was during this time that Danielson adopted his well-known moniker "American Dragon".[15] WWF severed its ties with MCW in 2001, releasing Danielson from his contract, but not before he won the MCW Light Heavyweight Championship and the MCW Tag Team Championship with Spanky.[1] Danielson returned to the company on later dates after it was renamed World Wrestling Entertainment to compete on its secondary programming, Velocity and Heat, initially as enhancement talent before being allowed to compete in longer matches; he once wrestled future WWE Champion John Cena in a losing effort.[16][17]

Danielson also toured Japan with the promotion, Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling (FMW) with fellow trainee from the Texas Wrestling Academy, Lance Cade, competing in several tag team matches.[2][5] He returned to the country after his release from the WWF, competing in Japan's premier promotion, New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW). In NJPW, he used his American Dragon persona, and donned a red, white, and blue mask reminiscent of a dragon.[18] As a part of the junior heavyweight division, Danielson had success in both singles and tag team competition in the company, the latter of which culminated on March 12, 2004 when Danielson (sans mask) won the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship with Curry Man from division veterans, Jado and Gedo, on the Hyper Battle tour.[19]

Ring of Honor

Founding father (2002–2005)

Danielson posing in 2004

In 2002, Danielson joined the independent promotion, Ring of Honor, where he is acknowledged as a "Founding Father" of the company by fans,[20] as he was one of the wrestlers who made the company prominent during its inception, and competed in the main event of the company's debut show, The Era of Honor Begins, in a three-way match against Low Ki and Christopher Daniels.[21] He continued to have critically-acclaimed matches in the company that would last for extended periods of time with numerous wrestlers, including a match with Austin Aries that lasted for eighty minutes.[22] One of the more notable rivalries he had in the early years in the company was with Homicide; the two embarked in numerous matches with a variety of stipulations, culminating in a steel cage match at The Final Showdown, which was won by Danielson.[23]

NXT (2010)

On February 16, it was announced that he would be wrestling on the WWE NXT show, using the name Daniel Bryan, with The Miz as his storyline mentor.[24] He made his debut on the inaugural episode of NXT on February 23, losing by submission to the World Heavyweight Champion, Chris Jericho. After the match, Bryan was attacked by The Miz for disrespecting him earlier in the show.[25] Over the next several weeks, Bryan failed to win a single match, but despite having a win-loss record of 0–5, he was ranked first in the inaugural Pros' Poll on the March 30 episode of NXT.[26][27] After losing five more matches on NXT, Bryan earned his first victory on the May 10 episode of Raw by pinning Santino Marella in an eight-on-four handicap match.[28] The following night on NXT, he was eliminated from the show, along with Michael Tarver, as neither man had confidence in themselves to win the competition.[29] Later that night, in an interview, Danielson said that the elimination might be the end of Daniel Bryan, but that Bryan Danielson will be fine.[30] Despite his elimination, he appeared on the following editions of NXT, being interviewed by Matt Striker and attacking both Michael Cole, who had constantly belittled him on commentary, and The Miz.[31][32]

Raw (2010-present)

On the May 31 episode of Raw, Bryan defeated The Miz in a singles match, and after the match, he threw The Miz into Cole, who was commentating at ringside.[33]

Personal life

Danielson is a vegan.[34]

In wrestling

Template:Image stack

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i Milner, Jason. "Bryan Danielson". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2010-02-20. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |coauthors= ignored (|author= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w "Daniel Bryan profile". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2009-03-26.
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference DanielBryan was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ The LilsBoys (2006-01-03). "Interview with William Regal". WrestleView. Retrieved 2009-07-18.
  5. ^ a b "Bryan Danielson". Gerweck. Retrieved 2009-07-18.
  6. ^ Cite error: The named reference WV was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  7. ^ a b c d e f Cite error: The named reference DGUSA was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  8. ^ "ROH World Championship History". Ring of Honor. Retrieved 2009-04-08.
  9. ^ "PWG World Champion". Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. Retrieved 2009-05-14.
  10. ^ "Bryan Danielson's second reign". Pro Wrestling Guerrilla. Retrieved 2009-09-05.
  11. ^ Saks, Stu. Pro Wrestling Illustrated 2007 Almanac and Book of Facts. Blue Bell Publishing, 2007.
  12. ^ "Global Professional Wrestling Alliance!". Pro Wrestling Zero1. 2006-09-12. Retrieved 2009-06-08.
  13. ^ Nagy, Adam (2008-06-10). "6/9 WWE Raw Holt report: What the live crowd saw that the TV viewers didn't (and why they were especially upset)". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2009-06-10.
  14. ^ Clevett, Jason (2006-09-21). "Fiery words from American Dragon". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer.
  15. ^ Meltzer, Dave. "Wrestling Observer – headlines". Wrestling Observer Newsletter.
  16. ^ "SmackDown! January 16, 2003". Online World of Wrestling. 2003-01-16. Retrieved 2009-07-09.
  17. ^ "SmackDown!". Online World of Wrestling. 2003-01-23. Retrieved 2003-01-23.
  18. ^ "Dragon mask". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2009-06-09.
  19. ^ ""NJPW Hyper Battle tour results"". Strong Style Spirit. Retrieved 2007-07-08.
  20. ^ "ROH Founding Fathers". Ring of Honor. 2007-02-02. Retrieved 2009-07-02.
  21. ^ "The-Independent-Mid-Card-01.30.07:-Danielson-vs.-Rave.htm 411mania.com: Wrestling – The Independent Mid-Card 01.30.07: Danielson vs. Rave". 411 Mania.
  22. ^ "Testing the Limit". Online World of Wrestling. Retrieved 2009-06-09.
  23. ^ "Final Showdown". Online World of Wrestling. 2004-05-13.
  24. ^ Martin, Adam (2010-02-17). "Cast information for WWE's NXT". WrestleView. Retrieved 2010-02-17.
  25. ^ Bishop, Matt (2010-02-23). "WWE NXT: Jericho, Bryan kick off series in style". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2010-02-24.
  26. ^ Bishop, Matt (2010-03-24). "WWE NXT: Rookies team up in both matches". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2010-04-03. Bryan to 0–5
  27. ^ Bishop, Matt (2010-03-30). "WWE NXT: Bryan laughs first, Otunga laughs last". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2010-04-03.
  28. ^ Plummer, Dale (2010-05-10). "RAW: The final show at the Igloo". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2010-05-15.
  29. ^ Bishop, Matt (2010-05-11). "WWE NXT: Not 1, but 3 rookies eliminated from show". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2010-05-15.
  30. ^ Tedesco, Mike (2010-05-12). "WWE NXT Results – 5/11/10". WrestleView. Retrieved 2010-05-12.
  31. ^ Caldwell, James (2010-05-18). "Caldwell's WWE NXT TV Report 5/18: Ongoing "virtual time" coverage of NXT on Syfy Week 13". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2010-05-19.
  32. ^ Bishop, Matt (2010-05-25). "WWE NXT: Feud between Cole, Bryan ignites further". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2010-06-01.
  33. ^ Plummer, Dale (2010-05-31). "RAW: Ashton Kutcher hosts Killer show". Slam! Sports. Canadian Online Explorer. Retrieved 2010-06-01.
  34. ^ "PETA smells what Daniel Bryan isn't cooking". World Wrestling Entertainment. 2010-04-22. Retrieved 2010-04-23.
  35. ^ a b Wilson, Kevin (2009-07-01). "Bryan Danielson". Puroresu Central. Retrieved 2009-07-06.
  36. ^ a b Vetter, Chris (2007-12-18). "DVD Review: ROH "Death Before Dishonor, N2" (8-11-07), w/ 8-man tag, Danielson-Quackenbush". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2009-11-29.
  37. ^ Hubbard, Aaron (2009-10-06). "What's All The Hubbub: ROH Undeniable". 411Mania. Retrieved 2009-11-29.
  38. ^ Cite error: The named reference Unified was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  39. ^ Vetter, Chris (2007-03-27). "DVD Review: New Japan: "Best of Super Juniors," (4-16-04), with Danielson, Kazarian, Samoa Joe, X-Pac". Pro Wrestling Torch. Retrieved 2009-11-29.
  40. ^ Cite error: The named reference Hell%25252520freezes%25252520over was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Bryan Danielson.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Bryan_Danielson&oldid=366865231"