When Daniel Bryan announced his retirement on Twitter earlier today, nobody really knew why or how the former WWE World Heavyweight Champion had arrived at his decision. After all, rumors of his imminent return have swirled since he vacated the Intercontinental Title last year. In his official retirement speech to the WWE Universe, Bryan revealed that the cumulative effects of several concussions throughout his career had taken its toll, and he would have to hang up his boots as a result.

Far from a maudlin goodbye, however, The “Yes!” Man’s farewell was a joyful affair, one that extended to a post-Raw broadcast on WWE Network. A “grateful” Bryan ran down the things he loves, the sum of his experience, and the gratitude in his heart for the WWE Universe’s support — specifically for "hijacking" the 2013 "Championship Ascension" ceremony that his late father was there to see — before the “wrestler’s wrestler” finally said his goodbye. It’s been said by many that the WWE career of Daniel Bryan should never have happened. But it did, and for that, at least, we can all be grateful.