Often regarded as one of the best technical wrestlers in the world, Bryan Danielson is not unfamiliar with passionate rivalries that have won over his followers. Danielson has made a lasting impression on the wrestling scene from his clashes with Eddie Kingston in AEW to his legendary conflict with The Authority that resulted in his remarkable triumph at WrestleMania 30. Beyond all these great conflicts, though, one rivalry stands out for not only its intensity but also for the friendship it created between two men—Danielson and the late Bray Wyatt.
More than simply a fierce opponent, Bray Wyatt was lost in 2023 left a hole in the hearts of the wrestling community. As Danielson remembers, he was a friend, a coworker, and, quite simply a “wonderful human being.” Though for most of their time together they were on opposite sides of the squared circle, the two men had memories that went beyond wrestling and those memories now radiate with an even more profound resonance in the wake of Wyatt’s death.
The Rivalry Shook WWE from
Starting with Wyatt trying to enlist Danielson to his sinister cult-like group, The Wyatt Family, WWE’s most engaging tale was theirs. For viewers, Wyatt’s enigmatic appeal and Danielson’s underdog attitude made their interactions must-see. Their relationship was electric, as Wyatt’s mental games collided with Danielson’s grit to produce a set of events still felt today.
But maybe none was as unforgettable than their Strap Match during the 2020 Royal Rumble. With every forceful lash of the strap, it was a harsh, hard-hitting affair where guys pushed themselves to the limit and clearly showed the physical toll. The contest became an instant classic, evidence of their synergy in the ring. Unknown to supporters, it would be the final time they would cross paths on such a big platform. When Danielson mentioned Wyatt the following time, it would be to be in mourning for his death.
Beyond the Ring: Memories
Danielson said in a recent interview with “Inside The Ropes,” about his experience with Wyatt. Usually so composed, his voice exuded the weight of someone who lost a friend as much as a colleague. Danielson said, thinking back on their shared events both inside and outside the ring, “We had so much fun together. “Some of my best WWE matches were live events I had with Bray.”
One rarely finds a wrestler talking so kindly about an opponent. After all, wrestling depends on the fantasy of rivalry and hate. In the realm of sports entertainment, however, behind every intense rivalry are two artists who rely on one other with their bodies, reputation, and sometimes emotions. Danielson’s affection for Wyatt is evidence of the strong bond wrestlers frequently create—even in the toughest of rivalries.
The influence of Wyatt’s legacy
The wrestling scene has honoured Wyatt’s memory in several ways since his passing. Leading by Bray’s real-life brother, Bo Dallas, and featuring former Wyatt Family member Erick Rowan, WWE has even unveiled a new faction called “Wyatt Sicks.” Danielson, a top-tier wrestler in AEW and father of two, acknowledged he hasn’t had the opportunity to see the faction’s ascent. “There’s only so much time in the day,” he said, noting that although his memories of working with Rowan are favourable, he simply hasn’t had an opportunity to keep up with WWE’s present narratives.
Wyatt’s remembrance for Danielson is less focused on the faction he created or the championships he claimed. It relates to the person he was behind-scenes. Danielson’s poignant comments remind us that, fundamentally, wrestling is about more than simply manufactured drama or showy techniques as the wrestling community laments Bray Wyatt. It’s about the friendships created during the process, those stronger than any narrative.
Although Wyatt’s sudden death stunned the business, his legacy endures in the hearts of his colleagues, including Danielson, who will always carry memories of the man behind the mask. For supporters, the matches between Danielson and Wyatt are ageless events captured in wrestling history. For Danielson, though, they are priceless mementos of a companion lost too soon.
