WWE RAW Results – February 8, 2016 – Daniel Bryan Retires

WWE Monday Night RAW Results
February 8, 2016
Seattle, Washington
Report by: Mike Tedesco of Wrestleview.com

“Then. Now. Forever.” The WWE video leads us into the show.

A video package for Daniel Bryan opens up the show. It shows many of his WWE career highlights before showing the tweet that he posted earlier in the day saying he was retiring effective immediately. Bryan will be on the show to explain his decision.

The RAW video plays, and we go into the arena to see a big pyrotechnics display. Stephanie McMahon is already in the ring. Inside the ring is a conference table with a black carpet. Stephanie welcomes everyone to Monday Night RAW. We are moments away from the contract signing for the main event of Fastlane. The winner of that triple threat match will go on to WrestleMania to face her husband. The crowd interrupts her with a huge “Daniel Bryan” chant. Stephanie says they are always confused in Seattle. The winner of Fastlane will not face Daniel Bryan. That person will face her husband, the 14-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion, Triple H. The crowd loudly boos her. Hollywood may have Captain America vs. Iron Man, but only WWE has the Lunatic Fringe vs. The Roman Empire vs. The Beast Incarnate: Dean Ambrose, Roman Reigns, and Brock Lesnar.

Dean Ambrose’s music interrupts her, and the WWE Intercontinental Champion makes his way to the ring. Ambrose asks to cut to the chase. Ambrose wants to get this contract signing over with because he has some unfinished business with that overgrown ape, Brock Lesnar. Ambrose wants him out in the ring. Stephanie says he doesn’t tell her what to do. She tells him what to do. This is the contract signing and there will be no physicality. Roman Reigns’ music hits, and he makes his way to the ring through the crowd. Reigns gets a good reception in Seattle. Reigns says it’s time to sign the dotted line so Ambrose can punch Lesnar in the face. Stephanie says it’s interesting that every time Ambrose has a moment, Reigns comes out to steal it. She then introduces Brock Lesnar.

Brock Lesnar’s music hits, and he comes out to a massive pop alongside Paul Heyman. Lesnar gets in the ring as a “Suplex City” chant breaks out. Heyman says, “Ladies and gentlemen, my name…” Stephanie interrupts and says everyone knows who he is. She says it’s time to make this official. Ambrose is first. Ambrose talks a little trash to Lesnar before signing. Reigns then signs the contract. Finally, Lesnar puts his name on the dotted line. Stephanie thanks them and says her business here is done. Stephanie then leaves the ring.

Heyman says maybe Ambrose wants to ask Reigns what the difference is between a beat down by The Authority and an authoritative beat down at the hands of Brock Lesnar. Lesnar smirks at Reigns and Ambrose. Lesnar motions for them to bring it on. A loud “Suplex City” chant breaks out. Ambrose walks around the table and bumps chests with Lesnar. Lesnar immediately throws him over the table and slams the table on top of Reigns. Lesnar then lays Ambrose out with an F5.

Triple H’s music hits, and the WWE World Heavyweight Champion makes his way to the stage with his wife. Stephanie claps for him as he looks down the ramp at the three men that will be competing for an opportunity to face him. Heyman stops Lesnar from approaching Triple H. Lesnar stares back at him. Reigns and Ambrose collect themselves in the ring and look up the ramp.

The commentators talk about Daniel Bryan. Bryan sent out a tweet earlier in the day stating that he will be retiring effective immediately. They show tweets from various superstars including his wife Brie Bella, Sami Zayn, and Roman Reigns.

A career highlight of Daniel Bryan is shown. It showcases his WWE debut in 2010 on the first episode of NXT (very different from today’s product) when he faced Chris Jericho. Bryan will be out later tonight to address the hometown crowd.

-Commercial Break-

Replays are shown of Brock Lesnar’s beat down on Dean Ambrose and Roman Reigns from moments ago.

Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose are seen pacing backstage. Ambrose swears to god that he will get Brock Lesnar before this night is over.

Kevin Owens vs. Dolph Ziggler

The bell rings, and Owens quickly clotheslines Ziggler down as he talks with the referee. Owens puts him in the corner and nails him with a cannonball for a near fall. Owens stomps away at him before grabbing the hair. Owens clubs him in the face before connecting with a straight right hand. Owens then turns to Michael Cole and tells him to shut up. Owens kicks Ziggler in the ribs and stands on him. Ziggler quickly comes back with a roll up for a two count. Owens quickly gets to his feet and gives him a back elbow. Owens then talks some trash to Cole. Owens punches Ziggler down before saying, “Hey Dolph, what’s funnier than you? Everything!” Owens then sends him hard into the turnbuckle before bowing for the crowd. Owens then picks up a near fall. Owens says Ziggler got lucky last week before going for a body slam. Ziggler slides out and applies a sleeper hold. Owens backs him into the corner twice, but Ziggler won’t let go. Owens then throws himself through the ropes to break it.

-Commercial Break-

We come back from the break to see Ziggler trapped in a chin lock. Ziggler fights up and counters out with a jawbreaker. Ziggler catches him with a back elbow before running into an elbow. Owens catches him with a senton splash for a near fall. Ziggler catches Owens with a big boot. Owens comes back with a right hand and sends him to the turnbuckle. Owens charges, but Ziggler sidesteps him, which causes Owens to hit the ring post shoulder first. Ziggler connects with a pair of flying clotheslines before splashing him in the corner and catching him with a neckbreaker. Ziggler tries to get the crowd going before dropping an elbow for a near fall. Ziggler goes for a big DDT, but Owens shoves him off and connects with a superkick for a near fall. Owens can’t believe it. Owens goes for a Pop-up Powerbomb, but Ziggler leaps over. Owens blocks a superkick and rolls him up with a handful of tights for a near fall. Ziggler then delivers a big DDT to Owens.

Owens claws his way under the bottom rope to recover. Ziggler goes outside and gives him a famouser from the apron to the floor. The referee begins counting both men out, but they somehow get back in at nine and a half. Owens sidesteps an avalanche from Ziggler and goes for a cannonball, but Ziggler moves. Ziggler then rolls him up and gets his feet on the ropes for the win. JBL shouts that Ziggler cheated, but Cole shouts that turnabout is fair play.

Winner by Pinfall: Dolph Ziggler
Match Rating: **

Kevin Owens destroys the ringside area as Dolph Ziggler runs up the ramp celebrating his win. Owens takes apart the commentary table and breaks Cole’s iPad.

The New Day will face The Usos in a Tables Match. We’ll also see Chris Jericho as a guest on Miz TV. Finally, we’ll hear from Daniel Bryan about his decision to retire from competition in WWE.

Footage is shown from Night of Champions 2010 when Daniel Bryan defeated The Miz to become the WWE United States Champion.

-Commercial Break-

Jimmy and Jey Uso are talking backstage when The Dudley Boyz walk in. They confuse their names, but the Usos say that happens all the time. D-Von Dudley says people confuse them as well, which got laughs from the crowd. D-Von says they’ve been going for The Usos since day one and deserve a shot. Jimmy says this is their time. Bubba then suggests they team with The Usos to take on The New Day in a Tables Match tonight. The Usos agree.

A highlight package is shown for Ryback. Ryback will face Bray Wyatt tonight.

Charlotte makes her way to the ring alongside her father, Ric Flair. Charlotte will take on Brie Bella at Fastlane with the WWE Divas Championship on the line. She’ll be in action, next.

-Commercial Break-

Charlotte w/ Ric Flair vs. Alicia Fox

Brie Bella is not ringside with Alicia Fox because she is with her husband, Daniel Bryan. They circle the ring, and Alicia kicks the rope near Ric Flair. They lock up, and Charlotte applies a side headlock. Alicia whips her off, but Charlotte quickly takes her down with a dropkick. Charlotte then kips up. Alicia applies a waistlock, but Charlotte takes her down, gives a “Woo,” and goes for a Figure Eight, but Alicia kicks her off. Alicia ducks a clothesline and dropkicks her down. Alicia then gives her a northern lights suplex for a two count. Charlotte sidesteps an avalanche and gives her a neckbreaker off the second rope for a two count. Charlotte stomps her down in the corner as a “We want Sasha” chant breaks out. Alicia rolls her up for a two count. Charlotte then quickly clotheslines her down before taunting the crowd. Charlotte then covers Alicia for a two count. Charlotte slams her face down on the mat a few times before taunting her. Charlotte applies a chin lock, but Alicia fights up. Charlotte takes her down and taunts the crowd. Charlotte applies a head-scissor and drives her head into the mat. Ric Flair has people going from ringside. Alicia counters into a pin, but Charlotte kicks out. Charlotte then slams her.

Alicia quickly catches her with a back elbow before dropkicking her down. Alicia connects with a second dropkick before catching her with a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker for a near fall. Charlotte quickly comes back with a neckbreaker. Charlotte picks her up, but Alicia counters into a roll up for a near fall. Charlotte immediately spears her down and applies the Figure Eight for the win.

Winner by Submission: Charlotte
Match Rating: * 1/4

The Miz is seen looking at himself in the mirror backstage and checking his teeth. Miz had a few of his teeth knocked out on Smackdown while facing AJ Styles. Miz will host Miz TV, next.

-Commercial Break-

It’s official. The Dudley Boyz will team with The Usos to take on The New Day and a mystery partner in a Tables Match.

Miz TV with special guest Chris Jericho

The Miz is in the ring, and he welcomes the crowd to Miz TV. Usually he introduces his guest right away, but he wants to say something. Usually Miz TV is a place where superstars can come and get things off their chests. It’s usually a place where everyone can and should feel awesome. Last week, Miz TV was none of those things when his guest was AJ Styles. A replay is shown of AJ Styles attacking The Miz after constantly being interrupted and taunted. Miz says that was disgusting. He offered to take that redneck rookie to the red carpet and that’s the thanks he gets. AJ Styles need to understand that he is The Miz. Look what he did for Daniel Bryan’s career. Miz says he main evented WrestleMania. He knows success.

Chris Jericho’s pyro interrupts him, and he makes his way to the ring smiling. Jericho will face AJ Styles this Thursday on Smackdown. A light “Y2J” chant breaks out. Jericho says we’ve got some crazy people here tonight. Jericho says that was a tremendous introduction except for the fact that he forgot to say his name or say anything entertaining. Miz goes to speak, but Jericho asks him to please shut the hell up. Miz has been talking and talking while he’s been waiting like the people have. Jericho says the WWE Universe in Seattle doesn’t want to see a Miz TV. All the Jerichoholics here tonight and watching at home want to see a Highlight Reel hosted by him. Jericho asks if they want to see a Highlight Reel, and the crowd responds in the affirmative. Jericho then has the road crew change the ring to the Highlight Reel.

Jericho welcomes the crowd to “RAW is Jericho.” Jericho goes to introduce his guest, but Miz interrupts him. Miz says this is his show and none of this is right. Jericho says Miz is right. Something is missing. Jericho then asks for his potted plant to be brought in the ring. Roman Reigns gave him the stool and Dean Ambrose gave him the plant. Now that the set is je-ne-sais-quoi, he wants to talk about Miz. Miz suffered two crushing losses last week. Miz lost to AJ Styles on Smackdown and also lost his teeth. Replays are shown of AJ Styles punching Miz’ teeth out of his mouth. Jericho says Miz looks really stupid. A “You look stupid” chant breaks out. Miz says he isn’t Sheamus. Miz asks if they know how much it cost to fix his teeth. This is the moneymaker. Two veneers were knocked out of his mouth, costing him $10,000 each. Last week he had a major audition with Stephen Spielberg. If not for the courageous hard work of his dentists, the WWE Universe might have lost its resident matinee idol permanently. Jericho laughs and sings, “All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth.” The crowd lightly sings it.

Miz tells them to keep their mouths shut. Miz asks if they think this is funny. A loud “YES” chant breaks out. Miz says he wasn’t the only one upstaged by “The Phenomenal One.” Miz then has footage shown of Jericho losing to AJ Styles two weeks ago on RAW. Miz says AJ Styles may have been a big fish in a small pond, but in the WWE ocean, that small fish beat the great white shark in Jericho in his debut match on Monday Night RAW. Miz says its eating Jericho alive deep down. Jericho says it is eating him alive. Jericho hasn’t stopped thinking about it for two weeks. An “AJ Styles” chant breaks out. Jericho says AJ Styles is good, but is he great? Does he have what it takes to beat him twice? Jericho says we’ll find out on Smackdown, but he wouldn’t bet on it. Jericho will remind him that he is the best in the world at what he does.

AJ Styles’ music hits, and he comes out a big reception. Miz attacks Jericho from behind and sends him face-first into the turnbuckle. AJ Styles runs down to the ring and punches away at Miz before sending him into a clothesline from Jericho. Styles and Jericho go face-to-face before throwing Miz out of the ring again. Jericho then bumps Styles, and they go face-to-face again. Styles yells at him and pokes Jericho in the chest, and they start exchanging right hands. Miz pulls Jericho out of the ring, so Jericho sends him over the commentary table. Jericho gets on the apron and stares at Styles before jumping off.

Replays are shown of Brock Lesnar attacking Roman Reigns and Dean Ambrose after the contract signing. Lesnar caught Ambrose with an F5 before leaving the ring. Ambrose said he would get Lesnar before the end of the night.

Dean Ambrose is seen pacing backstage. Ambrose will be out in the ring, next.

Highlights are shown of Daniel Bryan winning the Money in the Bank contract in 2011. In December of that year, he cashed in to beat the Big Show to become the World Heavyweight Champion.

-Commercial Break-

As The Wyatt Family makes their way to the ring, replays are shown of Bray Wyatt beating Kane two weeks ago on RAW. We then see The Wyatt Family decimating Big Show last week on RAW.

Bray Wyatt w/ The Wyatt Family vs. Ryback

Ryback is wearing black trunks and kneepads. They lock up, and Wyatt throws him off. They lock up again, and Wyatt punches him. Wyatt then throws him out of the ring as a “Goldberg” chant breaks out. Ryback quickly gets in the ring and big boots Wyatt. Ryback shoulders him in the corner and clubs him before throwing him down. Ryback goes to the top rope and jumps over him. Ryback shoulder blocks him down before hitting a powerslam for a two count. Ryback goes to the top rope before getting off and going to the floor just because they’re there. Wyatt then clotheslines him on the floor.

-Commercial Break-

We come back from the break to see Ryback fight up from a chin lock. Wyatt immediately clotheslines him down before going for a shoulder thrust in the corner, but Ryback moves. Wyatt hits the ring post shoulder first. Ryback hits a CM Punk inspired running high knee twice before hitting some shoulder thrusts. Wyatt reverses a whip into the corner, but Ryback slingshots over him. Ryback hits the ropes, ducks a pair of clotheslines, and hits a running cross-body followed by some right hands. Ryback then connects with a spinebuster for a near fall. Ryback sets up for the Meat Hook Clothesline, but Wyatt immediately counters into Sister Abigail for the win.

Winner by Pinfall: Bray Wyatt
Match Rating: *

The rest of The Wyatt Family gets in the ring. Wyatt says, “His heart still beats!” They surround Ryback and attack him. The Wyatt Family triple-teams him as Wyatt watching and laughs. Erick Rowan hits a full nelson bomb and screams in his face. Rowan then picks him up for Luke Harper to give him a discus clothesline. Braun Strowman then tosses him out of the ring. Strowman then sends him into the ring apron ribs first. Strowman then throws him into the steel ring steps. They carry Ryback over to Wyatt, who gives him Sister Abigail on the floor. Wyatt yells at the crowd to pray for the mercy they will not receive. Wyatt kneels beside Ryback and says, “Follow the buzzards!”

Highlights are shown of some of the hilarious moments from Team Hell No.

-Commercial Break-

Tweets of support for Daniel Bryan are shown from Vince McMahon, Paige, Kalisto, and The Ultimate Warrior’s widow.

Big E is seen polishing a table and singing, “Working on a table.” They’re measuring how level the table is. Renee Young walks in and asks about the Tables Match being made into an eight-man tables match. Big E says they haven’t chosen a partner yet. Kofi Kingston says they’re like the Denver Broncos because they’re the champions and everyone loves them. They then sing as she walks off.

Dean Ambrose is seen pacing when Roman Reigns walks up. Ambrose says he doesn’t care if he gets ten F5s. He’s getting a piece of Lesnar tonight. Reigns says he wants them to go get him right now. Ambrose says he doesn’t need Reigns’ help. Tonight, Lesnar belongs to him. Reigns agrees and tells him to give him hell before asking him to save him some.

Titus O’Neil makes his entrance to a very light reception. He’ll be in action, next.

-Commercial Break-

The Social Outcasts make their way to the ring. Heath Slater says they’re about to take Monday Night RAW viral. Last night, millions of people watched the Denver Broncos beat down the Carolina Panthers. Adam Rose says the Florida Gator will be beaten by the Radical Mongoose. Curtis Axel says that name is horrible.

Titus O’Neil vs. Adam Rose w/ The Social Outcasts

The bell rings, and Rose ducks a clothesline before shoving and slapping him in the face. O’Neil punches Rose down before throwing him across the ring. O’Neil viciously chops the chest a few times before missing a shoulder in the corner. Rose dropkicks him down for a two count. Rose quickly chop blocks the knee before kicking him in the back of the head for a two count. Rose applies a chin lock as a “Seahawks” chant breaks out. O’Neil fights up, but Rose kicks him in the back of the knee. Rose taunts the crowd before going for a whip, but O’Neil doesn’t budge. O’Neil throws him across the ring before shoulder blocking him down. O’Neil sends him into the ropes, but he lowers his head and eats a kick. O’Neil catches him and gives some backbreakers before throwing him. O’Neil sets up in the corner, but the Social Outcasts pull Rose out of the ring. O’Neil runs through them and throws Rose into the ring. Slater distracts O’Neil, and Rose rolls him up for the win.

Winner by Pinfall: Adam Rose
Match Rating: 1/2 *

Dean Ambrose is seen walking backstage. He’ll be out, next.

Footage is shown of Daniel Bryan defeating John Cena at WWE SummerSlam 2013 to become the WWE Champion. What isn’t shown is Randy Orton immediately cashing in his Money in the Bank to take that title away from him.

-Commercial Break-

Still photos are shown of some of the great wrestling stars in celebration of Black History Month.

Dean Ambrose calls out Brock Lesnar

Dean Ambrose’s music hits, and he storms his way down to the ring. Ambrose asks if Brock Lesnar gave him an F2 because he thought the F5 was supposed to hurt and keep him down. Lesnar can’t keep him down or get the job down. Ambrose dares Lesnar to come out and try again. This time he should put some stank on it. Lesnar doesn’t respond. Ambrose says maybe Triple H was right. Lesnar has gone soft. Ambrose says that sounds like a personal problem. Ambrose asks if he can’t get it up for the big fight. Ambrose waits, but Lesnar still doesn’t come out. Ambrose says maybe Paul Heyman hasn’t given him permission to come out. Heyman is his advocate, but he didn’t know he holds his balls.

Brock Lesnar’s music finally hits, and he comes out smiling with Paul Heyman. Lesnar makes his way down to ringside, and Ambrose quickly jumps him. Lesnar quickly throws him off and sends him into the apron. Lesnar viciously knees away at him before sending him into the barricade. Lesnar angrily stares at him before standing over him. Lesnar throws him into the ring and gets in. Lesnar clotheslines him down and coldly stares at the crowd. Ambrose pulls him up and wants more. Lesnar clotheslines him down again. Paul Heyman looks startled at ringside. Ambrose crawls toward Lesnar and gets up. Lesnar then takes him out with an F5. Lesnar’s music plays, and he leaves the ring. Lesnar stops halfway up the ramp and turns around. Ambrose has a crazy look on his face as he motions for Lesnar to bring some more. Lesnar gets in the ring and stands over Ambrose. Ambrose laughs.

Roman Reigns’ music hits, and he comes out to a very light reception. Lesnar stares at Reigns and waits for him to get in the ring. Ambrose then comes from behind and gives Lesnar a vicious low blow. Lesnar goes down in pain as Ambrose leaves the ring. The crowd doesn’t know how to react and are silent. Reigns smiles as Ambrose recovers on the ramp. Lesnar looks incredibly angry.

The New Day will team with a mystery partner to take on The Usos and The Dudley Boyz in a Tables Match later tonight.

-Commercial Break-

Replays are shown of what just happened between Brock Lesnar and Dean Ambrose. Lesnar and Ambrose will compete in a triple threat match with Roman Reigns with the winner facing Triple H for the WWE World Heavyweight Championship at WrestleMania 32.

The Lucha Dragons vs. Alberto Del Rio and Rusev w/ King Barrett

Sin Cara will start against Rusev. Rusev kicks Kalisto off the apron before Cara rolls him up for a two count. Cara chops him and takes him down with a springboard moonsault for a near fall. Rusev drops him on the apron, but Cara kicks him and rolls him up. Del Rio was tagged in, and he kicks Cara before giving him a snap suplex for a one count. Rusev is tagged in, and he stomps away at Cara. Rusev hits a short-arm clothesline for a two count. Rusev applies a nerve hold, but Cara fights up. Rusev quickly kicks him down for a near fall. Del Rio tags in, and he comes off the top rope with a club to the neck for another near fall. Del Rio applies a chin lock, but Cara fights out. Del Rio takes him down with a German Suplex for a near fall. Del Rio knocks Kalisto back before tagging in Rusev. Rusev drops some elbows on Cara before going for a suplex, but Cara counters into a DDT.

Kalisto and Del Rio are tagged in. Kalisto kicks him back and hits a springboard seated senton. Kalisto then takes him out with a springboard corkscrew forearm. Kalisto then hit a head-scissor DDT, but Rusev breaks it up. Cara gets Rusev out of the ring and hits him with a suicide dive. Kalisto goes for Salida del Sol, but Del Rio puts him on the top rope. Barrett distracts Kalisto, and Del Rio kicks him in the head. Del Rio puts Kalisto in the tree of woe and hits a double stomp for the win.

Winners by Pinfall: Alberto Del Rio and Rusev
Match Rating: 1/2 *

R-Truth is seen walking outside earlier in the day. Goldust approached him dressed as Jimi Hendrix and playing guitar. Goldust tries to get him to team with him. Goldust then destroys his guitar. R-Truth looks confused. Security comes up and takes Goldust away.

Sasha Banks makes her entrance. She’ll be on commentary, next.

Footage is shown of the “Occupy RAW” movement from March 2014. That night, Triple H agreed to face Daniel Bryan at WrestleMania with the winner of that match being put in the main event.

-Commercial Break-

Sasha Banks talks about how she’ll be teaming with Becky Lynch at WWE Fastlane against Naomi and Tamina.

Becky Lynch vs. Tamina w/ Naomi

They lock up, and Becky applies a side headlock. Tamina whips her off and shoulder blocks her down for a two cont. Becky dropkicks her down and punches away at her. Tamina sends her into the ropes, but Becky ducks and applies a sleeper hold. Tamina backs her into the corner to break the hold. Becky elbows her and Naomi distracts her. Tamina clotheslines her down. There is absolute silence for this match. Tamina slams her on the mat for a two count. Tamina chokes her on the ropes. The referee is distracted as Naomi slaps her. Becky punches back at Tamina, but Tamina gives her a back elbow for a two count. Becky fights up from a chin lock, but Tamina takes her down. Tamina yells at Sasha. Sasha gets up from commentary and yells back at her. Naomi comes up and punches away at Sasha. Naomi then sends her into the steps. Becky kicks Tamina down and attacks Naomi. Becky then gives Naomi an exploder suplex on the floor. Becky runs into the ring and eats a superkick. Tamina gets the win.

Winner by Pinfall: Tamina
Match Rating: 1/4 *

The New Day are seen talking to someone backstage. They’re talking about how appealing the unicorn horn is. Big E holds out the horn, and Mark Henry takes it. Henry puts it on and takes Francesca II before playing a little tune. Big E says the music is nothing without the moves. Woods doesn’t want to play it because Henry put his mouth on it, but they tell him to make the sacrifice. The New Day and Henry then start gyrating and dancing.

-Commercial Break-

Tweets of support for Daniel Bryan are shown from Nikki Bella, Kevin Owens, Natalya, and John Cena.

Tables are seen surrounding the ringside area. The Tables Match is next.

This Thursday on Smackdown, AJ Styles will take on Chris Jericho.

The New Day makes their entrance. Xavier Woods silences the crowd. Woods says tonight will not be a “Table for Three,” a plug for WWE Network. Tonight, they are serving four. Big E then introduces the “World’s Strongest Unicorn,” Mark Henry. Henry comes out with the unicorn horn on skipping and clapping. Henry gets a good reception from the crowd.

Tables Match
The New Day and Mark Henry vs. The Usos and The Dudley Boyz

A massive brawl breaks out, and the crowd gives a good pop for that. The Usos and Dudley’s clear the ring of The New Day before turning their attention to Henry. Bubba can’t take Henry down, so the Usos take him out with a double dropkick. The Dudley Boyz then hold the top rope down for the Usos to hit a stereo over the top rope splash on the New Day. The crowd is chanting for tables as we go to commercial.

-Commercial Break-

We come back from the break to see The New Day and Henry dominating The Usos and The Dudley Boyz. Henry gives one of the Usos a World’s Strongest Slam before slamming Bubba down. The New Day wants Henry to splash him, but he says no one tells him what to do. Henry then walks off on them. The Usos and Dudley Boyz then take The New Day down. Jimmy and Bubba connect with stereo body slams. We then get stereo “Whassups?” Bubba then has the crowd chant, “Get the tables!” The crowd chants for tables as D-Von brings it in. Kingston kicks D-Von in the face before Big E gives Bubba a belly-to-belly side suplex. The Usos give Big E a double superkick before giving Kingston one as well. Finally, Woods eats a double superkick. The Usos go to put Woods through a table, but Big E stops them. The Dudley Boyz then give Big E a 3D through the table for the win.

Winners: The Usos and The Dudley Boyz
Match Rating: * 1/4

Jey Uso appears to have injured his knee. Bubba Ray Dudley then attacks them from behind. The Dudley’s double-team The Usos before giving Jimmy a 3D through a table. They then set up another table and give Jey a powerbomb off the second rope through the table. Bubba says they’re the baddest tag team on the planet. D-Von says, “Oh my brother, testify!”

A highlight package is shown of Daniel Bryan’s brief but spectacular WWE career with comments from his contemporaries. Coming up next, we’ll hear from Daniel Bryan on his decision to retire.

-Commercial Break-

Daniel Bryan announces his retirement from professional wrestling

Lilian Garcia introduces Daniel Bryan to the ring. Bryan comes out with a new haircut and trimmed up beard. The crowd gives him a massive reception and a big “YES” chant breaks out. The entire arena has their arms up in the air. Bryan has tears in his eyes. The crowd and commentators give him a standing ovation. Bryan stands in the ring and soaks in the chant. Bryan closes his eyes and looks like he’s holding back tears. Bryan then smiles as a massive “Daniel Bryan” chant breaks out. Bryan looks at the crowd, and they give him an even bigger ovation. This is incredible. Another huge “YES” chant breaks out, and Bryan smiles widely.

Bryan says, “So, just now, I was able to close my eyes and feel that, like literally feel it in a way that I’ve never gotten to feel it before because when we’re here, we always have to keep our eyes open. But just that experience, literally I’m never going to forget it. But now – but now it is time for me to address the giant elephant in the room. I know, I know – I didn’t want to shave my beard either. But the thing is, is that I wanted to cut my hair, and once I cut my hair, I looked really silly with this giant beard. And this is just my one cheap plug is that I cut my hair for an organization called ‘Wigs for Kids.’ And one of the nice things about them is that they make wigs for kids who have had cancer, and they don’t charge the families at all for that, so if there is anything worthwhile that comes out of what I’m saying tonight, that’s it right there. But now to some less fun stuff, so…”

A lout “NO” chant breaks out. Bryan says, “Trust me, I don’t want to be doing this anymore than you guys want me to be doing this, but the truth is I’ve been wrestling since I was eighteen years old. And within the first five months of my wrestling career, I’d already had three concussions. And, uh, for years after that, I would get a concussion here and there, or here or there, and it gets to the point that when you’ve been wrestling for sixteen years, that adds up to a lot of concussions. And it gets to a point where they tell you that you can’t wrestle anymore. And for a long time I fought that because I had gotten EEGs and brain MRIs and neuro-psychological evaluations and all of them said this: that I was fine and that I could come back and I could wrestle. I trained like I could come back and I could wrestle. I was ready at a moment’s notice if WWE needed me, I wanted to come back and wrestle because this – I have loved this in a way I have never loved anything else.”

Bryan visibly gets choked up, and a loud, “Thank you, Daniel” chant breaks out. Bryan puts his head down and smiles.

“But, a week and a half ago, I took a test that said that maybe my brain isn’t as ok as I thought it was. And, I have a family to think about, and my wife and I want to start having kids soon…”

A big “YES” chant breaks out at that. Bryan jokes, “That’s what Brie says all the time!” Bryan laughs as the crowd loudly cheers that. A “Holy shit” chant breaks out before turning into, “That’s what she said!”

“So, it is with a heavy heart and the utmost sadness that I officially announce my retirement, but if there’s one thing… so I’ve gone through all these complex emotions in this last little bit. I’ve been angry, I’ve been sad, I’ve been frustrated, I’ve been all of that, but today, when I woke up this morning, I felt nothing but gratitude because I have gotten to do what I love for nearly sixteen years. Let me tell you a few of the things that I love, ok? Let me tell you a few of the things that I love. Nobody outside this arena or this city cares about this, but I love the Seahawks.”

That gets a huge reception, and the crowd starts doing the “Seahawks” chant. Bryan wears a huge grin on his face as this takes place.

“Here’s another thing that I love. Here’s another thing that I love. Right before my music hits, and it makes that weird sound right before it comes on, and when you guys react, every single time, even if I’m tired as hell or I’ve been hurt, every time I get this weird little smirk on my face that’s not like… but it brings joy to my heart, and I love it every single time. Do you know what else that I love? I love hitting the ropes and diving right here.” Bryan puts himself through the ropes. “It has made me feel like Superman, and your guys’ reaction to that made me feel like Superman. I love that. Here’s another thing that I love. Here’s another thing that I love. I have wrestled in the parking lots of gas stations AND I have wrestled in front of 70,000+ in New Orleans. Here is another thing that I love. I have gotten to meet the most amazing people on this planet such as somebody who looks like a monster but is the smartest man I know like Kane. I have gotten to meet a man who has been my mentor and my friend for over sixteen years in William Regal. I have gotten to meet children that are stronger than I ever thought anybody could be like Connor.”

Bryan looks like he’s choked up again as the crowd starts to chant for Connor.

“Grateful. I am very grateful. I am grateful because wrestling doesn’t owe me or anybody back there, it doesn’t owe us anything. WWE doesn’t owe us anything. Nobody owes… you guys don’t owe us anything. We do this because we love to do this. And then, it was strange because I did this because I love to do this, and then all of a sudden you guys just got behind me in a way that I never thought was possible. In a way that fans shouldn’t necessarily get behind a guy who is 5’8 and a 190 pounds. You guys got behind me in a way that made me feel that I was more than just me, and for that I’m grateful. I am grateful because a little over two years ago, in this very arena, you guys hijacked RAW.

“And they were trying to do a big championship coronation between Randy Orton and John Cena. They were combining the WWE Championship with the World Heavyweight Championship. And they had all the former champions out here, and this was going to be the most important match in WWE history, and you guys just wouldn’t stop chanting, ‘Daniel Bryan.’”

A loud “Daniel Bryan” chant breaks out. “But that’s not why I’m grateful.” Bryan begins to hold back tears. “My dad was sitting right over there where the guy with the goat mask with the ‘Daniel Bryan’ sign is standing right now. And, my dad got to see that. His son getting that kind of reaction from all you people…” Bryan’s voice begins to falter. “And that was the last time my dad got to see me wrestle, and you guys made it special for him and for me and for my entire family. I am grateful. I am grateful because of wrestling, I got to meet the most wonderful woman in the world who’s beautiful, she’s smart, and she completes me in a way that I didn’t even think was possible, and that’s because of wrestling. I am grateful. I am grateful because I get to come out here in front of what I feel is my hometown fans, I get to announce my retirement in front of a bunch of people who love me, right? That special moment that I had with my dad I get to share this moment with my mom, with my sister, with my family, with my friends. I get to share that with them, I get to share that with you, I get to share it with my wife in the back, I get to share it with all these wonderful human beings that I have spent the last fifteen years of my life with. I am grateful.”

The crowd gives him a very nice round of applause. “Now, tomorrow morning, uh I start, I start a new life. A life where I am no longer a wrestler, but that is tomorrow and that is not tonight. And by damn I have one more night to feel this energy and to feel this crowd, so if I could just get one last ‘YES’ chant, I would really appreciate it!”

Daniel Bryan leads the crowd in a massive “YES” chant as he circles the ring. His wife, Brie Bella, makes her way to the ring doing the “YES” chant. She gets in the ring, and they embrace in a hug and a kiss. She gives him a tight hug. Michael Cole says we are grateful that Daniel Bryan has come into our lives. Bryan goes outside the ring and hugs his mother and sister. Bryan circles the ringside area doing one more “YES” chant as the show comes to an end.

———-

Quick Match Results

Dolph Ziggler def. Kevin Owens
Charlotte def. Alicia Fox via Submission (non-title)
Bray Wyatt def. Ryback
Adam Rose def. Titus O’Neil
Alberto Del Rio and Rusev def. The Lucha Dragons
Tamina def. Becky Lynch
The Usos and The Dudley Boyz def. The New Day and Mark Henry in a Tables Match

E-Mail – MikeyT817@gmail.com
Twitter – @MikeTedescoWV