Net Worth: $12 million (combined with wife Brie Bella)
Full Name: Bryan Lloyd Danielson
Ring Name: Daniel Bryan
Date of Birth: May 22, 1981
Hometown: Aberdeen, Washington
Profession: Professional Wrestler
Wrestling Style: Technical, Submission, High-Flying
Early Life and Influences
Daniel Bryan, born Bryan Lloyd Danielson, grew up in Aberdeen, Washington. His father was a lumberjack, and his mother worked as a therapist. Bryan’s parents divorced during his childhood, which led him to focus on his passion for professional wrestling. His first exposure to the sport came when a friend introduced him to a professional wrestling magazine, sparking his lifelong interest.
Despite being described as “antisocial” during his high school years, Bryan participated in athletics and joined the football team. Influenced by wrestlers like Toshiaki Kawada, Mitsuharu Misawa, and William Regal, Bryan developed his unique wrestling style, which blended Brazilian jiu-jitsu with technical wrestling.
Wrestling Career
Bryan’s wrestling journey began in high school, and he trained in various wrestling schools before starting his professional career. In 1999, he toured Japan with Frontier Martial-Arts Wrestling. He soon became known as the “American Dragon” and gained significant recognition in Japan’s New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). His WWF (precursor to WWE) involvement in the early 2000s was brief, and after being released from his contract, he returned to Japan and continued honing his craft.
In 2002, Bryan made his WWE debut but was not initially a major player. Over time, he built his reputation through the Ring of Honor (ROH) before returning to WWE in 2010. In 2011, he won his first World Heavyweight Championship, solidifying his place as one of WWE’s top stars.
He became a fan favorite with his “Yes! Movement” and formed the iconic “Team Hell No” with Kane. Although Bryan’s career was derailed by a neck injury in 2014, requiring surgery, he persevered and continued his career. After suffering multiple concussions, Bryan retired in 2016 but returned to the WWE in 2018 after being cleared by doctors. His comeback included winning the WWE Championship once again.
Health Issues and Retirement
Throughout his career, Bryan faced significant health challenges, including brain injuries, concussions, and even a brain lesion. These injuries led to his retirement in 2016. However, after two years of medical evaluations and clearance by doctors, Bryan made his emotional return to the ring in 2018.
In addition to his wrestling injuries, Bryan has struggled with elevated liver enzymes and staph infections. In 2009, he adopted a vegan lifestyle to improve his health but later abandoned it due to soy intolerance. By 2018, both he and his wife, Brie Bella, embraced a vegetarian diet.
Personal Life and Family
Daniel Bryan married fellow WWE star Brie Bella in 2014, after three years of dating. Together, they retired from active wrestling in 2016 with the goal of starting a family. In 2017, the couple welcomed their first child, and in 2020, they had a second child.
Bryan’s family life and his relationship with Brie have been prominently featured on the reality shows “Total Divas” and “Total Bellas”, where he became a central figure due to his relationship with Brie.
Film and Television Appearances
Outside of wrestling, Daniel Bryan has appeared in multiple WWE video games, including WWE 2K14 and WWE 2K19. He also served as a judge for the sixth season of “Tough Enough”, further solidifying his celebrity status.
His reality TV appearances, particularly on “Total Divas” and “Total Bellas”, gave fans a behind-the-scenes look at his life with Brie Bella, expanding his popularity beyond the wrestling ring.
Real Estate
In 2020, Daniel Bryan and Brie Bella listed their Phoenix, Arizona home for $1.7 million. The property features 4 bedrooms and spans 3,000 square feet. The house is situated in a gated community and includes luxurious finishes such as stone countertops and spacious living areas.
Final Thoughts
With a $12 million net worth, Daniel Bryan has had a remarkable wrestling career, overcoming both physical challenges and personal struggles. His legacy in WWE and his impact on the wrestling world, combined with his involvement in TV and his entrepreneurial ventures, make him one of the most respected figures in the sport.