As we originally posted on Twitter, WWE Champ John Cena, probably the company’s biggest star, has come out publicly in support of Bryan Danielson (Daniel Bryan), the NXT rookie who was released from his WWE contract on Friday night. In a mix of comments that seem both legit and kayfabed, Cena says that he wants Bryan back in WWE, and of course he wants to have a match with him in response to what happened to close out last week’s Monday Night Raw. He has signed an online petition to bring Bryan back as well (thanks to our Twitter follower @davedoggydog for the tip on that one).
Here are Cena’s comments, originally posted on Twitter about an hour ago beginning with this tweet, with his 10 posts on the subject pasted in paragraph form to make them easier to read… (h/t to Steve Gerweck, who reported on Cena’s first few Twitter comments as they were going live):
“I am very upset to hear about the release of Bryan Danielson. Social networks were formed so people would have a voice, and an opinion. I know you all have your own, theories and whatnot. I respect that. I have never asked any of you to feel a certain way about me. But Bryan left a lasting impression on the WWE universe in a very short time, and although it came at my expense, I agree with the majority of you who are caught off guard by this choice. I know I’m not exactly appreciated by all, nor do I care to be, but I believe what I believe. I would like Bryan to come back to the WWE. I would like to sign your petition to bring him back. I was taught to stand up for what I believe in. I tried and failed, so I could use some help. Tell me how to sign and I will. If for nothing else, to at least have a chance to have a match with him after what was done. I know that seems a bit more fair. Give me a chance to have a fair match with him, and give him yet another chance to prove that he does belong with us. Sorry for the long message, I know I am probably way out of line, I am sorry if I have offended anyone. But like me or not that is what Hustle. Loyalty. And most importantly Respect means to me. Enjoy game 5.”
(The above was copy and pasted word-for-word; edits of minor typos were made. The below image is a screen capture of the ten posts as of about 30 minutes ago.)
My thoughts: If this is all an elaborate work, then… well played by WWE and their top star. But most reports – and my personal opinion – are that this was a legit release, so I want to give kudos to Cena for speaking his mind. Not only is that “in character,” it’s also in line with what most have reported about his character behind the scenes. As a fan of Danielson’s work, and without knowing all of the details about whatever led to the ultimate release, I’m hopeful this is a step towards Bryan’s return to WWE. It’s a great angle and personally, I’d like to see it played out as WWE’s creative team envisioned when they thought up the excellent end to last Monday’s Raw. As far as newsworthiness, aside from Cena posting these comments on Twitter and signing an online petition, I think it’s interesting that he writes “I was taught to stand up for what I believe in. I tried and failed, so I could use some help.” To have been a fly on the wall during whatever conversation may have taken place between Cena and the powers that be in Connecticut!
Whatever happens, things have definitely gotten interesting. Is this real or an elaborate work, and if it’s real, will it turn into a Matt Hardy/Lita/Edge-like situation where all parties get back together and make the best of the situation within the storylines? Will this turn John Cena babyface in the eyes of the Internet fans? Let us know what you think in the comments section below, and follow us on Twitter @pulsewrestling.
