The adoration for Daniel Bryan in Seattle last night was universal.
That's no surprise really, he was in his home state after all. Additionally, he is - by far - the WWE's most popular star. Also, he's just a really likeable individual.
Bryan announced his retirement via Twitter on Monday. Later, on Raw, gave an emotional speech explaining his reasons for calling it a day while also thanking the fans.
Bryan cited concussion as the main factor for his retirement. Just over a week ago, he underwent tests which showed the damage exerted on his brain during nearly 16 years of wrestling was substantial.
The 34-year-old told of - at the age of only 18 - suffering three concussions in the first five months of his career. The knocks accumulated over the years, resulting in Monday's announcement.
In a 20-plus minute appearance on Raw - well worth watching - Bryan talks about one of the most prevalent issues in sport today, concussion, makes a sex joke, relates what he loved about being a wrestler and has a genuinely poignant moment with his mother.
It might be a 'fake sport' but none of Bryan's emotion on the night was disingenuous.
