Former Ring of Honor champion Bryan Danielson has agreed to a contract in principle with World Wrestling Entertainment, reports ROH's own Web site. Danielson was widely considered the best pure U.S.-based wrestler not already under a deal to WWE or TNA, largely avoiding attempts till now to cash into the spotlight.
The signing comes after rumors that WWE is attempting to siphon off the best ROH talent in response to the ROH's HDNet show having moved to Monday nights, the same night as WWE Raw. Danielson had wrestled recently for ROH without an exclusive contract, allowing him the chance to jump to WWE when this latest opportunity arose. To his credit, he'll still make ROH's September shows.
While some purists are already complaining about the jump, the simple reality is that Danielson deserves the chance to cash in for his much vaunted efforts. With Ring of Honor's shaky financial status, there was simply no guarantee of a future there for him. If Danielson eventually lands on ECW or Smackdown, viewers should still get the chance to see quality wrestling from him. That's the important thing.
Bryan Danielson agrees to WWE contract in principle
Categories: bryan danielson , pro wrestling , roh , wwe |
Bryan Danielson, Davey Richards signed to Dragon Gate USA
Categories: bryan danielson , davey richards , dragon gate usa , pro wrestling |
In a development sure to shock the independent wrestling world. Dragon Gate USA announced early Thursday that it had added Bryan Danielson and Davey Richards to its roster. According to DGUSA.tv website, both men will debut on DGUSA's September 6 Chicago show, the new fed's second planned event.
The signings of Danielson and Richards are especially stunning considering that both men are key members of the Ring of Honor roster. ROH and DGUSA are competing against each other for fan loyalties among core independent wrestling followers.
Danielson's reputation in the independent ranks is unsurpassed. At the least, the man also known as "American Dragon" and "The Best Wrestler in the World" is the consensus best U.S. wrestler not already signed to WWE or TNA. Davey Richards is one half of current ROH tag champions The American Wolves.
It isn't believed that the signings will preclude either Danielson or Richards for appearing with Ring of Honor though there had been rumors of Danielson taking a hiatus later this year. At the least, these deals could give any dissatisfied ROH fans with limited resources more reasons to stop supporting that product.
