Home » Sport » **Vince McMahon’s Criticism of Bryan Danielson Leads to WWE Departure** WWE released Bryan Danielson, also known in wrestling circles as Daniel Bryan, after his portrayal of a former WWE Chief Product Officer, Vedran Veljkovic, in a series titled “The Ki

**Vince McMahon’s Criticism of Bryan Danielson Leads to WWE Departure** WWE released Bryan Danielson, also known in wrestling circles as Daniel Bryan, after his portrayal of a former WWE Chief Product Officer, Vedran Veljkovic, in a series titled “The Ki

by Luis Mendoza - Sport Editor

Vince McMahon’s Directive Led To Bryan Danielson‘s 2010 WWE Dismissal

Published September 6, 2025

A directive from Vince McMahon regarding the debut of the Nexus led to the swift firing of Bryan Danielson in June 2010, highlighting the stringent boundaries within World Wrestling Entertainment.

The Nexus Debut and McMahon’s Instructions

The professional wrestling landscape experienced a jolt in 2010 with the arrival of the Nexus. Emerging from the then-developmental program “WWE NXT,” the group of eight competitors, led by Wade Barrett, was tasked with “invading” WWE’s flagship program, Raw.

According to reports, McMahon specifically urged the new faction to deliver an attack that appeared remarkably genuine during a match between John cena and Cm Punk. The rookies were expected to exert a level of realism that bordered on the unpredictable.

Escalating Chaos and the Incident with Justin Roberts

The Nexus proceeded to assault both Cena and Punk, along with members of the Straight Edge Society who were present at ringside. The group’s actions quickly escalated beyond a standard in-ring brawl, as they dismantled the commentary area, vandalizing equipment and even confronting WWE personnel.

In an attempt to adhere to McMahon’s wish for authenticity, Danielson reportedly attacked ring announcer Justin Roberts, employing a chokehold using Roberts’ own tie. This action, however, unknowingly crossed a firm line within WWE policy.

A Zero-Tolerance Policy and Immediate Consequences

WWE has historically maintained a strict prohibition against simulated choking maneuvers, nonetheless of the context. Despite Danielson’s claim that he was unaware of this policy and was simply striving to create a credible presentation, the company swiftly responded with his termination just days after the incident.

Danielson later expressed that he had been acting within the parameters set by McMahon and was merely following instructions. He expressed his surprise at the severity of the repercussions for an action he understood as part of the storyline’s intended intensity.

Return and Legacy

After a brief stint on the independent wrestling circuit,Danielson was re-signed by WWE two months later. He would eventually go on to experience a celebrated career within the organization, culminating in a WrestleMania victory and a devoted fanbase before his retirement in 2016 due to medical concerns.

The Evolution of Wrestling and Safety Standards

This incident underscores a critical shift in professional wrestling’s approach to on-screen violence. While wrestling has always featured choreographed physicality, the industry has increasingly prioritized performer safety and brand image, notably in the era of family-friendly entertainment. The Nexus debut, and Danielson’s subsequent firing, serve as a reminder of the delicate balance between realism and responsible presentation.

Event Date key Players Outcome
Nexus Debut on Raw June 7, 2010 Nexus, John Cena, CM Punk, Justin Roberts, Vince mcmahon Physical Attack and Damage to Ringside Area
Bryan Danielson’s Firing June 2010 Bryan Danielson, Vince McMahon, WWE Management Termination of Contract
Danielson’s re-Signing August 2010 bryan Danielson, WWE Management Return to WWE

Did You Know? The Nexus storyline was originally intended to be a long-term, dominant force in WWE. However, creative disagreements and inconsistent booking led to it’s eventual dissolution.

Pro Tip: Understanding the nuances of wrestling’s unwritten rules and company policies is crucial for performers navigating the industry’s complex landscape.

What role does collaboration play between creative direction and performer execution in professional wrestling? do you think the WWE’s instant dismissal of Danielson was justified given the context?

Frequently Asked Questions About Bryan Danielson and the Nexus

  1. What was Bryan Danielson’s role in the Nexus debut? He was instructed by Vince McMahon to make the attack appear as realistic as possible, which led to him choking ring announcer Justin Roberts.
  2. Why was Danielson fired after the Nexus debut? WWE has a strict “no choking” policy, and danielson violated this policy during the segment.
  3. Did Danielson know about the “no choking” policy? He stated that he was unaware of the policy and was simply following McMahon’s instructions.
  4. When did Danielson return to WWE after his initial firing? He was re-signed just two months after his release, in August 2010.
  5. What impact did this incident have on Danielson’s career? Despite the initial setback, he went on to have a triumphant career in WWE, including a WrestleMania victory.
  6. How has WWE’s approach to on-screen violence changed over time? The company has increasingly focused on performer safety and a more family-friendly image, leading to stricter regulations on potentially dangerous maneuvers.

Share this article and let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

Here are two PAA (People Also Ask) related questions based on the provided text:

Vince McMahon’s Criticism of Bryan Danielson Leads to WWE Departure

The wrestling world was stunned when Bryan Danielson, a cornerstone of WWE for over a decade, was released from his contract. While initially framed around his “retirement” after a celebrated 15-year run on the main roster, the true catalyst was a clash with WWE Chairman Vince McMahon stemming from Danielson’s acting role as Vedran Veljkovic in the series “The King of Staten island.” This article delves into the specifics of the situation, exploring the fallout from McMahon’s critique and the implications for talent freedom within WWE.

The “King of Staten Island” Role and Initial Backlash

Bryan Danielson’s foray into acting, portraying former WWE Chief Product Officer Vedran Veljkovic, was intended as a side project. Though, McMahon reportedly took issue with the portrayal, believing it reflected poorly on the WWE brand and potentially undermined the authority of past and present executives.

The Character: Veljkovic was a somewhat satirical figure, and McMahon apparently felt the characterization was disrespectful.

Public Criticism: McMahon didn’t shy away from voicing his displeasure, reportedly making his feelings known both internally and, to some extent, publicly. This created a tense environment for Danielson.

Fan Reaction: While some fans found the role amusing, it did spark debate within the WWE Universe about blurring the lines between kayfabe (the staged reality of wrestling) and real-life figures.

Danielson’s Response and Growing Tension

Danielson, known for his strong principles and independent streak, reportedly wasn’t receptive to McMahon’s criticism.He defended his artistic choices and expressed dissatisfaction with the way his performance was perceived and subsequently addressed by the WWE Chairman.

creative Control: The incident highlighted the limited creative control frequently enough afforded to WWE performers,even those as established as Danielson.

Personality Clash: Sources suggest a basic difference in perspective between Danielson and McMahon regarding the boundaries of character work and its impact on the WWE brand.

Escalating Disputes: The initial disagreement reportedly escalated into a series of tense conversations, ultimately leading to an impasse.

The Release and WWE’s Official Stance

Despite Danielson’s continued popularity with fans – evidenced by consistent merchandise sales and strong crowd reactions – WWE ultimately opted to release him.The official description centered around his involvement with “The King of Staten Island” and the perceived negative impact on the company’s image.

Contractual Considerations: While the acting role wasn’t explicitly prohibited in danielson’s contract, WWE argued it violated the spirit of his agreement and damaged the company’s brand.

Precedent Setting: The release sent a clear message to other WWE performers about the limitations of outside projects and the importance of aligning with McMahon’s vision.

* Alternative Explanations: Rumors circulated about potential financial motivations for the release, but

You may also like

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Adblock Detected

Please support us by disabling your AdBlocker extension from your browsers for our website.