Backstage RAW News On Daniel Bryan, Tribute Videos, Samoa Joe Comments, ESPN Video, More On Bryan

– Regarding Bryan’s retirement announcement, it was closely guarded until Bryan made the tweet, PWInsider reports. No one within WWE knew of the retirement beyond a very small circle of higher-ups. WWE production had to scramble on Monday afternoon to come up with the video packages we saw all night on RAW.

– In regards to the tests Bryan mentioned that he took a week ago, changing how he felt about trying to wrestle again, PWInsider notes that he took them the Thursday before the Royal Rumble. Bryan took the brain tests in New York City before flying to Pittsburgh for an appearance.

– “#ThankYouDanielBryan” was the #1 Twitter trend after Monday night’s RAW went off the air.

– Samoa Joe posted this lengthy message on Bryan Monday night:

– WWE posted this video with the various Daniel Bryan flashbacks on this week’s RAW.

– In honor of Bryan’s retirement, WWN Live released this match featuring Bryan vs. Dean Ambrose as Jon Moxley at the 2010 Dragon Gate USA “Way of the Ronin” event:

– As PWMania.com reported, Bryan will be Jonathan Coachman’s guest in the 9pm EST hour on ESPN SportsCenter Tuesday night. Coach covered the retirement for ESPN today, as seen in the video below: