If you keep up with the wacky world of professional wrestling like I do, you know that WWE superstar Daniel Bryan recently announced he has decided to hang up his boots after a long battle with multiple concussions over the past few years. The announcement was made by Bryan himself hours before WWE’s flagship show, Monday Night Raw, went on the air.
Due to medical reasons, effective immediately, I am announcing my retirement. Tonight on Raw, I'll have a chance to elaborate. #gratitude
— Daniel Bryan (@WWEDanielBryan) February 8, 2016
As you can see, it garnered a plethora of attention with over 50k retweets, and with good reason. Bryan had become one of the company’s most lovable wrestlers and a fan favorite over the past couple of years. His popularity started to rise to astronomical levels when he introduced his trademark “YES” chant.
The chant got over with fans and soon became a pop culture phenomenon all across the globe. It seemed like everyone was doing the YES chant wherever you go, including this Nigerian soccer player.
This group stage game between Mexico and Nigeria in the U-17 World Cup reached the peak of awesomeness when Kelechi Iheanacho scored this peach of a goal and followed it up with Bryan’s YES chant. The game occurred in 2013, when Bryan’s momentum in the company was reaching unparalled heights. The moment didn’t go unnocticed, as Bryan was quick to comment on the Nigerian’s celebration which was part of a 6-1 victory.
“I think it’s incredible that he’s doing the ‘YES’ chant,” Bryan told WWE.com.
“It’s incredible that such an amazing athlete from Nigeria is now doing something that I do on TV. It’s great.”
But Iheanacho isn’t the only one who has been doing Bryan’s chant.
Columbus Crew goalkeeper Steve Clark has recently adopted the YES chant as a way to engage with the fans. After matches, Clark walks over to the Nordecke -- where the hardcore Crew fans sit-- and celebrates with them by leading them in a couple of familiar chants.
Daniel Bryan may be done with wrestling, but his chant will live on forever in the lores of the beautiful game.
