VIDEO: Daniel Bryan announced his retirement on Monday Night Raw to a very teary crowd

A very emotional Raw crowd.

One of the most popular and talented WWE superstars of the modern era shocked wrestling fans last night by returning to Raw and announcing his retirement. Daniel Bryan, the multiple-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion and instigator of the much loved 'YES' chant, confirmed his retirement to a very emotional crowd in attendance. Bryan was forced to make the surprising decision due to a history of concussions, taking to Twitter before Raw to inform his fans.

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

He did indeed elaborate later on in what was a heartfelt send off and a final 'YES' chant that had the goosebumps going. Take a look. https://youtu.be/6KzD06Wpofw Clip via YouTube/WWE It didn't take long for #ThankYouDanielBryan to start trending.

#ThankYouDanielBryan best show in Seattle WA at the #keyarena ? we will miss you Daniel ?? pic.twitter.com/aKftllmJST

— Hector (@eliasdirection) February 9, 2016

#ThankYouDanielBryan for DOING what most only talk about. Challenging everything. Authority, conformity, perception. Redefining valor.

— John Cena (@JohnCena) February 9, 2016

Be strong at #WWESeattle @WWEDanielBryan. My favourite opponent brother. See you down the road.#ThankYouDanielBryan pic.twitter.com/HcZnB4rcQG

— Sheamus (@WWESheamus) February 9, 2016

Simply The Best! #ThankYouDanielBryan pic.twitter.com/ea1WZfmVej

— Brock Lesnar Guy (@BrockLesnarGuy) February 9, 2016

@WWEDanielBryan First The Beast now The Beard? #ThankYouDanielBryan for representing the #PNW with passion and dedication. We love you too.

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) February 9, 2016

The wrestling business needs more people like @WWEDanielBryan and the world needs more people like Bryan Danielson. #ThankYouDanielBryan

— Billy Kidman (@WWEKidman) February 9, 2016

#ThankYouDanielBryan for being a total pro in and outside of the ring. pic.twitter.com/AV42YtcxD4

— The Maharaja (@JinderMahal) February 9, 2016

A million thank yous wouldn't be enough. You revolutionized the game, and paved the way #ThankYouDanielBryan

— Becky Lynch (@BeckyLynchWWE) February 9, 2016

#ThankYouDanielBryan I can truthfully say that I am GRATEFUL for having known you. I think the entire dressing room shares that feeling.@WWE

— Zeb Colter (@WWEZeb) February 9, 2016

Don't cry because it's over. Be #grateful because it happened. #ThankYouDanielBryan

— Christian (@Christian4Peeps) February 9, 2016

i truly love the industry that I'm in, thanks in part to amazing performers like @WWEDanielBryan .All the besr to you! #ThankYouDanielBryan

— Howard Finkel (@howardfinkel) February 9, 2016

pic.twitter.com/SBu6hqlPMY

— Coach (@CMPunk) February 9, 2016

#ThankYouDanielBryan

best is yet to come.

— James Roday (@JamesRoday) February 9, 2016

@WWEDanielBryan is a pinpoint example of impossible dreams made possible. #ThankYouDanielBryan

— Byron Saxton (@ByronSaxton) February 9, 2016

#ThankYouDanielBryan for teaching me to love wrestling again.

— philko (@pkollar) February 9, 2016

Me during the whole end of #RAW .. @WWEDanielBryan #ThankYouDanielBryan pic.twitter.com/kGQz8PsVDJ

— Wrestling Geek✨ (@WWEShopGirl) February 9, 2016

Still can't believe he is officially retired! So young and still so much fight left #ThankYouDanielBryan pic.twitter.com/FLpJTZIps6

— WWE FANATIC (@_ALLTHINGSWWE) February 9, 2016

Sad night. Sad news. But the place was still electric. Glad I got to be there. #ThankYouDanielBryan pic.twitter.com/I43pgAO5du

— Justin Morissette (@JustinMoris) February 9, 2016

Thank you for everything. You are an amazing person, and deserve nothing but good in your future. I #love you, sir. #ThankYouDanielBryan

— Ruben R. Samaniego (@RubenRSamaniego) February 9, 2016

Grand Slam Champion! #ThankYouDanielBryan pic.twitter.com/cOFu8FcBtt

— Brock Lesnar Guy (@BrockLesnarGuy) February 9, 2016

#ThankYouDanielBryan for taking us on an amazing journey, from wrestling at holiday camps to main eventing WrestleMania, you have been A+ !

— David Mabbley (@TheBigDaddyD1) February 9, 2016

I do Not know about you guys But I
legit Broke Down In tears... #ThankYouDanielBryan

— кэδн (@iaddictbellas) February 9, 2016

Thank you, to a true friend and an inspiration to so many people. #ThankYouDanielBryan. pic.twitter.com/KXjF4L3yoc

— Brie Bella. (@ALoyalBohemian) February 9, 2016