By Richard Gardner, Torch specialist

It may have occurred over a week ago, but Bryan Danielson's firing is still the talk of the wrestling industry. His release is certainly one of the biggest stories of the years so far with it being linked to the NXT Invasion angle on Raw two weeks ago.

Danielson and WWE never seemed like a good fit. It seems ludicrous to say that a wrestler of Danielson's caliber does not fit within the world's biggest wrestling company, but "entertainment," and not wrestling, is the WWE's remit.

Looking at recent history, WWE has a poor record of successfully pushing new names. For someone to break into the main event and stay there, they need to not only be an all-round performer but also fit the perceived model of a WWE entertainer.

Unlike the more physically-imposing members of the WWE roster, Bryan Danielson does not stand out in a crowd. Until he gets in a ring, that is. Danielson has unquestionable ability that ranks him amongst the best in the company, but there were question marks over whether that was enough to make it in WWE. However his in-ring style was complemented by a series of strong promos with The Miz and Michael Cole. Turning heel in the biggest angle of the year so far - the much-discussed NXT Invasion - Danielson seemed well placed for WWE success.

Yet, less than a week later, he is gone from WWE. The reality-based nature of the storylines that Danielson was involved with during his brief WWE run suggested that his firing was a work. However, as details have emerged, it appears to be a legitimate dismissal, with the suggestion that some of WWE's sponsors were upset with Danielson's choking of Justin Roberts.

One of the main motivations behind WWE's move to a PG rating was to attract a higher quality of sponsors. These deals would have been agreed on the basis of WWE delivering a family-friendly product. Pictures of simulated asphyxiation are not in line with these requirements.

Nevertheless, the dismissal seems to be an unnecessarily harsh punishment for Bryan Danielson's actions. Surely, the sponsors could have been reassured by Danielson receiving a severe reprimand, and an assurance that no such mistakes would be made in the future. It's certainly a dreadful reason for WWE to fire one of their top young talents.

So is the firing a work after all? For further evidence supporting that theory, look no further than WWE champion John Cena. Cena, normally the company guy, wrote the following comments through his Twitter account:

"I am very upset to hear about the release of Bryan Danielson. Social networks were formed so people would have a voice, and an opinion. I know you all have your own, theories and whatnot. I respect that. I have never asked any of you to feel a certain way about me. But Bryan left a lasting impression on the WWE universe in a very short time, and although it came at my expense, I agree with the majority of you who are caught off guard by this choice. I know I'm not exactly appreciated by all, nor do I care to be, but I believe what I believe. I would like Bryan to come back to the WWE. I would like to sign your petition to bring him back.

I was taught to stand up for what I believe in. I tried and failed, so I could use some help. Tell me how to sign and I will. If for nothing else, to at least have a chance to have a match with him after what was done. I know that seems a bit more fair. Give me a chance to have a fair match with him, and give him yet another chance to prove that he does belong with us. Sorry for the long message. I know I am probably way out of line. I am sorry if I have offended anyone. But like me or not that is what Hustle. Loyalty. And most importantly Respect means to me."

Is this some kind of build to Danielson's triumphant return, possibly teaming with Cena to take on the NXT faction? It seems an awfully elaborate setup if that's the case. Vince McMahon has informed WWE management that Danielson is gone, and Danielson himself is currently accepting independent bookings. No one outside of WWE knows for sure, but the likelihood is that Bryan Danielson was actually fired.

While we can only speculate the true nature of Bryan Danielson's firing, I'm of the opinion that Vince McMahon's hand was forced by a belligerent sponsor, but that Danielson was told that he would be able to return in the future. Danielson has proven that he can make it in WWE, and it would be careless to discard him when the star power on WWE's roster is so thin.

The Bryan Danielson firing has overshadowed the build for the Fatal Four-Way Pay-Per-View taking place tonight. He is one of the most talked-about wrestlers in the world at the moment, so whether his firing is legitimate or not, a return to WWE is inevitable.

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