5 WWE Superstars whose careers were derailed by injuries or illness

#4 Daniel Bryan

Daniel Bryan was one of the most popular WWE Superstars

The student follows the path set by the master -- this phrase has never been truer than for Shawn Michaels and Daniel Bryan.

Much like his teacher, Michaels, Daniel Bryan rose through the WWE ranks slowly but surely, winning the hearts of the fans. However, the moment he reached the highest peak, he was brought down to the worst depths.

Throughout his high-flying career, he suffered a number of injuries to his neck and had innumerable concussions. They finally caught up with him, when he was in one of his best runs in WWE.

Daniel Bryan had to take two years away from the ring, during which he worked as the SmackDown Live General Manager. It appeared he would have to leave WWE to get a chance to perform in the ring again. However, just before WrestleMania 34, a miracle took place and Daniel Bryan returned to ring.

Considering how he almost had to retire permanently. He lost two of the best years in his career, and while he is making up for it, those two years will always be something he looks back at with regret.

The 'Yes moment' changed the tide in Bryan's direction. The crowd had grown bored of Cena's unidirectional approach and wanted a newer face to run the show. Bryan fit the bill and the rest is history.