In a fairly surprising announcement, ROH has announced "The American Dragon" Bryan Danielson has agreed in principle to a contract with WWE. This is the largest independent signing since CM Punk signed in 2005. ROH writes:
Farewell To A Legend
Sunday, August 23, 2009Bryan Danielson has agreed in principle to a contract with World Wrestling Entertainment.
Bryan has been an exemplary talent and a wonderful member of the Ring of Honor locker room and family since the inception of the company. We couldn’t be happier for Bryan and all of his successes, many of which Ring of Honor has been proud to witness first hand.
We congratulate Bryan on the beginning of this next journey in his brilliant career, and wish him all the best as he progresses. Many Ring of Honor fans refer to Bryan as the "best in the world" and we look forward to looking on in earnest as he shows everyone watching the wrestling world’s biggest stage just why that is.
Bryan will appear as scheduled at all of the September Ring of Honor events. Please join us in Philadelphia, Dayton, Chicago, Boston, and New York as we say thank you and farewell to a truly one-of-a-kind talent.