A WWE (World Wrestling Entertainment) star has apologised to fans who were disappointed he did not appear in the Royal Rumble main event on Sunday.

Daniel Bryan blamed organisers for his exclusion from the match in the US.

"Sorry guys, the machine wanted me nowhere near the Royal Rumble match. But I thank everyone for their support," he wrote on Twitter.

Some fans at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh appeared upset when they realised he would not appear.

Many people have also expressed anger on social media, with the phrases #RoyalRumble, #WWE and Daniel Bryan all trending on Twitter.

Bryan added on Twitter: "They try to keep US down and away from the top spots, but they can't ignore the reactions forever. Keep voicing your opinions."

Thirty big name wrestlers, including Batista, Roman Reigns and CM Punk, all took part in the event - one of the highlights of the WWE calendar.

Sorry guys, the machine wanted me nowhere near the Royal Rumble match. But I thank everyone for their support Daniel Bryan

Bryan did make an appearance at the event in Pennsylvania.

Earlier on he had taken on and lost to Bray Wyatt, in a one-on-one match to kick off the evening.

CM Punk was first in the ring for the Royal Rumble, followed by Seth Rollins. By the time the final competitor was announced, Rey Mysterio, fans were shouting for Bryan.

Many fans adopted the phrase #YESMovement, referring to an appeal to WWE bosses for wrestling outcomes audiences have demanded.

Retired professional wrestler Mick Foley later tweeted: "Does @WWE actually hate their own audience? I've never been so disgusted with a PPV."

He later added in a statement: "Like many of you out there, I just don't get it. This Daniel Bryan thing is a phenomenon.

They try to keep US down and away from the top spots, but they can't ignore the reactions forever. Keep voicing your opinions Daniel Bryan

"I wanted so badly to hear 75,000 WWE fans chanting 'yes' - and seeing fans walk away absolutely ecstatic about the outcome of a PPV. But when given the chance to make it happen (unless they've got something major up their sleeve) WWE's answer tonight was a resounding 'no, no, no'."

WWE Live has already announced a UK tour in May, with locations including Nottingham, Belfast and Glasgow all confirmed.

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