Bryan Danielson talks about being a locker room leader in All Elite Wrestling.
Bryan Danielson has made no secret of his love for AEW and the element it adds to the overall wrestling industry. Since arriving in the company in 2021, Danielson has not only competed in several classic matches but he's taken on a leadership role behind the scenes, helping as needed to assist in disciplinary situations or provide a sounding board for Tony Khan's creative ideas as part of a think tank.
Speaking with Fightful's Sean Ross Sapp ahead of AEW All In 2024, Danielson commented on his leadership role in AEW. Speaking specifically about being part of the promotion's disciplinary committee, Danielson noted that it's not a job anybody wants to have. Still, he is honored that he was chosen for the role because it shows that those in AEW view him as having a level head.
"Nobody wants to be part of a disciplinary committee. One, I don’t get paid for it. It’s not even like, ‘At least you’re making all these extra bucks.’ It’s a completely no fun job," he admits. "I’m kind of honored that they wanted me to do it because it shows ‘Bryan is level-headed. He’s going to come at this from a wrestler’s perspective.’
"I help Tony with creative, but it’s mostly Tony’s ideas for AEW," Danielson continued. "He has a brilliant mind for wrestling. I help a little with that. I help a little with the disciplinary committee. What that will look like when I’m done wrestling, I have no idea. I’m focusing right now on All In and making that the best it can be. After that, I want to be able to spend some time at home with my family, be involved more in my community. One of the most rewarding things outside of wrestling is we restored this creek. It took several years, but now salmon have come back. I participated probably three or four times, this was in Washington State, and I donated money to help fund it. That’s really rewarding. Salmon weren’t coming back to that stream, and now they are. Participating in things like that and seeing meaningful change, that’s kind of my thing."
Danielson had previously stated that he would like to be more active in his community regarding his children's school system. Read those comments here.
Tony Khan openly stated that he would love for Danielson to stay with AEW after he retires from wrestling. Read his remarks here.
Danielson's wrestling career could end as soon as the AEW All In event if he doesn't win the AEW World Championship. He has risked his career in the upcoming match against Swerve Strickland, genuinely embracing the event's name and going all in.
Fans can check out the full card for AEW All In here. Fightful will have live coverage of the event on August 25.
