Bryan Danielson’s full-time run has reached its end, and we’ve learned more about the last few months of his career.
Danielson lost to Jon Moxley at AEW WrestleDream and his full-time career is effectively over. It was indicated to Sean Ross Sapp of Fightful that Danielson specifically wanted to lose to Moxley to end that run.
As highlighted on Fightful Select, AEW doctors legitimately didn’t allow Bryan Danielson to be involved with Blood and Guts, though it was something the company was hoping could happen throughout the year. However, Danielson was cleared to compete in regular matches along his road to full-time retirement. Although many people wondered if his interviews were in character regarding his health status, we’re told that those were all true, and by the time the Moxley match was unfolding, Danielson even had thought he probably shouldn’t have done a couple of those matches leading up to the WrestleDream PPV.
Danielson has legitimately been without a talent contract for a number of months, and we’re told that he does not have any additional contracts. He is effectively a free agent without additional obligations. He’s told many in interviews and backstage that he doesn’t envision going back to WWE at this time. The hope within AEW is that he’ll wrestle periodically for them and resume additional duties whenever he’s ready. Danielson told Fightful that he has to get his neck fixed first, which likely means surgery.
Danielson’s match at AEW All In had been planned since earlier this year, complete with Danielson winning the title. We’re told that Chris Hero produced the All In main event, and Swerve Strickland was adamant he wanted to tap out to lose to Danielson as opposed to “passing out” or anything else. Since virtually the start of Swerve’s reign it was known that Danielson would likely be the one to end it.
Fightful Select is told it was important to Tony Khan that Danielson become AEW Champion at some point. There is no guarantee that Danielson will wrestle once he's healthy.
We wish Bryan Danielson well in his full-time retirement.
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