Bryan Danielson, former AEW World Champion, is backstage at tonight’s Dynamite event in Phoenix, Arizona, according to PWInsider.
Danielson was last seen on AEW television during the October 8, 2024 episode of AEW Dynamite, where he teamed with Wheeler Yuta against Claudio Castagnoli and Pac.
His final match as a full-time competitor took place four days later at the WrestleDream pay-per-view on October 12, 2024, where he lost the AEW World Championship to Jon Moxley.
While Danielson hasn’t appeared on AEW television since then, he did make an appearance at the All In: Texas ticket on-sale rally on December 9, 2024.
Leland Owens, known for filing lawsuits against WWE and UFC has had his case against AEW and Byan Danielson officially dismissed. On December 26, the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington dismissed Owens’ case, the latest in a series of peculiar claims.
The lawsuit, filed on December 13, alleged “intellectual property infringement” and “theft” of ideas Owens claimed to have shared with Danielson. Owens stated he created the name “Shockwave,” which AEW trademarked as a potential show name, though such an event has yet to be confirmed. He also linked “Shockwave” to an undefined “Engage PPV or PLE” without providing any clear explanation. Owens sought either “a reasonable offer” or full rights to his alleged ideas, while also citing “emotional stress” in his complaint.
Just two weeks later, on December 27, Owens filed another lawsuit—this time against the United States Government. In this filing, Owens claimed he provided the government with film and television ideas, as well as inventions, but received no compensation. Owens named Bryan Danielson, Mercedes Moné, Vince McMahon, and Donald Trump as parties involved in this alleged wrongdoing, and again cited “emotional stress” and demanded”reasonable payments” and recognition.
Now, both of these cases have been dismissed, with the court citing Owens’ failure to establish federal jurisdiction. However, the dismissal was without prejudice, leaving open the possibility for Owens to revisit the matter in the future.
This isn’t the first time Owens has taken aim at the wrestling world. In a previous lawsuit against WWE, he accused Stephanie McMahon of making disparaging remarks about his daughter, allegedly leading to a hush-money offer. He has also claimed that Danielson and Mone, during their time in WWE, were involved in misusing his intellectual property. Neither of these suits saw him receive a penny from WWE.
Bryan Danielson says he’s doing everything he can to avoid undergoing neck surgery, but his ongoing health challenges put his in-ring future in serious jeopardy.
Known for his resilience and passion, the American Dragon shared insights into the state of his neck, his reluctance to undergo surgery, and the uncertainty surrounding his wrestling career. Despite these challenges, he expressed gratitude for his storied journey, offering a reflective perspective that resonates with fans and peers alike.
At Monday’s AEW All In Texas Countdown to On Sale event at Globe Life Field, Bryan spoke with Denise Salcedo admitted, “My neck is not great.” He explained that it’s affecting his sleep and overall comfort.
When asked about surgery, he revealed his reluctance, stating, “I’m trying to avoid it. Surgery is a last resort, not a first resort.” He mentioned trying alternative methods before considering going under the knife. Regarding an in-ring return, he candidly remarked,
“If I had to guess right now, I’d say it’s 50/50 if I’ll ever wrestle again.”
He emphasized that he’s at peace with this uncertainty and appreciates the time he has already spent in the ring.
Family and Personal Life:
Reflecting on having his family present at AEW All In, he shared the emotional side, saying, “I was looking over constantly to check on them,” and mentioning how his daughter called it the best day of her life despite seeing him bleed in the ring.
Bryan stressed he won’t push his children to follow in his footsteps, explaining, “What I want for them is to find something they love as much as I’ve loved wrestling.”
Reflections on Wrestling Venues and Career Highlights:
He expressed equal appreciation for both large arenas and intimate venues: “I loved wrestling in big stadiums… but I also loved those small, intimate atmospheres.”
Touching on AEW All In, he considered it a fairy-tale moment, standing atop the ropes, championship in hand, with his family and friends present. He called it “really, really special and something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”
Match with Will Ospreay and Current AEW Talent:
Speaking highly of Will Ospreay, Bryan praised him as one of the best he’s ever faced. “He’s one of the best guys I’ve ever been in the ring with.” He also lauded the depth of talent in AEW, mentioning Swerve Strickland and Kenny Omega as top-tier performers.
AEW’s Expansion and Streaming on Max:
Bryan expressed excitement about AEW’s upcoming broadcast on the Max streaming service. “Max is huge… so many people I know don’t have cable. It’s a real chance to get more people to watch AEW.” He noted that this move could broaden the audience significantly.
Bryan Danielson will be present for AEW All In: Texas, though questions remain as to whether the former World Champion will be in action. This week, Danielson was in the Lone Star state as part of the All In: Texas tickets launch event and addressed his role for the show.
“As for my participation at All In, I don’t know what that looks like. I don’t know if I’ll be able to wrestle at that point. I don’t know if I’ll be able to wrestle again to be quite honest. But there’s one thing that I can tell you for certain: I will be here. There is nothing that you can do to make me miss All In.”
Danielson got “chills” walking into Globe Life Field, which will play host to All In: Texas on July 12. The show will be AEW’s first All In pay-per-view in the United States as well as the promotion’s first pay-per-view in Texas.
Danielson hasn’t competed since AEW WrestleDream, which marked the end of his full-time career, and his reign as AEW World Champion. The American Dragon has been open about his medical issues and believes he will require neck surgery before 2024 is over.
As one of AEW’s top stars, it’d certainly be fitting for Danielson to be a part of All In, even if a match isn’t in the cards for the former World Champion. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on Bryan Danielson as the veteran continues to navigate this chapter of his career.
Bryan Danielson has shared a concerning update about his ongoing neck issues, comparing his neck problems to being like a bobblehead. Speaking on the Nikki and Brie Show podcast, the former AEW World Champion spoke openly about his issues.
“We don’t know what’s going to happen with my neck, but it honestly feels like I have a bobblehead.”
Despite these issues, Danielson made clear that he’s avoiding saying the dreaded ‘retirement’ word, with his recent feud with Swerve Strickland being the exception. The American Dragon added that while his in-ring career may not be fully over yet, he has grave concerns about getting back in the ring.
“I can’t find the excitement and nervousness of wrestling, where something could go wrong at any moment.”
Brie shared that Bryan still needs to undergo surgery, something Danielson disclosed in the build-up to All In: London. Brie also wanted to give a “big post” when Bryan’s full-time career wrapped at WrestleDream, but Bryan himself said no, arguing that wrestlers never truly retire for good.
Neck issues are nothing new for Danielson who had to retire in 2016 as part of WWE and would miss two years of in-ring action. On the podcast, Bryan explained how he didn’t want to retire at the time, and it was hard for him to walk away, and to see “everybody” move on without him.
While Tony Khan has been optimistic that Danielson will be return to action in a part-time capacity, the American Dragon received a “beautiful funeral” at WrestleDream as far as Jon Moxley is concerned. Keep checking in with SEScoops for the latest on Danielson for when, if ever, fans see him in the ring again.
Jon Moxley says taking out Bryan Danielson was nothing more than an objective that needed to be completed.
The AEW World Champion has shown a completely new side of himself since returning to the promotion in August. Leading the Death Riders into a spree of violent attacks on various AEW talents, Mox proclaims to rid the company of all its problems.
The most gruesome of these attacks came at the WrestleDream PPV. Moxley not only defeated his former friend Bryan Danielson for the AEW title at the show but he also took out the American Dragon for good in a brutal post-match attack. Bryan had to be taken out on a stretcher afterwards and he is not expected to make an AEW appearance anytime soon.
Speaking about the attack during a new interview with TVInsider, the AEW World Champion claimed that Danielson had to be taken off the board as part of the big picture. To him, Bryan was nothing more than a thing on a checklist:
“To me, it was a beautiful funeral. His mom was in the front row as I was squeezing his neck as his mom screamed that she loved him, and he screamed it back to her. I’m not sure if that was caught on camera, but that was quite a powerful moment to see up close.”
Jon Moxley mentioned how it is very easy to get emotionally attached to a match of Bryan Danielson. He reiterated however that he has no time to feel sad about it despite Bryan being one of his best friends and training partner for a good part of his career:
“A lot of guys’ careers will end in the hospital or their phones will stop ringing. It won’t be on their terms. Bryan was able to do very much to end this stage of his career on his terms. He did not verbally submit or tap out, but I felt the spirit of the American Dragon leave his body and feel that he can now rest.”
The former Shield member also claimed that the potential of AEW is ‘fucking huge.’ He said that their roster is stacked to a ridiculous level and there are many talents who haven’t gotten the chance to showcase what they’re truly capable of.
Adam Cole wishes he could have worked with Bryan Danielson during their time in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), but he’s happy he got to share a ring with the American Dragon once.
Cole was back in action on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite and picked up a hard-fought win against Malakai Black of the House of Black. It was his first match in 423 days, and the former NXT Champion showed little signs of the dreaded ‘ring rust.’
They both debuted for AEW on the same night, during the conclusion of the All Out 2021 pay-per-view. Unfortunately, each man battling respective injuries prevented them from doing much together in the ring. Cole spoke with the Stick to Wrestling Podcast and admitted he’s disappointed they never wrestled a singles match in AEW.
“Bryan is so universally loved, respected and admired. Not just by fans, but literally by every wrestler I’ve ever met. I mean, Bryan is without question one of the greatest of all-time to ever do this and I look back at the one match we had on SmackDown and I think back so fondly of that night and that moment.”
Holding Out Hope
Cole looks back fondly on their AEW debuts, and the excitement he felt sharing a ring with Danielson, even in a non-wrestling capacity.
“It was an honor to step into the ring with Bryan Danielson so, I got so excited at the idea because we both debuted the same night here at AEW and I thought, oh my God, we’re gonna get the chance to do it again and at AEW in front of the AEW fans, I can’t wait.”
Danielson is now out of action indefinitely and facing another possible neck surgery later this year, if stem cell therapy does not treat his ailments. Cole is happy Danielson is focusing solely on his health, but is hoping they do meet one day day down the road.
“So at least now for the time being, it seems like that probably won’t happen so of course, that’s a bummer for me but Bryan’s health and Bryan’s safety and Bryan’s legacy is the most important thing so I’m glad that Bryan is able to rest and heal and again, Bryan’s one of the greatest to ever do it and selfishly, I do wish I could have stepped into the ring with him again but who knows? Never say never. Maybe someday, maybe someday.”
Adam Cole and Bryan Danielson’s sole singles match took place in November of 2019 on an episode of WWE SmackDown.
The original plans for the ending of Bryan Danielson’s AEW World Title reign and his full-time run with the company were very different. The wrestling veteran’s run with AEW’s top price came to an end after only 48 days, making it the third shortest AEW title reign in the history of the company.
Since Bryan had been very open about his health issues leading up to his loss to Jon Moxley, many wondered if the company sped things up because of his problems. However, that the plan always was for Bryan to drop the title at the WrestleDream PPV, according to the Wrestling Observer. His opponent was indeed changed from Darby Allin to Jon Moxley because the officials wanted to jumpstart interest in the promotion.
Bryan won the championship at the All In event from Wembley Stadium on August 25. It was Bryan’s first title in the company and he made Swerve Strickland tap out for it. Darby originally won a shot at the AEW World Title after winning a Royal Rampage battle royal during the July 26 edition of the Friday Night Show.
Moxley then challenged him to put the title shot on the line in a match at the Dynamite: Grand Slam special on September 25. Mox would go on to win the match. He then defeated his former BCC teammate at the WrestleDream PPV on October 12. Jon Moxley won the match via referee stoppage after putting Bryan Danielson out with a sleeper.
Bryan Danielson has dropped the AEW World Championship and he is a free agent following tonight’s WrestleDream 2024 PPV.
The American Dragon not only lost the championship to his former friend Jon Moxley at the event but he was also written off TV with the turn of Wheeler Yuta and a brutal post-match attack from Mox and his allies. According to Fightful Select, Bryan had legitimately been working without a talent contract through his AEW title run after his deal expired in August. Though Danielson has expressed multiple times that he isn’t planning to go back to WWE anytime soon.
The health issues the 43-year-old had detailed prior to the match were legitimate, according to the report and the doctors had stopped him from working Blood and Guts. While Bryan was cleared to wrestle in regular matches, the AEW star apparently wished that he hadn’t done a couple of them as WrestleDream approached.
Bryan Danielson’s AEW title run began at All In where he made Swerve Strickland tap out. Strickland had pushed for the match to end that way than any other conclusion. Danielson in turn had wanted to drop the title to Moxley which happened tonight.
The wrestling veteran has said many times that he’ll eventually require surgery for his neck issues. Now that his full-time run has come to an end, Bryan can take the time off required for the procedure and the recovery.
AEW is hoping that the former WWE star will continue wrestling for them periodically and resume additional duties when he is ready to do so.
While Mox won the title at the show, the higher power he’s been referring to was not revealed tonight. We’ll have to follow along the story to find out more of what’s been planned for the new AEW World champion and his faction.
Danielson had vowed that his full-time career in the ring would end when he lost the AEW World Championship. On Twitter, many names associated with AEW shared their appreciation for the American Dragon.
The best wrestler to ever step into a professional wrestling ring. Thank you “American Dragon”Bryan Danielson. It was an honor to share the ring with you. pic.twitter.com/B8w7R7m540
— ROCKY ROMERO🇵🇷 🇲🇽 🇺🇸 🇯🇵“Chico El Luchador” (@azucarRoc) October 13, 2024
Bryan requesting this match from Tony because he saw something in me was the boost of confidence I sorely needed at the time. Thank you for believing in me Dragon, thank you for everything ✂️#AEWWrestleDream@AEWpic.twitter.com/yLV8ireCsW
AEW’s own Twitter account shared a statement, making clear that they would not be sharing footage of the post-match attack on Danielson. This is the same statement the company gave following the attack by Moxley and his crew on Danielson at AEW All Out.
Due to its graphic nature, AEW will not be posting the post-match attack on Bryan Danielson.
The future of Bryan Danielson remains uncertain, though the former champion believes neck surgery is in his near future. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest on the American Dragon in this post-full-time chapter of his wrestling career.
Bryan Danielson says he feels healthy enough to face Jon Moxley at Saturday’s AEW WrestleDream PPV. However, the reigning AEW World Champion admits that he’s on borrowed time, with concerns about his long-term health persisting.
The American Dragon is preparing for what could be the fight of his life. Speaking with Justin Barrasso, Danielson expressed confidence in his readiness for the match, but acknowledged the seriousness of his health issues.
“Our trainer is concerned to some extent, and so am I,” Danielson said. “My wife is very worried. But there have been times in my career where I’ve been more concerned than I am now.”
– Bryan Danielson ahead of AEW WrestleDream (Undisputed)
Danielson highlighted the balance between his current abilities and his long-term health.
“The biggest issue is my overall health in the long run. Right now, everything is fixable. In the short term, it’s about whether I can perform at the level I expect from myself—and I know I can. I’m exactly where I want to be, fighting someone I want to fight. So, the answer is yes.”
The wrestling world is abuzz with speculation about Bryan Danielson’s future as AEW’s WrestleDream event approaches. With Danielson’s recent statements and seemingly self-imposed career stipulations, fans are left wondering if this could be the end of the road for one of professional wrestling’s most beloved figures.
The Road to WrestleDream
Bryan Danielson’s journey to WrestleDream has been dramatic. After winning the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, Danielson earned a shot at the AEW World Championship against Swerve Strickland at All In London. In a bold move, Danielson declared that if he failed to capture the title, he would quit wrestling altogether.
A Championship Victory with a Catch
In a match of the year candidate, Danielson emerged victorious, claiming the AEW World Championship. However, the celebration came with a bittersweet announcement: Danielson stated that his full-time in-ring career would end once he loses the title.
This stipulation has set the stage for an intense buildup to WrestleDream, where Danielson is set to defend his championship against Jon Moxley.
The Specter of Retirement
Danielson’s potential full-time retirement at WrestleDream is not just idle speculation. Several factors contribute to the possibility that this could indeed be his final match.
A History of Retirement
This isn’t the first time Danielson has faced retirement. In 2016, while wrestling as Daniel Bryan in WWE, he was forced to step away from the ring due to concussion-related issues. That retirement lasted two years before he was cleared to compete again.
Family Considerations
Danielson has been open about his family’s influence on his career decisions. He revealed that his daughter has been ready for him to be home for over a year, and he’s excited about the prospect of being a full-time dad. This personal factor adds weight to the possibility of his retirement.
Physical Struggles
Recent interviews have shed light on Danielson’s ongoing physical challenges. He has given insight into his injury struggles, which may be influencing his decision to consider retirement. These physical issues, combined with family considerations, paint a picture of a wrestler who may be ready to hang up his boots.
The Emotional Readiness
Unlike his forced retirement in WWE, Danielson appears to be mentally prepared for this potential end to his in-ring career.
Danielson has expressed that his emotional state is different this time around. He feels mentally ready for retirement, partly due to his physical struggles and the fulfilling family life he now enjoys.
“If he [Danielson] loses, he’s done and he’s done for a while, but I do not think he will be. He needs neck surgery, legit. He’s gonna be gone probably for a year, but I don’t think he’s going to announce his retirement, and I don’t think, you know, in wrestling, they’ve always done things. Sting came back recently, but he didn’t wrestle. I think he’ll [Danielson] be a part-time in-ring performer after WrestleDream.”
Others speculate that this could indeed be the event where Danielson takes his final bow.
Bryan Danielson has revealed that he almost got paralyzed during his most recent title vs. title match against Kazuchika Okada.
The AEW World Champion has been open about the neck issues he’s dealing with in his current run and how they resemble the problems that led to his initial retirement in 2015.
While the American Dragon has continued to push through in order to give fans a memorable final run, some latest details regarding his health are making people question if it’s worth it.
During a recent interview with Uncrowned, Danielson opened up about his current struggles. Speaking about his Dynamite 5-year anniversary match with Kazuchika Okada, Bryan revealed that he started losing strength in his legs halfway through it:
“Midway through the match, I started losing strength in my legs, there’s a point later in the match where I’m trying to kick him and I can’t turn over my kicks. That’s something that I have the body mechanics to do because I have been doing it for so long, but here I am and I can’t turn my hip over for this kick.”
Bryan Danielson was later informed that the scary situation stemmed from his ongoing neck issues. He’s also dealing with severe pain in his arm and it’s getting to a point where he hasn’t been able to sleep properly:
“When I got to the back, I went to the trainer right away and they worked on me for like 30 minutes. They said it was stemming from the neck stuff. It’s getting to a point where, physically, we’re seeing the signs. I haven’t been sleeping well because I have been having this shooting pain down my arm.”
Though Bryan also explained that the current health issues are making his decision to walk away much easier. Compared to the last time he was forced to quit; he is in a much better mental state.
Bryan Danielson put his career on the line in the World Title match against Swerve Strickland at the All Out PPV and emerged victorious. He has said that he will retire from a full-time schedule once his current reign ends.
The 43-year-old is scheduled to defend his championship against former friend Jon Moxley at the WrestleDream PPV this Saturday, October 12.
AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson had plenty to say after this week’s Title Tuesday of AEW Dynamite went off the air in Spokane, Washington.
In the main event of the show, Danielson and Wheeler Yuta defeated Pac and Claudio Castagnoli, continuing Danielson and Yuta’s feud with their former Blackpool Combat Club allies. After the match, Danielson fought Jon Moxley to the back but reemerged to save Yuta from a beatdown by Pac, Castagnoli, and Marina Shafir.
Speaking after AEW Dynamite with Tony Khan by his side, Danielson appreciated the incredible audience in Spokane. Bryan asked the crowd if they like Wheeler Yuta, which earned a huge cheer, as did his question about whether they want to see him beat Moxley at WrestleDream. The loudest cheer was saved for Bryan’s final question as he asked the fans “Do you want to see me kick Jon Moxley’s f***ing head in?!” which earned a ‘YES!’ chant from the audience.
Moxley and Danielson will do battle over the AEW World Championship at WrestleDream this Saturday. Moxley and the BCC (sans Yuta) turned on Danielson at AEW All Out with Moxley attempting to suffocate his former friend with a plastic bag. With the AEW World title (and potential free comic books for fans) on the line, expect Danielson and Moxley to hold nothing back in their efforts to obtain the richest prize in All Elite Wrestling.
Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest from AEW WrestleDream including breaking news and live results from this Saturday’s event in Tacoma, Washington.
AEW has released a video of Tony Khan and Bryan Danielson thanking the fans after the 5-year anniversary special of Dynamite from Petersen Events Center in Pittsburgh, Philadelphia went off air.
Khan first mentioned that Pittsburgh was one of the first places they visited when Dynamite started and thanked the fans. He then thanked Bryan for his 3-year run with the promotion.
The AEW World Champion took the mic and credited TK for creating an alternative to WWE. Addressing the crowd, Danielson thanked them for making him a WrestleMania main eventer:
“First of all, I’d like to thank Tony Khan, without whom, AEW wouldn’t be here. You wouldn’t have an alternative. It is better that AEW exists – for the wrestlers, for the production people, and for professional wrestling fans. I first wrestled in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 23 years ago. And I don’t know if you guys remember, but you were the crowd that made me into a WrestleMania main eventer. So, I just wanted to say thank you, Pittsburgh.
Best Wrestling Company In The World: Bryan Danielson
Bryan Danielson then claimed that AEW is the best wrestling company in the world. It has the best locker room and fans, for whom he left a lifetime job at WWE:
“And last but certainly not least, I want to thank all the men and women in the back because they’re the ones who made this place so great that I had a lifetime job at WWE, and I chose to come here because they were the best wrestlers in the world, the best fans in the world, and this is the best wrestling company in the world. Now, next week, check out WrestleDream, cause at WrestleDream in Tacoma, Washington. I am gonna kick Jon Moxley’s fucking head in.”
The 5 Year Anniversary show gave fans a lot to talk about with both good and bad news coming out of the show. The episode saw a huge debut and the return of Jay White from his injury.
Prior to Dynamite, however, a couple of wrestling talents suffered injuries during the ROH tapings. This included the current ROH tag champ Sammy Guevara who had to be stretchered out of the arena.
At AEW WrestleDream, Bryan Danielson will defend his AEW World Championship against Jon Moxley in what is bound to be a violent contest between the former allies. The match will take place in Tacoma, Washington, just a stone’s throw from Bryan’s home in Aberdeen, and one local comic store has given the American Dragon an incentive to win.
If Danielson retains the gold at WrestleDream on October 12, Destiny City Comics will give away a free comic book to everyone who visits the store the next day. This was confirmed by the store’s owner Ethan, who also has experience in the ring.
Not to put any additional pressure on @bryandanielson, but if he retains the @AEW Championship here in Tacoma, I'll give everyone who comes by Destiny City Comics a free comic book the next day on Oct. 13th. pic.twitter.com/2y28mVEXQb
Bryan’s match with Moxley won’t just be about the AEW World Championship but the nature of the company itself. Since turning on Danielson at AEW All Out, Moxley has said he and his allies will create something that’ll last for years in AEW, a company that, in Moxley’s eyes, has been overcome with clashing egos. This is a daunting task that Bryan doesn’t “have the stomach for,” hence the betrayal last month in Illinois.
With Danielson being open about his career winding down, and of the opinion that neck surgery is in his near future, high-profile matches such as this one will become less and less frequent soon enough. Until then though, this match could result in a lot of happy comic book readers in the city of Tacoma. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest from AEW WrestleDream 2024, including breaking news and live results from next week’s show in Tacoma, Washington.
In the 2010s, no catchphrase took the wrestling world by storm like ‘YES YES YES’ as used by Daniel Bryan during his rise to the top of WWE. The three-word phrase was used on countless pieces of merchandise during Bryan’s time with the company, and though that tenure ended over three years ago, WWE isn’t ready to part ways with the phrase.
WWE has filed a trademark for YES YES YES with the USPTO for the use on various pieces of merchandise. WWE’s move to own the term comes after Bryan (now Bryan Danielson in AEW) filed for the term in July of this year. Speaking ahead of All In: London 2024 with Luke James Chats, Danielson shared that his manager told him that the term was available and didn’t cost much to trademark.
Following his application, Bryan claims he was sent a legal form of some kind by WWE that insinuated that he was infringing on something WWE owned, despite the term being available to be trademarked. As of September 20, the filing was labeled as abandoned.
Danielson certainly has shown no sign of returning to WWE, as he not only holds the AEW World Championship but has actively spoken about winding down his career in the ring. Nevertheless, WWE is seeking the term for the use on merchandise that one would assume would be about AEW’s resident American Dragon. Stay tuned to SEScoops for the latest trademark news as well as news on the AEW World Champion.
AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson has laid out a huge challenge for the upcoming Dynamite 5-year anniversary show this Wednesday night.
The wrestling veteran recently shared an Instagram video of himself meditating in a forest. He started off his promo by calling out Jon Moxley. Mox had said that Bryan’s idea of a world champion wasn’t working after turning on his BCC teammate at All Out.
Danielson responded to the former Shield member saying that as much as he’d like to face Jon in a match, he realizes that he is fighting against an idea and not a man.
The AEW Champion proclaimed that he wants to be someone who defends his title at a monumental show like the upcoming Anniversary Special and proceeded to call out Kazuchika Okada for the bout:
Bryan Danielson has called out Okada for a World title match at Dynamite this Wednesdaypic.twitter.com/GG76Cpclmw
— Anutosh Bajpai || SEScoops || Wrestling News (@AuthorAnutosh) October 1, 2024
The AEW world title match is the 4rth match announced for the October 2 episode of Dynamite. Here is the updated line up for the show:
Singles Match: Hangman Page vs. Juice Robinson
Singles Match: Britt Baker vs. Serena Deeb
AEW International Championship Match: Will Ospreay (c) vs. Ricochet
AEW World Heavyweight Championship Match: Bryan Danielson (c) vs. Kazuchika Okada
Bryan Danielson has faced Okada in two singles matches so far. He defeated the Japanese star in their first match when they collided at the Forbidden Door 2023 event.
A rematch between the two took place at WrestleKingdom 18 in January this year. Okada picked up the win this time, tying the score to 1-1.
Okada has since signed a contract with AEW, becoming a full-time member of the Elite roster. We’ll have to tune in on Wednesday to see which one of the two picks up the victory in this rubber match.
At All In 2024, Bryan Danielson defeat Swerve Strickland to, for the first time, capture the AEW World Championship. The victory was sensible enough both from the perspective of being one of the best all-around professional wrestlers in the world and, as many pundits framed it, as a lifetime achievement award.
Indeed, Danielson has lost many more high profile matches than he has won since signing with the company, but this victory and the subsequent announcement that he plans to retire from full-time performance when he loses the title have compelled fans to think more about his career and legacy.
One prime question about Danielson comes down to how one should compare his efforts in WWE with his time elsewhere. He was active in WWE from 2010 to 2021 as Daniel Bryan, though nearly four years of that time was lost due to what appeared to be career-ending injuries. Despite sporadically appearing in WWE, mostly as an enhancement talent, from 2000 to 2003, he spent most of his first decade of his career on the indies, though, arriving at a reputation as one of the best technical wrestlers in the world. He’s added onto that legacy with these past three years in AEW.
So which version of Danielson left the bigger mark? There’s a lot to consider.
Bryan Danielson Achieved Fame And Respect Independent OF WWE
When Daniel Bryan arrived on WWE television in 2010 as a “rookie” to be mentored by The Miz in early NXT, he garnered an unusual reaction. He was a rare star—particularly for that era—who had built a real name for himself without WWE exposure, considered by many at the time to be the best wrestler in the world not to have ever been signed with WWE. The fact that The Miz—a hated performer whose aesthetic was very “sports entertainment,” and as such the antithesis of Bryan’s ethos, only piled on the heat.
This reception was all a testament to what Bryan Danielson accomplished on the indies and, in particular, in ROH as an in-ring virtuoso with a deceptive charisma that had allowed him to connect with fans at a high level.
Danielson has only added to this legacy in AEW, including instant classic matches with Kenny Omega, MJF, Swerve Strickland, and plenty of others. Few and far between are the wrestlers who’ve gotten over at the highest level in absolutely every environment they’ve set foot in. Danielson is that guy.
Daniel Bryan Was A WrestleMania Main Eventer
Via WWE
There are a lot milestones that define the most successful wrestlers in the world. Winning a world title anywhere—but particularly where the lights are on brightest in WWE—is an accomplishment. Winning a world title in the final match of a WrestleMania is on the next level, though—a very specific feat only eighteen performers have ever accomplished. Indeed, there’s a real case that this feat is what separates the defining characters of WWE lore from more experimental world champs like Jinder Mahal or Jack Swagger.
Bryan is on that list with a showing that arguably belongs on the Mount Rushmore of greatest WrestleMania main event performances. That’s not to mention that he also main evented in a losing effort seven years later, and worked two other ‘Mania world title matches across his tenure.
While, as Bryan Danielson, he also worked and won a historic All In main event in front of over 80,000 people, it remains difficult to put that kind of accomplishment on part with headlining WrestleMania given how iconic that show’s brand has grown over the last four decades.
Bryan Danielson And Daniel Bryan Have Both Had Great Matches
(via AEW)
One consistent factor for Bryan Danielson and Daniel Bryan is that, across the board, he has produced great matches. In WWE he more than held his own in some of the best matches stars ranging from John Cena to Triple H to Randy Orton to Roman Reigns ever had.
Before signing with WWE, though, Danielson built a reputation on classics with the likes of Nigel McGuinness, KENTA, and Takeshi Morishima. In AEW, his best bouts include outings with Zack Sabre Jr., Will Ospreay, and Adam Page.
There’s a case to be made Danielson’s greatest ring work, from a purist’s perspective, came outside WWE, but his ability to bring a more technical and stiff style to the masses in WWE—including opposite some opponents less known for work rate–represents an accomplishment all its own.
Daniel Bryan Reached A Larger Audience
At the end of the day, evaluating whether Daniel Bryan or Bryan Danielson has the greater legacy comes down to personal opinion given both were great and, of course, it was ultimately the same performer responsible for both, and it’s impossible to completely disentangle one from the other.
Nonetheless, at the end of the day it does matter that Daniel Bryan performed in front of a larger sustained audience. That’s important for his reach and accessibility. It also matters for just how impressive it was for an undersized “work rate guy” with an non-traditional personality for wrestling to get over at the highest level in WWE, and particularly when it was still under Vince McMahon’s creative leadership with his more specific vision for what a superstar should look like.
Call him Daniel Bryan. Call him Bryan Danielson. At the end of the day, the man belongs in the conversation among the greatest professional wrestlers of all time, and it’s fitting that fans of different aesthetics, who follow different promotions, all have large bodies of work to appreciate from him.
AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson will put the gold on the line against Jon Moxley at AEW WrestleDream following Moxley’s victory on AEW Grand Slam: Dynamite. While Moxley has punched his ticket to potentially regaining the richest prize in All Elite Wrestling, the three-time former champion had little time to celebrate.
After the match, Danielson launched a surprise attack on his former ally, payback for the assault the champion endured at AEW All Out 2024 earlier this month. Danielson even choked Moxley with a necktie, not only delivering payback, but giving fans a nod to his 2010 WWE firing for choking Justin Roberts during the debut of the Nexus. Grabbing the mic, Danielson confirmed that he and Moxley would clash for the AEW World Championship at AEW WrestleDream.
BRYAN DANIELSON FINALLY GETS PAYBACK ON JON MOXLEY!
Moxley’s title opportunity comes at the expense of Darby Allin, who had earned a title opportunity by winning the Royal Rampage back in July. There had reportedly been talks of Allin receiving a World Championship run, and whether that’s still the plan or not, it certainly won’t come to fruition at WrestleDream.
AEW WrestleDream will take place on October 12, in Tacoma, Washington, the home state of the American Dragon. With Claudio Castagnoli, PAC, and Marina Shafir on his side, Moxley will have the numbers advantage, even if Danielson has the crowd on his side. Stay tuned to SEScoops for all the latest on this feud as the two former allies prepare to tear each other apart next month at AEW WrestleDream.
Tony Khan has compared the difference between 2024 All In and All Out to a classic movie franchise.
The two AEW PPVs were held only two weeks apart but there was a stark difference in the feeling coming out of the two shows. Bryan Danielson was one of the featured stars for both these events but things changed completely for him in the few days between the shows.
The AEW President recently appeared on Busted Open Radio to talk about the upcoming Grand Slam special on September 25 as well as the company’s most recent PPVs. He mentioned how Bryan made his first appearance for the promotion three years ago at All Out and claimed that Danielson has completely changed his company.
Discussing the difference between this year’s All In and All Out, Tony Khan mentioned how Bryan Danielson went from living one of the greatest moments of his life to one of the worst:
“To talk about Bryan Danielson for a moment and the three-year anniversary—and like I said—to go from All In, which was one of the greatest moments of my life, to go to All Out, which was, I think, the juxtaposition…to say that for Bryan, I think All In was one of the great moments of his life, and then All Out probably one of the worst.”
Khan compared the difference between the endings of the two shows to first two Star Wars movies, while also claiming that they go well together:
“I mean, you know, [for] Star Wars people, it’s New Hope and Empire Strikes Back. Um, but they were very different things, but they were both amazing, and they go so well together.
All In and All Out stand as two of our greatest pay-per-views, and I’m very excited going into WrestleDream about what’s happening in AEW. The future of the AEW World Championship is yet to be determined, but at Grand Slam, the future of AEW is at stake, and so much is on the line.”
The American Dragon picked up one of the biggest victories of his career at All In from Wembley Stadium. He won the AEW title for the first time and celebrated with his family and friends to end the show.
On the other hand, Bryan got betrayed by Jon Moxley and the other BCC teammates at All Out and he had to be carried out of the arena after a brutal beatdown.
The AEW World Champion has not been seen on TV ever since. Though Nigel McGuinness has challenged him to a match at next Wednesday’s Dynamite.
Bryan Danielson has revealed that his current neck issues are very similar to his issues leading up to his career-defining WrestleMania XXX victory and subsequent retirement.
The AEW World Champion recently had a lengthy interview with Justin Barrasso of Undisputed. He talked about things such as how his priorities in life have changed, the AEW title belt being one of the heavyweight he’s ever held and more.
During the interview, Bryan recounted the similarities between his famous WrestleMania victory and his win at All In 2024 including things such as having a great opponent and the support of fans.
Another thing that’s unfortunately very similar for Bryan is his battle with health issues leading up to the big event. He remembered how in December 2013, only months before the Show of Shows the doctors had told him that a neck surgery was inevitable:
“I was able to get through WrestleMania. I’d been getting this horrible, shooting nerve pain down my right arm. But as long as I still had strength in my right arm, that meant I didn’t need surgery yet.
I Didn’t Have Strength To Turn The Key: Bryan Danielson
While Bryan Danielson was able to get through the big Mania match despite hiccups, the former WWE star’s symptoms worsened right after. He remembered the time he didn’t even have the strength in his arm to turn on his car:
“So I won the title, and the day before my first title defence, which was like a falls-count-anywhere match, I got into my car to make the drive. When I went to unlock my car door, I didn’t have the strength to turn the key and unlock the door. That was a bad sign.”
Bryan noted that his current health issues are very similar and that he’ll have to undergo surgery sooner or later, it’s just a question of when:
“So the neck issues are very similar. Sooner rather than later, I’ll need neck surgery. I’m not losing strength, so I don’t need it just yet.”
The current AEW star defeated Randy Orton and Batista in the main event of WrestleMania XXX to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. His reign however was cut short due to injuries. While Bryan continued wrestling for another year, he had to take time off frequently due to his condition and he eventually stopped wrestling altogether for 3 years.
Nigel McGuinness has challenged Bryan Danielson for a match at the upcoming AEW Grand Slam event from Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York on September 25, 2024. The match is currently not confirmed because Bryan’s health status is up in the air.
Bryan Danielson, also known as Daniel Bryan in WWE, is of course widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. Throughout his illustrious career spanning multiple promotions, Danielson has consistently delivered exceptional in-ring performances.
Here, we’ll explore some of the best Bryan Danielson matches across his tenures in Ring of Honor (ROH), WWE, and All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
Ring of Honor (ROH) Classics
Bryan Danielson vs. KENTA – ROH Glory By Honor V
Considered by many to be Danielson’s magnum opus, this match against KENTA (also known as Hideo Itami in WWE) at ROH Glory By Honor V is a masterclass in professional wrestling.
The bout featured a perfect blend of technical wizardry, high-flying moves, and hard-hitting strikes. As ROH World Champion, Danielson put on a clinic against the undefeated KENTA, showcasing his versatility and cementing his status as one of the best in the world.
Bryan Danielson vs. Nigel McGuinness – ROH Unified 2006
Another standout performance came against Nigel McGuinness at ROH Unified in 2006. This title unification match was a grueling, physical encounter that pushed both men to their limits.
The technical prowess on display, combined with the intense rivalry between the two, created an unforgettable spectacle that still holds up as one of Danielson’s finest outings.
WWE Milestones
Daniel Bryan vs. John Cena – SummerSlam 2013
Danielson’s WWE run, under the name Daniel Bryan, produced numerous memorable matches. His clash with John Cena at SummerSlam 2013 stands out as a career-defining moment.
The match saw Bryan near the height of his popularity, challenging for the WWE Championship. The in-ring chemistry between the two was palpable, resulting in a thrilling contest that culminated in Bryan’s first WWE Championship win.
Daniel Bryan vs. Triple H – WrestleMania 30
The opening match of WrestleMania 30 saw Bryan take on Triple H in a high-stakes bout that would see the winner go on to the main event of the night.
The intensity and storytelling in this match were off the charts, with both men delivering one of the best WrestleMania openers of all time. Bryan’s victory set the stage for his triumphant main event later that night, making this match a crucial part of his WWE legacy.
Daniel Bryan vs. Brock Lesnar – Survivor Series 2018
In what many consider one of the best WWE matches of the past decade, Bryan faced off against Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series 2018.
This David vs. Goliath encounter showcased Bryan’s resilience and technical prowess against Lesnar’s raw power and intensity. The match’s use of psychology and storytelling were exceptional, with Bryan’s performance elevating him even in defeat.
AEW Showstoppers
Bryan Danielson vs. Kenny Omega – AEW Grand Slam 2021
Danielson’s AEW debut match against Kenny Omega at Grand Slam 2021 lived up to the immense hype surrounding it.
The 30-minute time limit draw was a wrestling clinic, featuring two of the best in-ring performers of their generation. This match set the tone for Danielson’s AEW run and reminded fans of his world-class abilities.
Bryan Danielson vs. “Hangman” Adam Page – AEW Dynamite (January 5, 2022)
Following a time limit draw in their previous encounter, Danielson and Page delivered an instant classic on the January 5, 2022 episode of AEW Dynamite.
The match was a bloody, intense affair that showcased both men’s technical skills and storytelling abilities. This bout further solidified Danielson’s status as one of AEW’s top performers.
Bryan Danielson vs. Zack Sabre Jr. – AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2023
At the cross-promotional event Forbidden Door, Danielson faced off against British technical wizard Zack Sabre Jr. The match was a masterclass in mat-based wrestling, with both men showcasing their vast repertoire of holds and counters.
This encounter highlighted Danielson’s ability to adapt to different styles and deliver world-class performances against a variety of opponents.
Wheeler Yuta has said that Claudio Castagnoli’s attack on AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson reminds him of his aunt, who passed away due to COVID-19 complications before AEW All Out.
During the attack, Yuta was held back by PAC and the former had to helplessly watch them put a plastic bag around the World Champion’s head to suffocate him. Yuta stated that while watching Danielson getting attacked, he imagined how his aunt had to struggle to find breath in her final moments. He said:
“It was really rough day for me Saturday. Before the show, I found out that my aunt in Japan had passed away. She passed away from the complications due to COVID-19 and I just kinda know that in her last moments, she was struggling to find breath. That’s really all I could think about when I watch that happen to Bryan[Danielson].”
The former ROH Pure Champion said that ‘The American Dragon’ was doing the best he could. However, Yuta didn’t share details out of respect for Danielson and his family. He also opened up about Blackpool Combat Club members and said that he hasn’t spoken to them since the incident.
Bryan Danielson will face his longtime rival Nigel McGuinness at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam on September 25th at Arthur Ashe Stadium. While it was speculated that ‘The American Dragon’ would be unable to compete, it has been clarified that he will indeed compete at the show, facing his arch-rival.
The rivalry between Nigel McGuinness and Bryan Danielson is one of the most storied and intense feuds in professional wrestling history. Spanning nearly two decades, their conflict has evolved from in-ring battles to a war of words, captivating fans across multiple promotions. This article delves into the origins, key moments, and current state of this legendary feud.
Origins in Ring of Honor
Early Encounters
Nigel McGuinness and Bryan Danielson first crossed paths in Ring of Honor (ROH) during the mid-2000s. Their initial matches were characterized by technical prowess and a mutual respect for each other’s abilities. As both wrestlers rose through the ranks of ROH, their rivalry intensified, leading to several high-profile encounters.
Title Unification Matches
The feud reached new heights when McGuinness and Danielson held the ROH Pure Championship and ROH World Championship, respectively. Their attempts to unify these titles produced some of the most memorable matches in ROH history. The pure wrestling rules added an extra layer of strategy and intensity to their encounters, showcasing both men’s unreal technical skills.
Unified: The Pinnacle
The culmination of their ROH rivalry came at the aptly named “Unified” event. This match, fought under pure wrestling rules with additional stipulations, is widely regarded as one of the greatest matches in ROH history. The bout exemplified the chemistry between McGuinness and Danielson, solidifying their status as two of the best wrestlers in the world.
Diverging Paths
WWE Signing and Fallout
In 2009, both McGuinness and Danielson were set to sign with WWE. However, only Danielson passed the medical screening, mainly because he was able to conceal his long-running history of concussions, whereas Nigel’s injuries were more obviously apparent to WWE staff.
Career Trajectories
While Danielson went on to achieve great success in WWE as Daniel Bryan, McGuinness’s career took a different path. He continued wrestling on the independent circuit and even TNA before retiring in 2011 due to health issues. This stark contrast in their fortunes added a layer of real-life tension to their rivalry.
List of Notable Matches
Here’s a bullet point list of some of the most significant matches between Nigel McGuinness and Bryan Danielson:
Weekend of Champions Night 2 (April 29, 2006) – McGuinness won by countout
Generation Now (July 29, 2006) – Danielson won by pinfall
ROH Unified (August 12, 2006) – Danielson won by referee’s decision (Title Unification Match)
Driven (June 23, 2007) – 60-minute draw
6th Anniversary Show (February 23, 2008) – McGuinness won by pinfall
Rising Above (November 22, 2008) – McGuinness won by pinfall
AEW Revival
Commentary Rivalry
The feud found new life in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), where McGuinness of course serves as a commentator. He frequently takes verbal jabs at Danielson.
Rumors had been circulated about a potential in-ring confrontation between McGuinness and Danielson in AEW. While McGuinness had previously downplayed the possibility, stating that Danielson is “afraid” of him, fans continued to speculate about a dream match.
The match would finally be confirmed for AEW Grand Slam, with Danielson set to defend his AEW Championship against his bitter rival.
Wednesday, 9/25 New York, NY#AEWDynamite Grand Slam TBS, 8pm ET/7pm CT
2 weeks from tonight Wednesday 9/25, only if doctors clear Bryan to fight before showtime, then it will be Danielson vs McGuinness in 2024 in New York! pic.twitter.com/yDt6RDjrFV
