Bryan Danielson Finally Reveals Why He Left WWE For AEW
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Bryan Danielson's decision to leave WWE for AEW in 2021 sent shockwaves through the wrestling world. In recent interviews, the "American Dragon" has provided insight into the emotional catalyst for that move, the highs of his AEW run, and the physical toll that ultimately led to the end of his full-time career.
Danielson revealed to TalkSport that AEW's handling of the tribute show for his late friend Jon Huber (Brodie Lee/Luke Harper) profoundly influenced his choice while he was still under WWE contract.
"We had a wrestler, Brodie Lee, who had passed away. AEW did this incredible tribute show. At that point, I was still with WWE," Danielson explained. "And the way AEW did that show. Brodie was my friend... it touched something in me and in my mind."
This heartfelt presentation shifted his perspective on the upstart promotion. He recalled thinking: "I was thinking like, 'Oh, these are the good guys of professional wrestling'."
Joining AEW later that year, Danielson embarked on a run filled with acclaimed matches and character work, eventually forming the Blackpool Combat Club. His AEW career perhaps peaked at the historic All In event at Wembley Stadium in London during August 2024.
NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 03: Daniel Bryan (L) and Brie Bella attend WWE's 2014 SuperStars For Kids at the New Orleans Museum of Art on April 3, 2014 in New Orleans
NEW ORLEANS, LA - APRIL 03: Daniel Bryan (L) and Brie Bella attend WWE's 2014 SuperStars For Kids at the New Orleans Museum of Art on April 3, 2014 in New Orleans
There, Danielson defeated Swerve Strickland to capture the AEW World Championship, a moment he later described as his favorite career highlight, largely due to celebrating in the ring with his wife and children afterward. However, Danielson's time in AEW was also marked by significant injuries.
He suffered a broken forearm in a match against Kazuchika Okada in 2023 and later a broken orbital bone. Throughout 2024, increasingly severe neck issues plagued his final months as a full-time competitor, notably aggravated after his match with Will Ospreay in April 2024.
More news: WWE News: Steve Austin Reveals Real-Life Vince McMahon Confrontation
These cumulative injuries, particularly the neck condition he now describes as "wrecked," led Danielson to designate his AEW World Championship defense against Jon Moxley at WrestleDream in October 2024 as his final match as a full-time performer. He lost the title to Moxley in that bout and has been inactive in the ring since.
As of April 2025, Danielson remains focused on rehabilitation, reportedly exploring stem cell treatments as he actively tries to avoid potentially career-ending neck surgery.
While not completely ruling out sporadic future appearances under specific circumstances, he has stated he currently has no desire to wrestle and is "at peace" with stepping back to prioritize his long-term health and family. He continues his affiliation with AEW, reportedly in a backstage advisory or creative role.
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