Bryan Danielson recently identified the wrestlers he considers his favorite opponents, naming key figures from both his WWE and AEW runs during an interview with Nick Stav.
From his time in WWE, Danielson singled out two multi-time world champions. “The two guys that I like that I really love… Randy Orton is one of my favorite. I mean, he’s just incredible,” Danielson stated. “From a wrestler’s perspective, he’s just incredible. Then AJ Styles.”
When discussing his current run in AEW, Danielson listed Hangman Page, Jon Moxley, Claudio Castagnoli, and Nigel McGuinness. He noted that his history with Castagnoli dates back to their time wrestling in Ring of Honor and other promotions. Danielson gave special credit to McGuinness for his career development, stating, “as far as my career in its entirety, like he was so much of how I became the wrestler I became today.”
This commitment to honoring his history and relationships has been a defining trait of his character. Recalling the circumstances of his move to AEW, Danielson explained how he turned down a last-minute offer from Vince McMahon to remain in WWE. The offer came just days before his debut at All Out in 2021, as he had not yet signed a contract. Danielson turned it down based on a verbal agreement he had already made with AEW.
“Sir, I already agreed to this thing,” Danielson recounted telling McMahon. “If I were to go back on this, I feel you have a decent amount of respect for me. One of the things you respect me for is that I honor my word.“ According to Danielson, McMahon accepted his reasoning.