Bryan Danielson turned heads during the AEW All Out: Toronto Zero Hour pre-show, offering high praise for current WWE star and multi-time world champion Randy Orton.
While on commentary, the American Dragon complimented The Viper’s ability to remain at the top of his game, even comparing the veteran’s accomplishments to those of rising AEW star Kyle Fletcher. Danielson specifically pointed to Orton’s famous run as WWE’s youngest World Heavyweight Champion as a benchmark for excellence.
Danielson’s shout-out is notable on its own, but it becomes even more intriguing given that his name was also invoked by a longtime rival in WWE the very same day. During an appearance on ESPN’s Road to WrestlePalooza show, The Miz reignited his storied animosity with Danielson.
Without using his name, Miz took a clear shot at the AEW star by referencing their fundamental differences in wrestling philosophy. He recalled past criticisms of his “safe way of wrestling,” noting that the person who made those comments “is no longer here anymore,” a pointed jab at the injury history that led to Danielson’s WWE retirement.
The conflict, of course, stems from their legendary 2016 confrontation on Talking Smack. During that broadcast, Danielson, then SmackDown’s General Manager, called Miz’s in-ring style “soft” and “cowardly.” The remark triggered a fiery, career-defining promo from Miz that has kept their rivalry simmering for nearly a decade.
While Danielson’s praise for Orton and Miz’s jab come from very different places—one of respect, the other of deeply rooted friction—both moments show that the biggest names in the business are always paying attention to one another, regardless of company lines.