Bryan Danielson has revealed that Vince McMahon made a final attempt to keep him in WWE, contacting him with a new offer just days before his debut for AEW at All Out in 2021. Danielson ultimately declined the offer, choosing to honor the verbal agreement he had already made with the rival promotion.
The situation unfolded because Danielson had not yet officially signed his AEW contract. In an interview with Nick Stav, Danielson confirmed, “I hadn’t actually signed my contract until two or three days before that.” This opening allowed WWE to make one last approach after learning his deal wasn’t finalized. “When WWE found out I hadn’t signed yet, they said, ‘Is there anything we can do?’”
Danielson detailed the conversations, noting he had already informed McMahon of his decision in early August 2021. However, McMahon called again about five days before All Out. Danielson recounted his response to the new offer: “Sir, I already agreed to this thing. 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, the conversation ended amicably, with McMahon replying, “Damnit, you’re right.” (h/t Fightful)
Danielson’s decision to join AEW has led to a career path that now sees him transitioning into a permanent non-wrestling role. AEW President Tony Khan recently announced that Danielson will join the AEW Dynamite commentary team on a full-time basis.
This move follows a period where Danielson has been sidelined with serious neck injuries, having not wrestled a full-time schedule for nearly a year. His match at WrestleDream in October 2024, a challenge for the AEW World Championship, was presented as his last as a full-time performer.
Despite a brief physical interaction at AEW All In this past July, Danielson clarified he was not making a full-time return and admitted to performing moves without medical clearance, a decision he said his doctor thought made him “an idiot.“