A definitive statement has been made by former AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson regarding his in-ring future, clarifying that any potential return would not be at the same high-impact level seen in his recent matches. In a new interview, the current AEW Dynamite commentator explained that significant physical limitations and a shift in personal priorities are the primary factors governing his career decisions.
Danielson established that being a father is now his top priority. He specified that any future actions must be considered through the lens of staying healthy enough to play with his children and coach his son’s tee-ball team. “Anything that I would do moving forward has to be with that in mind, because that is now my number one priority,” Danielson said. “Stay healthy, be at home and play with my kids…”
He candidly addressed the physical toll of his career, noting his body can no longer perform certain actions. Danielson used his match against Swerve Strickland at AEW WrestleDream 2024, where he lost the world title and subsequently announced his retirement, as a benchmark he cannot physically meet again. “It’s interesting, because you never say never – but there’s not an appeal to me to go out there and do that type of match that I did with Swerve Strickland,” he stated. “My body physically can’t do some of those things anymore.”
The decorated veteran also revealed he had previously considered ending his career at Wembley Stadium during All In 2024. He explained the thought was to celebrate the end of his journey with his family in the ring, regardless of the match’s outcome. “If I win, great, I celebrate the title win with my family. If I lose, celebrate this incredible journey that I have been on, with my family, in the middle of the ring,” Danielson reflected.
Danielson is now a member of the AEW Dynamite commentary team. A September 12, 2025, report from Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio noted that Danielson’s move was influenced by a neck injury for which he has opted against surgery. The report also added that Danielson is hesitant to perform at AEW’s high-impact level if he cannot maintain that specific standard.