Bryan Danielson Credited As The “Heart And Soul” Of AEW

Matt Hardy was full of praise for Bryan Danielson.

Although Bryan Danielson has repeatedly said his full-time wrestling career will end in 2024, he could wrestle his last match at All In. In the leadup to his match with World Champion Swerve Strickland, Danielson has pledged to retire if he fails to win.

The stipulation has split AEW fans with some taking it as a sign Danielson is winning, while others think this might just be the end of the road. Claims that he’s set for neck surgery, have also cast doubt on the outcome.

During a recent episode of his Extreme Life of Matt Hardy podcast, Hardy heaped praise on Danielson and said he deserves to win the World Championship. However, he doesn’t see it happening just yet.

“Swerve had a hell of a run,” Hardy said. “Swerve had a really nice run as champion, but it is time for the American Dragon. It is time for Brian Danielson to win the AEW world title. It’s really fitting.

I mean, I think if you would ask Tony Khan who is his true right hand man, who does he believe in and trust in more than anyone else, who would he take advice from? It would be Brian Danielson. He has really been like a heart and soul when it comes to AEW.

I think he is someone deserving of an AEW world title run and I think that happens because I think he is looking very much forward to stepping away, but it is not at All In. It’s not time yet. It’s going to be a little bit later, and I think we’re going to get a significant and really nice run out of Bryan here as he really winds down his career, especially on this last portion of the career.

It feels in some way very similar to John Cena saying, ‘I’m retiring.’ I think John Cena is going to have a great run and eventually retires. I think Bryan Danielson is going to have an amazing year, especially if he can stay healthy.”

Bryan Danielson Admits Neck Is “Trashed”

One of the biggest storylines heading into All In has been Danielson’s battered body, and in particular, his injured neck. During an interview looking ahead to the match with Strickland, Bryan Danielson claimed his neck is “trashed” but he continues to feel invincible.

During the conversation, the veteran reiterated that he expects to undergo surgery before the end of 2024.

Danielson hasn’t held World Championship gold since 2019 while he was with WWE.

H/t to WrestlingNews.Co