Bryan Danielson Reflects On AEW “Blessing”

Bryan Danielson’s long goodbye continues.

On August 25th, 2024, Bryan Danielson could wrestle for the last time. After repeatedly saying he would end his full-time career before the end of the year, Danielson has promised to retire if he can’t beat Swerve Strickland for the AEW World Championship at All In.

Danielson has been open about his injury problems in recent weeks, admitting he’ll need neck surgery sooner rather than later.

During a new interview with Uproxx Sports, Danielson reflected on life in AEW, describing the last three years as a blessing.

“When I think of this time, this has been the most fun I’ve ever had in my career. For the first time in my life and in my wrestling career, it didn’t feel like I was sacrificing family to do this thing that I loved.

I love wrestling and I loved being in WWE. I make no bones about that. I loved being in WWE, but it wasn’t my favorite style of wrestling. In AEW, I’m able to wrestle the style that I want to wrestle.

And then on top of that, you have a lot of creative freedom there. And I also get to come home and spend a lot of time with my family. It’s really what I think of these last three years. I think of them as just this huge, huge blessing as far as this cherry on top of of a career that I’m not quite sure I deserved anyways.”

Bryan Danielson Working Without AEW Contract

In an interview in July, Bryan Danielson revealed his contract expired on August 1st, only adding to the speculation about what might come next. While some might have expected the star to sign a new deal to see him into retirement and a backstage role, it seems that hasn’t been the case.

In an interview with Fightful, Danielson confirmed he isn’t tied to any kind of AEW contract.