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4-Time WWE Champion Officially Removed From Active AEW Roster

By Monika Thapa • Published May 27, 2026 10:30 EDT
WWE AEW
WWE and AEW have shared quite a few stars between them. (Image via-X/@WWE, @AEW)

4-time WWE Champion Bryan Danielson (fka Daniel Bryan) has been officially removed from AEW’s roster.

Danielson retired from full-time competition in October 2024 after losing the AEW World Championship to Jon Moxley at WrestleDream at the Tacoma Dome. He made the decision due to severe, accumulating neck injuries and a desire to prioritize his family.

The American Dragon has stepped inside the ring only once since then, in a dark match against Max Caster that lasted just eight seconds. Bryan Danielson has remained with All Elite Wrestling even after retiring from full-time wrestling.

Danielson officially joined Taz, Excalibur, and Tony Schiavone on the commentary team as a full-time color commentator for Dynamite and pay-per-views on September 10, 2025.

Although he has been retired from full-time competition for over a year, he was only recently removed from AEW’s active roster and shifted to the broadcast team.

AEW President Tony Khan Makes Sure Bryan Danielson’s Commentary Duties Don’t Affect His Physical Health

During the Double or Nothing media call, AEW head honcho Tony Khan explained Bryan Danielson’s status with AEW. He explained that he rotates the commentary teams regularly to avoid putting too much strain on Danielson.

Years of taking bumps inside the ring have taken a toll on Bryan’s body, and he cannot travel or sit on long flights. Therefore, Tony Khan checks the location of Dynamite/PPVs, and if it is near where Danielson lives, then he is featured heavily.

If it is somewhere far from Danielson’s house, then other commentators like Excalibur and Tony Schiavone take the load. This is how Tony Khan makes travel easier for Bryan Danielson.

It was also revealed that Tony Khan does the same for WWE legend Taz, who also cannot sit on long flights for similar reasons as Danielson.

Also Read: Bryan Danielson Makes Major AEW Retirement Confession

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