Bryan Danielson recently shed light on his current position behind the scenes at All Elite Wrestling (AEW), revealing that his involvement is officially as a consultant but very limited. During a discussion at Starrcast 2025, Danielson stated that he has not been deeply involved in AEW’s creative process for some time, highlighting a significant reduction in his backstage role at the Jacksonville-based promotion.
“Yeah. I am officially a consultant. But I mean I don’t – I honestly don’t do much consulting. I haven’t had much of anything to do with creative in AEW for a while,” said Danielson —Bryan Danielson
This admission followed his surprise masked return at All In 2025, where he interfered in the Texas Death Match between Jon Moxley and Hangman Page by targeting The Death Riders and attacking Wheeler Yuta and Gabe Kidd. His return was viewed as retaliation for the harsh attack he suffered at WrestleDream 2024, when Danielson lost the AEW World Championship.
Recent Backstage Fight Raises Tensions Among Former WWE Stars
Tensions escalated backstage on AEW Collision during a confrontation involving former WWE talents Big Bill and Juice Robinson. The altercation took place after a high-stakes $200,000 four-way tag team match, which ended with Ricochet’s interference costing Austin Gunn and The Bang Bang Gang the victory. While Robinson was delivering a heated promo about Ricochet, Big Bill abruptly confronted him, sparking a physical fight that required AEW referees’ intervention.
This intense encounter indicates the potential for a new and significant rivalry between these former WWE Superstars within AEW storylines.
Billy Gunn’s Return Signals Possible New Developments on AEW Collision
AEW welcomed back veteran Billy Gunn this week during Collision, marking his first television appearance in months. Gunn, known for his time as a WWE Intercontinental and multi-time Tag Team Champion, was seen in a backstage interview with Anthony Bowens. The conversation quickly grew tense after Bowens expressed frustration over his recent loss in the Men’s Casino Gauntlet Match at All In: Texas.
Despite the heated exchange, Gunn urged Bowens to trust him and work together, suggesting a future direction that could either bring reconciliation or deepen conflict in their storyline. Gunn’s return to AEW, where he initially signed in 2019, might signify a turning point for Bowens’ character within the promotion.
Injury Concerns Affect Key AEW Star Gabe Kidd and The Death Riders
Another setback has hit The Death Riders faction, with notable member Gabe Kidd announcing he is sidelined due to a hyperextended knee. Kidd, IWGP Global Heavyweight Champion and a frequent partner of Jon Moxley within AEW, revealed his injury while on crutches, confirming he would be medically unfit to fight in a scheduled match against Zack Sabre Jr. in the NJPW G1 Climax tournament.
Kidd’s in-ring absence impacts The Death Riders’ momentum, already stalled after failing to help Moxley retain the AEW World Championship against Hangman Page. Throughout the year, Kidd has played a significant role in major AEW events, including Dynamite: Beach Break and All In: Texas, cementing his importance to the promotion’s ongoing storylines.
AEW’s Backstage Drama and Its Influence on Upcoming Storylines
The recent back-and-forth involving Bryan Danielson’s backstage consultant role, the heated fight between former WWE stars, and Billy Gunn’s reappearance illustrate the complex dynamics within AEW right now. Injuries like Kidd’s and backstage conflicts contribute to a tense environment that could shape the company’s creative direction in the near future.
As Bryan Danielson steps back from active creative duties, the evolving rivalries and returns of veterans such as Billy Gunn propose new avenues for AEW’s storytelling. Fans and insiders will be watching closely to see how these elements influence upcoming events and the trajectory of major figures like Jon Moxley and Hangman Page within the promotion.
