Bryan Danielson has transitioned into a new chapter with All Elite Wrestling following his retirement from full-time competition at AEW WrestleDream in October 2024, where he relinquished the AEW World Championship to Jon Moxley. Now, Danielson’s ongoing involvement with AEW extends beyond in-ring action through a backstage capacity.
Danielson Shares Details About His Consulting Position in AEW
At Starrcast Texas 2025, Bryan Danielson, known in the ring as The American Dragon, disclosed that he has accepted a backstage consulting role within AEW. He clarified, however, that this position is largely symbolic and does not require regular creative input or frequent duties. Despite stepping back from weekly creative meetings, Danielson remains closely engaged with AEW’s programming and offers support from behind the scenes.
He explained his perspective on AEW’s product, saying he stays updated by watching both AEW shows each week from home and commended the efforts of the wrestlers and creative teams for consistently delivering excellent content. His role allows him to maintain a presence backstage when needed, even if he is not actively shaping storylines or match outcomes.
“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. But I think the AEW shows for the last several months have just been incredible. You know, I watch the product every week at home—both shows—and I just think that the people that are…the wrestlers, the people involved in the creative, everybody’s doing just such a great job,” Bryan Danielson stated. —Bryan Danielson, AEW Wrestler and Consultant
Maintaining Influence Despite Retiring from Full-Time Wrestling
Although Danielson has stepped away from regular wrestling competition, his connection to AEW remains strong. He made a notable live appearance at AEW All In Texas, where he played a pivotal role in Hangman Adam Page’s victory over Jon Moxley to capture the AEW World Championship. This intervention highlighted that while Danielson’s in-ring career may be on pause, his impact on AEW’s direction and storytelling endures.
Bryan Danielson AEW backstage role represents an important continuity for the promotion, as one of its most respected and veteran figures channels his passion into mentoring and contributing in ways beyond physical performance. His ongoing involvement could influence AEW’s future creative development and backstage culture, providing guidance shaped by extensive experience.
Looking ahead, fans and industry observers will watch whether Danielson’s backstage presence expands or evolves as AEW continues to grow. His blend of wisdom, respect within the locker room, and understanding of wrestling’s business may prove vital to AEW’s next phase of success.
