Following Bryan Danielson’s loss of the AEW World Title at WrestleDream 2024, there has been widespread speculation about whether the American Dragon will wrestle again. While many hoped his return at All In: Texas, where he targeted the Death Riders, signaled a comeback, Danielson has since shifted to a commentator role on AEW Dynamite. Nigel McGuinness, an influential AEW figure, recently addressed the topic, suggesting that Danielson is unlikely to lace up his boots once more.
McGuinness, speaking on The Magic of Wrestling, implied that jealousy might be the sole motivator for Danielson’s return, adding that Danielson’s wife, Brie Bella, likely influences his decision to remain retired from in-ring competition. McGuinness expressed doubt about seeing Danielson back as a full-time wrestler anytime soon.
“I think the only reason he might do that is because he sees me do it, and once again, jealousy becomes a factor and he realises ‘I was never as good a wrestler as Nigel when I was full-time, now I could come back…’ so I don’t think so. I think he’s enjoying his life with his kids. He has probably made some sort of promise to his missus in that regard, that would be my guess. He doesn’t want to get on the wrong side of her as well, she clearly wears the pants in the relationship. I don’t see it happening. I think he’s trying to really transition and steal one more thing from me when it comes to commentary, so I don’t see it happening.” Nigel McGuinness, AEW personality
Nigel McGuinness Reflects on His Own Wrestling Role and Bryan Danielson’s Prospects
Nigel McGuinness himself returned to the ring at last year’s All In event and has competed occasionally since. Nevertheless, he spends the majority of his time behind the commentary desk. During the interview, McGuinness said that maintaining a full-time wrestling schedule no longer appeals to him. He prefers to wrestle only when a storyline demands it and respects the presence of younger talents who deserve the spotlight.
“I don’t think there’s any benefit to me wrestling a full-time schedule. With the part-time schedule that I’m currently on, if an opportunity presents itself and it makes sense from a storyline perspective, then I’ll do it…I love doing it, but not full-time. There’s too many guys on the roster anyway, younger guys who deserve more of those spots than me,” Nigel McGuinness, AEW star
This perspective contrasts with the uncertainty surrounding Bryan Danielson’s AEW career but reflects a broader understanding of the wrestling landscape and its evolving talent pool.
The Shift from Wrestling to Commentary and Family Life
Since losing the AEW World Title, Danielson’s focus appears firmly on his family and his new role as a commentator. The transition from in-ring competition to commentary illustrates a significant shift in his career trajectory. Fans who anticipated a dramatic return to wrestling after his appearance at All In now face a more complex reality influenced by personal priorities, including his relationship with Brie Bella and commitments to his children.
McGuinness’s observations highlight that Danielson values this new balance, likely honoring promises made at home while embracing opportunities outside the squared circle. This evolving role within AEW not only preserves Danielson’s presence but also adds depth to the broadcast team.
How Bryan Danielson’s Decision Shapes AEW’s Future
Danielson’s apparent retirement from full-time wrestling leaves AEW with the task of spotlighting emerging wrestlers to fill the void left by a major star. His move toward commentary allows him to contribute to AEW’s storylines and narratives differently, offering insights gained from his extensive in-ring experience. Meanwhile, wrestlers like Nigel McGuinness, who also balance between occasional matches and commentary, exemplify this blend of roles that could become more common in AEW’s future.
Whether Bryan Danielson will ever return to active competition remains uncertain, but current indicators and insider comments suggest his AEW career as an active wrestler is likely behind him. His evolving role and focus on family life reveal a shifting dynamic, one that could influence how other established stars choose their paths going forward.
Nigel McGuinness states that he will not wrestle full-time again:
"I don't think there's any benefit to me wrestling a full-time schedule. With the part-time schedule that I'm currently on, if an opportunity presents itself and it makes sense from a storyline perspective, then… pic.twitter.com/bGy7fyaDNU
— WrestlePurists (@WrestlePurists) October 2, 2025
