At All In: Texas 2025, Bryan Danielson made a surprising comeback in AEW by assisting ‘Hangman’ Adam Page in his victory over Jon Moxley and defending against The Death Riders. Although medically cleared for certain moves, Danielson confessed that he pushed beyond those limits during the match, risking his health and breaking the AEW injury protocol.
Danielson shared the details during an episode of The Nikki & Brie Show, explaining that while some maneuvers were approved, others were not, and AEW’s doctor, Michael Sampson, jokingly called him an “idiot” for taking those risks.
“Some of [the moves], I had clearance. Some of them, I did not, but I was feeling it. To be fair, he wasn’t upset. He did think I was an idiot,”
Danielson admitted, highlighting the tension between his determination to perform and the safety guidelines in place.
AEW’s Injury Protocol and the Pressure to Perform in High-Stakes Matches
AEW enforces strict injury protocols to protect its wrestlers, especially during intense events like All In: Texas. Despite these regulations, Danielson’s willingness to exceed the medical clearance underscores the pressure athletes face to deliver memorable performances. His decision reveals the difficult balance between personal drive and organizational safety measures in professional wrestling.
This incident has triggered concern among fans and industry insiders familiar with the physical toll of wrestling. Danielson’s experience reflects the ongoing challenge wrestlers endure when returning from injury while trying to maintain their status and impact in AEW.
Other Notable Moments and Reactions from All In: Texas 2025
In addition to Danielson’s return, Dustin Rhodes captured the AEW TNT Title in a surprising win during the event, which was eagerly discussed on AEW broadcaster Tony Schiavone’s podcast What Happened When. Schiavone praised Tony Khan’s quick thinking in organizing the match lineup when Adam Cole became unable to compete last-minute. He called it
“one of the grandest things he’s ever done”
and celebrated Dustin’s emotional victory as a highlight of the night.
“The story of the night was still Dustin. And I say that because — you know, Tony Khan has come up with a lot of great things. And I say that honestly not just to try to kiss the boss’s a*s, but he’s come up with a lot of great thing. The Casino Gauntlet, the Timeless Toni Storm character. Everything you see on TV — I mean, he will listen to guys and listen to his staff, but he makes the final decision. He came up with that on the spur of the moment,”
Schiavone remarked.
He also noted the unpredictable nature of the four-way match, emphasizing how Dustin’s win in Texas Stadium caught many by surprise.
“And I told him, I said, ‘That was brilliant. That was absolutely brilliant.’ Because when the four-way was put together, everybody thought that Kyle Fletcher was going to win, I think. And to have Dustin win it in Texas Stadium — unexpectedly — was just… there was legitimate tears. Dustin just broke down,”
Schiavone added.
Reflecting on Rhodes’ condition before the matches, Schiavone observed,
“Even before he found out he was wrestling twice, I saw him backstage and he was kind of moving slowly. I said, ‘Are you doing alright?’ And he said, ‘Yeah, I’m sore.’ I said, ‘Yeah.’ I mean, even young men are sore after wrestling, right? And so I really get it.”
Regarding the sudden change with Adam Cole’s inability to perform, Schiavone highlighted the quick response from Tony Khan:
“But we didn’t know that Adam Cole could not perform until the night before. Probably the morning of. So for Tony to come up with that idea, I think, was his one of the grandest things he’s ever done. And I told him that, it was brilliant. It was the right move to make for the right moment. And I know Dustin was very emotional about it.”
Wrestler Kris Statlander Announces Relationship with Gino Medina
Separately, AEW star Kris Statlander has announced her new relationship with fellow wrestler Gino Medina via Instagram. Medina, recognized for his performances in Major League Wrestling and Booker T’s Reality of Wrestling, brings his own reputation as a skilled competitor. Statlander, a former AEW TBS Champion and a key roster member, had previously been linked to Caleb Konley, though details about their separation remain private.
Implications of Danielson’s Choice and Future AEW Injury Concerns
Bryan Danielson’s decision to ignore some medical limitations during a high-profile AEW event raises urgent questions about wrestler safety and the pressures within the wrestling industry. His candid admission exposes the tension between personal ambition and health protocols designed to protect athletes, sparking reactions from fans worried about possible consequences.
Going forward, this situation could lead AEW to review injury management strategies and reinforce the importance of strict adherence to medical advice, especially for wrestlers making comebacks. Danielson’s actions may serve as a cautionary example highlighting the dangers of risking long-term damage for short-term glory within professional wrestling.
