Bryan Danielson discusses AEW Seattle return and family wrestling memories during his recent interview with Seattle’s KOMO, previewing AEW’s shows in the city later this month. The wrestling star, who grew up in Aberdeen, WA, reflected on his background, the evolution of All Elite Wrestling, and the unique connections he now shares with his own children through wrestling.
Returning Home for AEW’s Big Seattle Events
Danielson, a veteran in wrestling circles and originally from Washington state, spoke with pride about his deep local roots. Both of his parents spent their formative years in Washington, further strengthening his bond with the area. Despite achieving success performing around the globe, Danielson pointed to his early beginnings, which were surprisingly independent of his family. In first grade, inspired by a classmate who introduced him to a wrestling magazine, Danielson found himself drawn to the spectacle and charisma of professional wrestlers—figures he saw as larger than life, resembling superheroes in the ring.
He highlighted AEW’s upcoming events in Seattle on June 21 and June 25, sharing his enthusiasm for the high-octane atmosphere that only a live wrestling show provides. Danielson called AEW
“the home of the world’s best wrestlers”
and assured fans of relentless action from start to finish. He credited several performers by name, including Swerve Strickland—who had just delivered a 30-minute main event with Will Ospreay at the AEW Summer Blockbuster—along with the likes of Kenny Omega and AEW World Champion Jon Moxley. Mentioning Defy Wrestling, a standout local promotion, Danielson showed appreciation for the thriving independent wrestling scene throughout Seattle and the state.
AEW’s Evolving Approach and Personal Fan Experiences
Asked about AEW’s place in the world of pro wrestling, Danielson described the company as a leader in action-based entertainment. He suggested that fans returning to wrestling after decades away would be surprised by the evolution and pace on display in AEW today. For Danielson, watching the next generation emerging ringside—especially with up-and-coming stars making their mark—has been one of the most rewarding aspects of his recent years in the business.
Family, Legacy, and Laugh-Out-Loud Moments
Reflecting on how family experiences have shaped his journey, Danielson recounted a cherished story from childhood. Attending a WWE show with his family, they watched Rick Rude take on The Ultimate Warrior. One particular moment became a running joke—his late father would always retell the story of The Ultimate Warrior pulling down Rick Rude’s trunks, a spectacle that left a mark on the whole family, and an encounter his sister remembers as the first time she saw a man’s bare backside. Danielson’s accessible humor and emotional complexity shone through as he described these lasting family memories.
Now, Danielson carries on this tradition with his own children, bringing them along to AEW events when possible. His daughter Birdie recently shared just how much these moments mean to her, telling Danielson it was
“the best day of her life.”
—Birdie, Danielson’s daughter
His young son’s interest in becoming a wrestler is already apparent, although Danielson joked about the hazards of wrestling at home, cautioning against roughhousing due to his own history of neck injuries. While Birdie has made it clear that she has no interest in following in her father’s footsteps, Danielson seems amused by the differences between his children and grateful for the experiences they share ringside.
The Broader Impact of Bryan Danielson’s Homecoming
Danielson’s excitement over AEW’s Seattle shows resonates beyond his own family. By name-checking local promotions such as Defy Wrestling and current AEW standouts like Will Ospreay, Swerve Strickland, Kenny Omega, and Jon Moxley, he underlined the city’s rising profile as a wrestling hotspot. Danielson’s perspective as both a performer and a parent bridges generations, demonstrating how iconic memories and new experiences coexist for fans young and old.
As All Elite Wrestling prepares for its summer showcase in Seattle, Danielson’s return boosts community spirit and spotlights the legacy—and future—of professional wrestling in the Pacific Northwest. With anticipation building for the upcoming shows, Seattle is poised to welcome back one of its hometown heroes, celebrating both personal milestones and the growth of wrestling as an evolving spectacle.
