Bryan Danielson revealed that he never wanted to appear on the reality TV show Total Divas but chose to do so to support his wife, Brie Bella. The show, which aired from 2013 to 2019 on E!, followed the personal and professional lives of female WWE wrestlers, known as Divas, highlighting their careers and behind-the-scenes moments. Danielson’s participation was driven by his desire to help elevate women’s wrestling through the platform the show provided.
Total Divas helped shine a brighter light on female wrestlers by showcasing their struggles, training, and relationships beyond the ring. This exposure created new opportunities for women in WWE, something Danielson was aware of and respected, even though the experience conflicted with his personal values.
Bryan Danielson’s Struggle With Fame and Privacy on the Reality Series
During a discussion on the Ned and Josh Podcast, Danielson expressed how challenging it was for him to be part of a reality show because he does not crave fame or want constant public attention. He is a private person who values solitude, which made the reality television format difficult to endure. Despite these feelings, he recognized the importance of the show for his wife’s career and for women’s wrestling as a whole.
“Yeah, I mean, it was never something that I ever desired. I took part in it to help my wife. It was good. It was good for her. Absolutely. To be supportive of her. Because listen, at the time, for women’s wrestling, they weren’t the focus, right? And one of the things that I, it was really hard for me doing it. I didn’t enjoy doing it, but one of the things that I really appreciate is how much it helped my wife and specifically, like, women’s wrestling, you know, in the sense of, like, my wife, you know, you’ve got lots of women’s wrestlers today who are getting big opportunities who got into wrestling because of Total Divas [or] Total Bellas or whatever that is. And so I think that’s super cool, and it’s a super cool part of my wife’s, you know, if you talk about, if there is, is there even a real thing such as legacy, you know? If there is, this is, you know, one of the… It’s like, but it was something that was really hard for me, because, yeah, it would be, I don’t, I don’t desire fame, right, and I don’t, and I don’t desire wanting to be recognized. I like my privacy. Like, so it’s, I’m actually in the middle of reading a book called Solitude. And this guy spends a year alone in the Patagonian wilderness, right? And it’s like the insight and, like, that is what my desire is. Unfortunately, when I graduated [from] high school, I had no idea what I wanted to do besides being a professional wrestler. So, I ended up in this entertainment industry, not even thinking I was going to be successful at it, but here I am. And then now it’s like, oh, getting privacy is really hard now. And that’s the one thing that I desire most. So, that’s why it was hard for me with the, with the, with the, um, the reality [show]. I don’t want all of my life to be for other people’s entertainment.”
—Bryan Danielson, Professional Wrestler
Danielson further described reading a book about solitude set in the remote Patagonian wilderness, underscoring his longing for privacy and space away from the public gaze. His entrance into professional wrestling was unplanned, and he never anticipated the high visibility that came with it. The reality series amplified that visibility, which conflicted with his nature.
Total Divas’ Role in Advancing Women’s Wrestling
The show played a crucial role in raising the profile of women in wrestling at a time when they were not the center of attention. Danielson recognized that many contemporary female wrestlers were inspired or gained opportunities because of Total Divas and its spin-offs. His support for his wife Brie Bella meant he willingly endured discomfort, knowing the show’s impact on the industry and the legacy it could help create for women wrestlers.
By documenting the lives of WWE Divas, Total Divas helped shift public perceptions and opened doors for female talent inside WWE, paving the way for stars who followed. This historical significance was something Danielson valued, even as he admitted the personal cost of spotlight-related loss of privacy.
Additional Developments in the Wrestling World
Separately, Triple H recently spoke about WWE’s ongoing association with Saudi Arabia, indicating the company’s continued international expansion efforts. This relationship remains a key part of WWE’s global strategy.
Looking ahead, WWE is planning an ambitious event titled Wrestlepalooza scheduled for September 20, which signals a major push to generate excitement and viewership.
John Cena is set to retire in December 2025, and his final match opponent has yet to be revealed, sparking speculation across wrestling fans and insiders.
In notable cross-promotion news, a former WWE tag team champion has made a debut in one of Tony Khan’s wrestling promotions, illustrating the fluidity and competition between wrestling organizations.
On the creative side, Bryan Danielson once proposed a storyline involving Roman Reigns during his time working behind the scenes at WWE. Though the angle was never realized, it reflects Danielson’s engagement with WWE’s storytelling efforts.
Meanwhile, a troubling incident occurred when two AEW stars were involved in an altercation with fans, leading to an attack on the camera crew; this raises concerns about security and professionalism in wrestling events.
Additionally, former UFC Champion Shayna Baszler recently intervened to assist a WWE star during a real bar fight, demonstrating the crossover of fighting sports personalities.
The latest AEW Dynamite episode featured a high-profile match between Hangman Adam Page and Josh Alexander, along with a significant 10-man tag team main event, continuing the intense competition and entertainment wrestling fans expect.
The Lasting Impact of Bryan Danielson’s Reality TV Experience
Bryan Danielson’s involvement in Total Divas, though personally uncomfortable, highlights the complexities wrestlers face when navigating public exposure and personal boundaries. His story offers insight into the sacrifices made behind the scenes to support loved ones and help elevate an industry.
The show’s contribution to the visibility and growth of women’s wrestling remains undeniable, while Danielson’s reflections reveal the tension between fame and privacy in the wrestling world. As WWE and its roster continue to evolve, the legacy of Total Divas and its influence will likely endure in how female talent is promoted and perceived.
