Injuries have long been a part of professional wrestling, including in WWE, but there has been a notable increase in how often wrestlers get hurt in recent years. Vince Russo, a veteran of the wrestling world, links this trend to the changing physiques of wrestlers like Bryan Danielson. Unlike past wrestlers who mostly had muscular builds, Danielson and others such as Adam Cole have slimmer frames, which may contribute to their vulnerability in the ring.
Russo highlighted the risk factors associated with these smaller body types on his podcast Writing with Russo, especially in relation to Danielson’s repeated injuries. He explained how the size of these wrestlers affects their control during matches and adds to the wear-and-tear that could lead to an early exit from wrestling careers.
“Absolutely. And again bro we are talking about, I hate to say it and I am always the bad guy… I don’t care. Look at the size of these guys. Look at the size of Bryan Danielson and how many times he has gotten hurt. Look at the size of these guys, that plays into it. The size and the being off your feet, and the more moves where you don’t have control of your body and people are throwing you around. Bro all that, all that adds up to early retirement.” —Vince Russo
Adam Cole’s Physical Condition Raises Alarm Among Wrestling Veterans
Jim Cornette, another experienced figure in pro wrestling, expressed worry over Adam Cole’s physical state. On his Drive-Thru podcast, he noted that since returning to in-ring action, Cole’s appearance has become noticeably weaker and more fragile, which adds to concerns about Cole’s ability to continue wrestling without serious harm.
Cornette hinted that Cole might have struggled with managing his injuries properly, emphasizing the risks of pushing too hard in the ring despite physical limitations.
“Since he’s been back, he’s getting smaller. He’s getting frailer. I’m thinking that maybe he’s been doing it when he shouldn’t have been doing it… I’m more worried about him than his bad booking in f—ing AEW… I feel so bad for him. I like that kid and, but, and I know it’s what he’s always wanted to do, and he was doing it well, but goddamn, don’t kill yourself. Literally,” said Cornette.
The Future Outlook for Bryan Danielson and Fellow Wrestlers at Risk
The concern voiced by Vince Russo and Jim Cornette reflects broader unease about the sustainability of wrestling careers for athletes with less robust physiques. Bryan Danielson’s repeated injuries serve as a cautionary example of how the physical demands of pro wrestling can shorten careers, especially when compounded by moves that reduce wrestlers’ control and increase impact.
As for Adam Cole, who has also suffered multiple injuries, his future in the ring remains uncertain, with experts closely watching to see if he can recover or if early retirement will be necessary. The experiences of these wrestlers underline a growing awareness in the wrestling community about injury prevention and long-term health risks in professional sports.
