Bryan Danielson reacts to Brie Bella saving Buddy from drowning after a harrowing poolside ordeal involving their son. The tense moment unfolded when Brie Bella witnessed their young son, Buddy, struggle in the deep end, prompting her swift and heroic rescue.
Unexpected Danger at a Family Pool Gathering
The Bella Twins, celebrated WWE personalities and devoted mothers, have often shared glimpses of their family life since welcoming their children—Brie Bella with Birdie in 2017 and Buddy in 2020, and Nikki Bella with Matteo, also in 2020. Typical of families with young kids, unpredictable and risky situations can arise, especially around water.
On a recent episode of The Nikki and Brie Show, Brie recounted a frightening incident that occurred while she supervised her children at the pool. Explaining that Birdie had grown confident in the water but Buddy was still hesitant, Brie was keeping a watchful eye as her children played. Things took a turn when another child tossed an item into the pool and encouraged Buddy to retrieve it. Believing he might have gained confidence, she watched as Buddy attempted to swim in the deeper water but quickly realized he was unable to stay afloat.
Brie’s Quick Response to a Perilous Swim
Without hesitation, Brie reacted, setting aside concerns about her attire or appearance and focusing solely on her son‘s safety. She immediately dove into the pool, fully clothed, in the middle of a conversation with several other adults present.

“Is he gonna swim like, did he get the confidence to swim or something? Nope. And then Birdie’s like ‘he’s drowning’ so dramatic. So I sprint and jump into the deep end blow out and all, I mean clothes, everything. Good thing I was barefooted, you know? I sprint, I was in literally in the middle of a conversation with five adults five and I was talking and I just sprint and I grab him and we come up.”
—Brie Bella, Former WWE Superstar
The scene left everyone nearby in stunned silence. According to Brie, Buddy was wearing his sister’s sparkling goggles, and after the incident, he was visibly upset about being rescued.
Reflections and Bryan Danielson’s Support
Brie candidly admitted she felt a sense of responsibility for the situation, blaming herself for choosing not to change into her swimsuit because she wanted to preserve her hair. Despite her self-criticism, Bryan Danielson offered reassurance after learning what happened.
“at least watched the kids like a hawk.”
—Bryan Danielson, AEW Wrestler
Afterward, Brie counseled Buddy about the episode, reminding him he should not act solely on another child’s suggestion when it involves risk. She and Bryan Danielson also emphasized to parents that constant vigilance is essential when supervising children near water, no matter how briefly they may look away.
The Ongoing Importance of Water Safety
This dramatic episode underscores how quickly a seemingly ordinary day can become life-threatening for families, even with adults nearby. Names such as Brie Bella, Bryan Danielson, and the rest of The Bella Twins family have brought renewed attention to water safety and the vigilance required around young swimmers. With figures like Birdie and Buddy now at the heart of this story, the message resounds within the wrestling community and far beyond about the ever-present risks children face near pools, and how a parent’s quick action can make all the difference.
The emotional toll and intensity of the event serve as a stark reminder for all parents and caregivers to remain alert and proactive, especially in environments where children are exposed to hazards like water. For Bryan Danielson, Brie Bella, and their children, the day could have ended very differently, reinforcing a commitment to heightened caution for families everywhere.
