Bryan Danielson, widely regarded as a top figure in professional wrestling, has firmly ruled out a return to active competition in AEW, choosing instead to focus on his family life. The former AEW World Champion made this clear in a recent interview where he emphasized his happiness at spending time with his children rather than aiming for another title run.
Danielson, known for his extensive career in WWE and his vital role in AEW since joining the promotion in 2021, gained immense popularity due to his technical wrestling style and memorable matches. His AEW career reached a high note when he won the AEW World Championship at the All In 2024 event held at a sold-out Wembley Stadium, before eventually dropping the title to Jon Moxley at WrestleDream later that year.
Transition to a Commentator Role Amid Lingering Physical Challenges
Although Danielson has stepped away from in-ring competition, he remains an active presence in AEW as a full-time commentator. However, the physical toll of his years as a wrestler continues to affect him. Danielson revealed that long flights for AEW events exacerbate the pain in his neck, a reminder of the strains endured throughout his career.
“Those long flights make it worse—sleeping with your head against the window for six hours. You wake up and it’s like, ‘Oh no.’ I wish a flight attendant could just pop my neck back in place. So yeah, generally my neck feels pretty horrible, but like anything else in life, you just get used to it. You learn to live with it.” Jon Moxley, Former AEW World Champion
Despite these physical difficulties, Danielson has adapted well to his commentator duties, providing insight and analysis during AEW broadcasts. Fans and commentators alike are curious to see how this chapter of his career develops as he maintains a weekly presence calling matches and engaging with the wrestling audience from outside the ring.
Danielson’s Decision Reflects a Shift in Priorities
When asked about the possibility of winning the AEW World Championship again, Danielson was unequivocal in his response, prioritizing his role as a father over competitive wrestling. The decision marks a significant shift in his career trajectory, highlighting his desire to enjoy family life after more than a decade of grueling in-ring performance.
“NO! I’m happy staying home with my kids, enjoy being a dad.” Bryan Danielson, AEW Commentator and Former Wrestler
Danielson’s choice underscores the physical and emotional demands of professional wrestling, illustrating how even top stars must sometimes step back to nurture their personal lives. For AEW, his continued involvement as a commentator ensures his expertise remains part of the promotion’s fabric without the intense physicality of wrestling.
Legacy and Impact on the Wrestling World
Throughout his wrestling journey, Bryan Danielson has left an indelible mark with his matches against top-tier talents such as Will Ospreay, Kazuchika Okada, Kenny Omega, and Swerve Strickland. His performances in AEW contributed to the promotion’s rise and helped shape many critical moments in modern professional wrestling. His departure from active competition signals the end of an era, but his ongoing commentary role provides fans with a continued connection to his wrestling intellect and passion.
As AEW continues to evolve, Danielson’s transition may pave the way for other wrestlers considering similar career adjustments for health and family reasons. His story reflects the broader challenges faced by athletes balancing their professional achievements with personal well-being and family commitments.
YES or NO with Bryan Danielson pic.twitter.com/VSIVEysuBn
— Jon-Bernard Kairouz (@jonbernardk) September 15, 2025
