Bryan Danielson, currently working as a commentator in AEW after retiring from active wrestling in 2024, is expected to return to WWE to finish his in-ring career, according to WWE legend Bully Ray. Danielson, who left WWE for AEW in 2021 following the expiration of his WWE contract and ongoing neck issues, had last competed intensely in WWE before his 2016 concussion-related retirement.
His departure from WWE led to AEW, where he held the AEW World Title until he relinquished it to Jon Moxley at WrestleDream 2024 due to health complications. Despite WWE’s efforts to renew his contract in the past, Danielson chose to continue with AEW until now.
Insights from Bully Ray on Danielson’s Career Path
On a recent episode of Busted Open Radio, Bully Ray expressed his belief about Danielson’s career plans, mentioning:
“How long do you think it is before Danielson comes back to WWE? He’s definitely coming back to finish out his career with his wife in the WWE.”
This statement reflects the expectation that Danielson will rejoin WWE, aligning his final wrestling chapter with the return of his wife, Brie Bella, who reappeared on WWE programming at the Royal Rumble 2026 event. Fans have debated the implications of Brie Bella’s WWE return on Danielson’s future, especially considering his current AEW affiliation.
Brie Bella’s WWE Return Sparks Speculation About Danielson
Brie Bella, a WWE Hall of Famer, resumed her WWE role recently, rekindling her on-screen partnership with twin sister Nikki Bella. The reunion has ignited conversations among fans about whether Bryan Danielson might follow this path back to WWE, potentially reuniting with his wife professionally.
Context of Danielson’s AEW Tenure and Health Challenges
After moving to AEW in 2021 under Tony Khan’s leadership, Danielson’s in-ring appearances reduced due to persistent neck problems. His final match, dropping the AEW World Title to Jon Moxley, marked a turning point and suggested a winding down of his wrestling career with AEW.
Broader Wrestling Developments and Related News
Recent developments in wrestling include Rhea Ripley and IYO SKY defending the WWE Women’s Tag Team Championship on SmackDown, AEW World Champion MJF discussing his possible retirement, and a WWE personality criticizing fans for voting Booker T as the worst announcer. Additionally, intense moments arose on WWE SmackDown with segments deemed not PG, and notable comments from Liv Morgan brought attention during Valentine’s Day.
Veteran figures like Ric Flair continue to grapple with retirement rumors, while Logan Paul defended WWE performers in contrast to NFL athletes. These ongoing stories contribute to a dynamic, uncertain wrestling landscape where Bryan Danielson’s potential WWE return adds a significant storyline.
Significance and Potential Impact of Danielson’s Return
If Bryan Danielson indeed returns to WWE to complete his wrestling career, it would represent a major shift in the industry’s landscape, signaling collaboration or reconciliation between two major wrestling promotions. This move could revitalize WWE’s roster with a revered veteran and deepen storylines involving Brie Bella, while also affecting AEW’s talent pool and future booking strategies.
Fans and industry insiders will likely watch closely how this anticipated return unfolds, as it carries implications for WWE’s talent relations and Bryan Danielson’s lasting legacy within professional wrestling.
