Bryan Danielson shared details about his final conversation with Vince McMahon before debuting in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in September 2021, shedding light on the behind-the-scenes moments of his departure from WWE. The dialogue highlights the intense negotiations involving Bryan Danielson Vince McMahon AEW as he transitioned from WWE to AEW.
Final WWE Match and AEW Debut Timeline
In 2021, Bryan Danielson headlined WrestleMania for the second time in his career, challenging Roman Reigns for the Universal Championship in a triple threat match that also featured Edge. Roman Reigns ultimately retained the title. Just weeks later, Danielson faced Reigns again in a match where Danielson’s WWE career was on the line. Reigns won, marking the conclusion of Danielson’s WWE tenure.
Shortly afterward, Danielson made a surprise appearance at AEW’s All Out event in September, marking his official debut for the promotion and ending his WWE chapter. This unexpected move was preceded by a final effort from Vince McMahon to persuade Danielson to remain with WWE.
Vince McMahon’s Last Attempt to Retain Bryan Danielson
In an interview with Nick Stav, Danielson described the last stages of his contract negotiations, explaining that WWE was aware he had not yet signed with AEW and made a final attempt to keep him.
“When WWE found out that I hadn’t signed yet, they said, ‘Is there anything we can do to make you…’If that (AEW debut) was September 5, I called Vince in early August and let him… because I was going back and forth. I wasn’t sure. I called Vince, because he and I had a really good relationship. I called him in early August and let him know, ’Okay, I’ve made my decision, I’m gonna do this.’ He had called me like one time kind of in the meantime and said like, ‘Hey, what if we offered you this instead?’ That sort of thing. I hadn’t signed my contract yet, it was like a couple, maybe five days before the pay-per-view, he called me, and this is just what I told him, I said, ‘Sir, I’ve already agreed to this thing, and if I was suddenly to go back on this – I feel like you have a decent amount of respect for me, would you still respect me if I… like, one of the things that you respect about me is that I honor my word.’ But it was a great conversation. And he said, ‘Dammit, you’re right.’” —Bryan Danielson, Professional Wrestler
Danielson emphasized the respect he felt between himself and McMahon, acknowledging that honoring one’s word was important in their relationship, and this ultimately influenced McMahon’s acceptance of his decision.
Context Around Bryan Danielson’s Career Shift
Danielson’s departure was notable because of his significant stature in WWE, including multiple title reigns and high-profile matches. His move to AEW symbolized a major shift in the wrestling landscape, as top stars migrated to the newer promotion gaining momentum.
Since joining AEW, Danielson has taken on a permanent role in the company while largely stepping away from in-ring competition, signaling a new chapter focused on different responsibilities within AEW’s growing roster.
Related Wrestling Industry Updates
Alongside Danielson’s transition, the wrestling world has been buzzing with multiple developments. Cody Rhodes, after a recent absence from WWE television, is speculated to have a Wrestlepalooza match upcoming, maintaining fan anticipation for his return.
New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW) has seen strong ticket sales for Hiroshi Tanahashi’s farewell event, with international tickets priced notably high despite the company’s recent struggles. Meanwhile, AEW and WWE both continue to adapt with key figures like MJF rapidly returning to AEW programming after significant personal milestones, including marriage.
Additionally, notable WWE personalities such as a 5-time Intercontinental Champion have announced a hiatus from television, and an AEW Champion has disclosed ambitions beyond wrestling, eyeing ventures in Hollywood. WWE Hall of Famers continue to make appearances, maintaining ties with fans, as seen in recent RAW segments.
Public apologies and reconciliations have also surfaced in the community, including Nikki Bella’s public apology to a 5-time WWE Champion, reflecting the intertwined nature of professional wrestling’s personal and professional relationships.
Impact of Bryan Danielson’s Transition on Wrestling
Bryan Danielson’s move from WWE to AEW marked a pivotal moment, highlighting increasing competition between wrestling promotions and the evolving opportunities for wrestlers outside WWE’s monopoly. His public recounting of the final conversation with Vince McMahon underscores the mutual respect often hidden behind corporate battles.
This transition may inspire other performers to explore options across promotions, ultimately diversifying the wrestling scene and providing fans with greater variety. Danielson’s current role in AEW, while less focused on active competition, suggests that veteran wrestlers can contribute significantly in non-wrestling capacities, adding value through mentorship and behind-the-scenes roles.
