AEW star Bryan Danielson, recognized globally for his exceptional wrestling skill, has built his reputation through years of dedication and mentorship from some of wrestling’s top figures. However, wrestling veteran Vince Russo recently highlighted a significant difference between Danielson and WWE Hall of Famer Shawn Michaels, focusing specifically on their charisma. Russo argued that while Danielson excels in technical ability, Michaels possesses a charisma that Danielson lacks, which makes Michaels stand out beyond his wrestling prowess.
Insights from Vince Russo on Wrestling Charisma
On the Sportskeeda WrestleBinge show “Writing with Russo,” Vince Russo made clear distinctions between the two performers. He emphasized Michaels’ charisma as a defining trait that Danielson does not match. Russo stated,
“Shawn who’s freaking charisma, man. I mean, that’s big to me, man. I mean, when you think about Bryan Danielson, you think about him being a great wrestler. There’s a lot of great wrestlers. You know, Shawn was much, much more than that.”
—Vince Russo, Wrestling Veteran
Russo further elaborated on what makes a complete wrestling performer, mentioning elements like in-ring work, promo skills, believability, and the elusive ‘It factor.’ He questioned whether Danielson meets all these criteria, particularly charisma.
“When you’re talking all around performer, I think Shawn Michaels was the best. So what are the boxes that a wrestler would need to check in order to be eligible for the greatest restaurant? Well, obviously in, in ring work, you know, promo skills, believability, charisma, the It factor, you know. When I say charisma, can I really check the Bryan Danielson docs when it comes to that?” —Vince Russo, Wrestling Veteran
Danielson’s Legacy Despite Charisma Debate
Although Vince Russo’s opinion highlights a gap in charisma between Danielson and Michaels, Bryan Danielson remains widely respected and recognized as one of the greatest wrestlers ever. His mastery of technical wrestling and storytelling within the ring appeals strongly to fans who prioritize in-ring performance. Mentored by legends like Shawn Michaels, NJPW founder Antonio Inoki, and William Regal—his former manager in the Blackpool Combat Club—Danielson continues to influence the wrestling world significantly.
The conversation on charisma illustrates the diverse qualities that define wrestling greatness. While some consider charisma essential for mainstream stardom, others value technical skill as the ultimate measure of a wrestler’s legacy. Fans and experts alike will continue to debate these attributes as the sport evolves.
