Bryan Danielson recently shared his thoughts on WWE’s ongoing rivalry with AEW, particularly focusing on the practice of scheduling pay-per-view events on the same dates. He expressed confusion over WWE’s strategy, suggesting it was unnecessary given the current wrestling landscape. Danielson highlighted that the wrestling industry’s current state benefits performers from both companies, making WWE’s attempts at counter-programming puzzling.
During an interview with Jon-Bernard Kairouz, Danielson questioned the motivation behind WWE’s programming choices, stressing that AEW does not yet pose a significant threat. He criticized what he called “weird games” fueled by power and money, which seemed counterproductive to the wrestling community as a whole.
“But it’s interesting, because we’re not at the point of being a threat. It’s one of the things where people who really crave power and a lot of money play these weird games that I don’t understand. It’s like, okay, we’re going to run all the competitors that might be competitive with us out of this business. Why? It’s good for the wrestlers both in AEW and WWE.”
This perspective emphasizes Danielson’s uneasy view of WWE’s tactics and his belief that the companies should coexist for the benefit of all wrestlers involved.
Insights into Cody Rhodes and CM Punk’s Careers Influenced by AEW
Danielson also commented on the significant impacts AEW has had on the careers of both Cody Rhodes and CM Punk. He argued that their current career resurgence is closely tied to AEW’s existence, suggesting that without AEW, neither Rhodes nor Punk would have reached their present status.
He acknowledged the professionalism and goodwill of many WWE insiders but expressed curiosity about their decision-making related to these wrestlers’ career paths. Danielson made it clear that he is not trying to interfere directly but is reflecting on how AEW’s presence has shifted the wrestling industry landscape.
“It’s been good for them like—okay, if AEW wouldn’t have started, would Cody Rhodes be where he is right now? No. They have a megastar because AEW exists. Would CM Punk ever have come back? Probably not,— The people in WWE, a lot of the people I know, are great people. So I’d be interested to know what’s the decision-making process in this? But, you know, it’s not my monkey, not my circus, whatever the line is for that, you know what I mean?” said Bryan Danielson.
His remarks underline the crucial role AEW has played in revitalizing these high-profile careers and reshaping the competitive dynamics between wrestling promotions.
Recalling Danielson’s Surprising AEW Debut at All Out 2021
Bryan Danielson made a memorable entrance into AEW at the 2021 All Out pay-per-view, marking one of the company’s standout moments with a surprise double debut alongside Adam Cole. The announcement of both wrestlers joining AEW shocked many fans and set the stage for future storylines.
In an interview with Nick Stav, Danielson disclosed that his signing and debut were arranged only days before the event, emphasizing the unpredictability common in professional wrestling contracts and bookings. He also noted uncertainty about when Adam Cole signed, underscoring the impromptu nature of the reveals that weekend.
“When people say it was always the plan, the truth is I hadn’t actually signed my contract until like two or three days before that. That’s just the pro wrestling business. I want to say Adam Cole didn’t even sign until that day, the day of. Maybe he had agreed to come, but you never really know what’s going to happen, you know?” said Danielson.
This candid insight offers fans a glimpse into the behind-the-scenes realities that shape major wrestling events and debuts.
The Ongoing Importance of Danielson in AEW Despite Stepping Back
Although Bryan Danielson has reduced his in-ring appearances, he remains a significant figure within AEW and continues to contribute to the company’s success in other roles. His legacy as a key talent in AEW history endures, reflecting his influence on both the promotion and the broader wrestling world.
Danielson’s observations about WWE, AEW, and the wrestlers themselves reflect his complex position as someone deeply embedded in the wrestling industry but critical of its power dynamics and competitive environment.
