The aftermath of the latest Jon Moxley AEW World Championship victory has ignited fresh controversy, as AEW star Max Caster now claims he, not Jon Moxley, ended Bryan Danielson‘s in-ring career. The tension sparked following Danielson’s dramatic exit at WrestleDream 2024 and recent developments after an untelevised collision with Caster.
Moxley’s Triumph and Danielson’s Painful Exit at WrestleDream 2024
At WrestleDream 2024, Jon Moxley secured the AEW World Championship in a fiercely contested match against Bryan Danielson. The bout concluded with an emphatic show of dominance by Moxley, as Danielson was defeated and eventually carried from the arena on a stretcher, intensifying concerns about his future in the ring. Danielson’s reputation as the American Dragon added gravity to what many believed was his last official match, further fueling speculation about his retirement.
Max Caster Claims Responsibility for Danielson’s Retirement
In a surprising turn after Collision went off the air last week, Max Caster—best known for being a former AEW World Tag Team Champion—extended his open challenge series to a live crowd. The unexpected appearance of Bryan Danielson, greeted by a roaring audience, saw Danielson accepting Caster’s challenge and decisively winning in less than ten seconds. Despite this swift defeat, Caster began publicly asserting that he was the one who “retired” Danielson, given Danielson’s previous removal from the spotlight following Moxley’s victory. Caster expressed his claim directly:
“I retired Bryan Danielson once & for all.”
—Max Caster, AEW Star
The assertion has stirred debate among fans and wrestlers alike, as technically, Caster facilitated Danielson’s first in-ring appearance—and victory—since his apparent retirement, challenging the notion that Moxley was solely responsible for Danielson stepping away.
Bryan Danielson Shares Insights on Stepping Away from Wrestling
Earlier in the year, Bryan Danielson offered candid reflections during an interview with Talksport, addressing the toll his career had taken. While discussing his long-term struggles with injuries, Danielson acknowledged the pain and challenges he faced in the final stretch of his career, especially the relentless traveling and physical strain leading up to his pause from wrestling. He stated:
“The last six months of my career, I was in a lot of pain with my neck, I could notice it in my wrestling. Also the flying, the traveling, all that kind of stuff was so hard that by the time October came around, I was ready. I don’t want to put the word like retirement out there, but I’m honestly very comfortable where I’m at now. The reality is, I’ve given 25 years of my body to wrestling. I think now it’s OK for me to step back. And honestly, I don’t crave the spotlight or anything like that,”
said Danielson. —Bryan Danielson, AEW Star
Danielson’s remarks, sourced from his conversation with Talksport and relayed by Wrestling Inc, highlight his conflicted yet resolved decision to step away, driven by both physical challenges and a sense of fulfillment after years at the center of wrestling’s biggest stages.
Uncertainty Surrounds Danielson’s Future Appearances
Rumors have surfaced pointing to a potential return for Bryan Danielson at All In 2025. Despite speculation among fans and in the wrestling media, it appears unlikely that Danielson will participate in the anticipated event, adding another layer of uncertainty to his already debated retirement.
The ongoing discourse—with Max Caster staking his claim, Jon Moxley’s role still under discussion, and Bryan Danielson remaining an enigmatic figure in wrestling retirement—captures the emotionally charged and conflicted undertones felt by both the AEW community and fans worldwide. As the narrative unfolds, Danielson’s legacy and the question of who truly closed the chapter on his storied career remain at the forefront of AEW storylines.
