Tony Khan, CEO and Head of Creative for All Elite Wrestling (AEW), reportedly has a preferred replacement in mind should he step down from his leadership roles. The individual Khan has selected is Bryan Danielson, a former WWE superstar who concluded his in-ring career within AEW in 2024. Danielson, known as “The American Dragon,” had a notable tenure with AEW that began with his debut at the 2021 All Out event in Jacksonville.
During his time in AEW, Danielson faced off against many of the promotion’s top stars, including Kenny Omega, Hangman Page, and Jon Moxley, as well as emerging talents like Daniel Garcia, Wheeler Yuta, and Lee Moriarty. His career pinnacle was marked by winning the AEW World Championship at All In 2024, which also happened to be his final year as a full-time competitor.
Summary of Bryan Danielson’s AEW Career and Transition
Danielson’s active wrestling run ended following a match against Jon Moxley, a former teammate from the Blackpool Combat Club (BCC), at WrestleDream 2024. After retiring from competition, he made a notable appearance at All In: Texas, interfering in a World Championship contest to aid Adam Page against The One True King. Since then, Danielson has taken on roles beyond the ring, contributing as a broadcast team member for AEW Dynamite and serving in backstage and consulting capacities.
According to wrestling journalist Dave Meltzer, Tony Khan has openly expressed that Danielson is his chosen successor if he were to leave the company’s leadership. However, Meltzer also noted uncertainty about whether Danielson would be willing to accept such responsibility.
“Tony has said his choice would be Danielson but I don’t know that Danielson would want that responsibility.” – Dave Meltzer, Wrestling Journalist
The possibility of Danielson stepping into a major executive role within AEW remains uncertain at this stage.
Prospects of Bryan Danielson Returning to In-Ring Competition
Fans continue to speculate about Danielson’s potential return to wrestling, considering he has already come out of retirement once. Despite his well-documented neck issues and a stated desire to prioritize family time, Danielson recently hinted at the chance of resuming his wrestling career. In an interview with Justin Barrasso, he shared details on a positive experience with a physical therapist recommended by Adam Copeland, known professionally as Edge.
“I don’t close it off. Maybe. In April of 2025, Adam Copeland sent me to his physical therapist. He said the guy was a miracle worker. This guy worked on me for 2 days in a row, 6 hours each day. After the first night, I slept 9 hours straight. After the second night, I slept 8 hours straight. After that, I was sleeping 7 or 8 hours almost every night. That’s a game changer for how you feel,” said Danielson. – Bryan Danielson, Wrestler
These improvements have raised cautious optimism among supporters about his physical condition, but no definitive decision on a full return to wrestling has been announced.
Implications for AEW’s Future Leadership and Danielson’s Role
If Danielson accepts a leadership position, it would signify a major shift in AEW’s management, following Tony Khan’s tenure as both CEO and head of creative. Danielson’s deep experience inside the ring and ongoing involvement behind the scenes provide him with a unique perspective on the company’s direction. Whether he eventually assumes executive duties or resumes wrestling, his continued presence in AEW will likely remain influential. Fans and industry insiders alike will be watching closely to see how both his career and AEW’s leadership evolve in the coming years.
Tony has said his choice would be Danielson but I don't know that Danielson would want that responsibility. https://t.co/VvDqvcuRTM
— Dave Meltzer (@davemeltzerWON) March 3, 2026
Bryan Danielson says he won't close off coming back to wrestle, after seeing Adam Copeland’s physical therapist who helped him so much:
“I don’t close it off. Maybe. In April of 2025, Adam Copeland sent me to his physical therapist. He said the guy was a miracle worker. This guy… pic.twitter.com/odbZf0F0qD
— Drainmaker (@TheDrainmaker) February 9, 2026
