Daniel Bryan discussed the factors that led him to leave WWE for AEW. His love for wrestling and the desire to try something new were key reasons.
Danielson said he knew this would likely be his last wrestling contract. He wanted to push himself. He mentioned watching Cody Rhodes wrestle Penta and seeing a top-rope Frankensteiner. He thought about whether he could still do that style. He said part of it was scary, but part was intriguing.
Danielson also said AEW’s lighter schedule was a deciding factor. At the time, he had two kids. He did not want to go back to WWE’s heavy live event schedule. AEW’s schedule was appealing to him and his family.
Danielson compared his time in WWE and AEW. He said both are characters. But the Bryan Danielson character in AEW is closer to his real self.
Daniel Bryan Reveals Why He Left WWE and Joined AEW
Bryan Danielson, formerly Daniel Bryan in WWE, shared startling insights about his time with the company. His unexpected departure marked the end of the iconic “YES” movement within WWE.
Danielson explained that he left WWE for AEW because AEW focuses more on wrestling. He described WWE as more of an “entertainment” company. He said AEW is a “wrestling first” company that caters to wrestling enthusiasts. He noted that both companies have different styles and target different audiences.
Daniel Bryan WWE dream was not to join the company or headline WrestleMania. His goal was to become a big star in Japan because he loved the Japanese wrestling style. He was also terrified of public speaking. He liked the idea of being famous in Japan but remaining anonymous back home.
Danielson shared a story about wrestling CM Punk around 2004 or 2005. They performed in front of only 75 people in Florida. The atmosphere was so quiet that they could hear the audience clearly. A fan in the front row remarked that they were not very good. His friend agreed. Danielson said hearing such comments was deflating.
Danielson admitted he felt somewhat compelled to retire. It was not solely due to his medical history. He had lied to WWE about certain aspects of his health to secure his position. When WWE discovered the truth six years later, it contributed to the decision for him to retire.
Bryan Danielson Admits He Is Still “Rotten” at AEW Commentary
Bryan Danielson is no longer an active wrestler. He last wrestled for AEW at WrestleDream in 2024. He lost the AEW Men’s World Championship to Jon Moxley that night. He had won the title from Swerve Strickland at All In earlier that year.
Danielson is all but retired due to concussions and neck injuries. He has said he is not healthy enough to continue wrestling. There is no timeline for an in-ring return.
Despite that, he remains a key part of AEW. He works as a regular announcer on AEW Dynamite. He joined the commentary team on September 10.
In an interview, Danielson said he still thinks he is “rotten” as an announcer. He said it is hard to gauge what worked and what did not while doing commentary. He watches the shows back and gets advice from talented people.
He also said announcing is similar to wrestling for him. There is an exhilaration to it. He enjoys working with Excalibur, Taz, and Tony Schiavone. He watches himself back, just like he did as a wrestler. He admitted he is not where he wants to be but is giving himself grace. He added that almost everyone else in the position has been trained, while he is winging it.
Tony Khan Explains Why Bryan Danielson Is Missing From AEW Shows
AEW President Tony Khan has explained why Bryan Danielson has been missing from Dynamite and Collision. He said Danielson is hurting and has been taken off the road to recover.
Khan said Danielson is beat up, and he has been giving him time to rest and recover. He would love to have him out there all the time, but Danielson has been home with his family. The travel is a lot for him.
Khan said even sitting in the chair and moving his head around while monitoring is hard. He said people do not realize the toll this business has taken on Danielson.
Khan said Danielson has done so much for everyone. He added that Danielson has done everything he can in the ring for AEW at this point. He does not need to drag him out and beat him up every week when he is hurting.
FAQs
Q. Why did Bryan Danielson leave WWE?
A. Danielson wanted a new challenge and more freedom in wrestling.
Q. Why did Danielson choose AEW?
A. AEW offered a wrestling-focused style and a lighter schedule.
Q. Did Danielson want to wrestle in Japan?
A. Yes. Wrestling in Japan was one of his early career dreams.
Q. Was WWE’s schedule a reason Danielson left?
A. Yes. Danielson did not want WWE’s heavy live event schedule.
Q. Is Bryan Danielson’s AEW character different?
A. Yes. Danielson said his AEW character is closer to his real self.
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