AEW News Roundup: 42-year-old hospitalized again, has trouble walking, WWE Hall of Fame push for current star, Bryan Danielson update
AEW continues to gather momentum during one of its longest non-PPV periods of the year, thanks to a noticeable shift in the creative direction. Bryan Danielson's brutal beatdown closed out the last big AEW show, WrestleDream, and we finally have an update on the former world champion's whereabouts.
Another former WWE star is unfortunately facing health issues, as she posted a series of updates after her recent hospitalization.
We concluded the news roundup with a top WWE star pushing for a current AEW name's induction into the Hall of Fame:
#3. Maria Kanellis hospitalized again after post-surgery problems
The former WWE Diva's battle with poor health took a turn for the worse recently. Maria Kanellis has regularly posted updates on social media regarding her recovery process and recently underwent adrenal gland surgery.
However, Maria was forced to return to the hospital as she suddenly began experiencing pain and nausea.
Kanellis issued another update, and sadly for the star, her situation isn't getting better. Maria is currently facing difficulties in movement after spending a whole night in the emergency room.
The 42-year-old's husband, Mike Bennett, is by her side during these testing times, and we send our prayers and strength to the couple.
#2. Cody Rhodes advocates for Dustin Rhodes' (FKA Goldust) WWE Hall of Fame induction
They might be in different companies currently, but the Rhodes brothers have been pivotal in shaping the course of modern-day pro wrestling.
Dustin Rhodes rose to prominence in WWE while playing the Goldust character, and it was a true testament to his talent that he managed to get the bizarre gimmick over.
During a recent interview with The Schmo, Cody Rhodes looked back at his brother's WWE run as Goldust and how it was one of the most unique aspects of the product at one point in time.
The American Nightmare spoke about how his friends reacted to the Goldust persona and Dustin's desire to separate himself from the Rhodes name. The reigning Undisputed WWE Champion was proud of what Dustin had done in the Stamford-based promotion and felt that the veteran deserved a spot in the company's Hall of Fame.
"I was very proud of Dustin throughout that whole run—what he did and the lengths he went to do it. Goldust was an underrated part of The Attitude Era, certainly somebody worthy of the Hall of Fame," he said. [H/T: WrestleZone]
At 55 years old, Dustin Rhodes is still performing at a tremendously high level and is a double champion in ROH. While he seems content with competing in AEW and its sister promotion for the foreseeable future, a return to WWE for a future HOF induction would be a dream scenario for the Rhodes family.
#1. Brie Bella gives AEW fans a long-awaited Bryan Danielson update
His full-time career ended, unlike most legends. Bryan Danielson was brutally beaten down after he lost his AEW World Title to Jon Moxley in another visually uncomfortable angle at WrestleDream 2024.
In kayfabe, most fans quipped that Moxley and his crew had killed The American Dragon, but that's far from the case if Brie Bella's comments are taken into account. It seems like Bryan is enjoying his time at home, indulging in chicken farming.
The former AEW World Champion's wife revealed a recent text exchange she had with Bryan on The Nikki & Brie Show. While Danielson is well and truly alive, he is also taking care of chickens and making his kids breakfast, amongst other things.
“I’m on the plane. I finally text Bryan, ‘Hey, I don’t know how to say this, and I’m a little confused, but six or seven chickens are on their way to our house.’ He writes back in cap lock, ‘BRIANNA!''' she said. [H/T: Fightful]
Bryan Danielson is not expected to return and wrestle anytime soon, but many believe that the respected star could still have an important future in AEW.