Bryan Danielson allegedly still holds a major backstage role in AEW after full-time retirement
Bryan Danielson's career as a full-time wrestler has come to an end. His last match was at the 2024 WrestleDream pay-per-view, where he lost the AEW World Championship to his former Blackpool Combat Club stablemate, Jon Moxley. While he is currently away from the ring, Danielson still holds a significant backstage position in the company, according to Dave Meltzer.
Danielson is widely considered one of the most talented performers of the current generation. Besides being one of the top stars in AEW, he mentors many up-and-coming talents behind the scenes.
In a recent appearance on Keepin' It 100, journalist Dave Meltzer speculated about The American Dragon's pro wrestling future. He also claimed that the 43-year-old still holds a major backstage role in AEW.
"I could see Bryan doing like [a] couple of dates a year, whatever it is. 10 dates a year, 15 dates a year, for the next couple of years. Maybe [in] the next 12 years, he'll be in his 50s. I think by that point, I think when his kids are a little older when they are teenagers or whatever. I don't know if at that age you want to go full-time, but I can see him wrestling until his body is totally broken down. But I think right now, he wants to raise his kids. And everything else is secondary to that. As of right now, he is one of the key guys in the disciplinary committee," said Meltzer. [From 1:10 to 2:03]
Jim Ross believes Bryan Danielson is a "pro's pro"
Legendary commentator Jim Ross recently hailed Bryan Danielson as a true professional. He called The American Dragon an extraordinary athlete and felt that he had the caliber to deliver quality matches every time he entered the square circle.
"The work Bryan Danielson has done is nothing short of extraordinary. The quality of matches he has with everybody he gets in the ring with takes great skill and being unselfish. Bryan is a pro's pro," Ross said on Grilling JR.
Bryan Danielson has wrestled in many promotions, including WWE. There, he won the World Championship four times and even headlined WrestleMania twice.