Danhausen spotted with a hugely popular non-AEW star amid frustrating absence
The AEW status of Danhausen continues to frustrate fans and insiders alike. The popular grappler is approaching one full year since his last AEW match, but he continues to work for outside promotions. Amid new rumors and speculation, Danhausen made headlines this weekend and was just spotted with a fan-favorite from the WWE Universe and elsewhere in the world of pro wrestling.
The "Very Nice, Very Evil" star has not stepped inside All Elite Wrestling's squared circle since Worlds End on December 30, 2023. The Zero Hour pre-show featured a 20-man Battle Royal for a future TNT Championship opportunity, and Danhausen actually came down to the final three. He defeated Brandon Cutler at the ROH TV tapings on February 14 of this year but has not wrestled for Tony Khan since then.
Sources revealed in late November that a member of the All Elite creative team reached out to Danhausen in September, but it was said that nothing ever came of that. However, word just broke this weekend on Danhausen and AEW having some sort of communication in September.
Danhausen remains active on the indie scene, and he's a regular at conventions around the country. The former OTT No Limits Champion appeared at the wildly successful WrestleCade convention in Winston-Salem, NC, this weekend and has shared his interactions with fans and wrestlers on social media. Ahead of the final day of WrestleCade 13, Danhausen took to X to share photos with WWE Hall of Famer The Godfather (aka Papa Shango), Toni Storm and Thunder Rosa from AEW, and TNA's Joe Hendry, who has gained a major following from WWE NXT.
"@WrestleCade day THREE begins soon. This is what you may have missed on day TWO," Danhausen wrote with the photos below.
Danhausen's AEW contract reportedly runs into the summer of 2025. It remains to be seen if the two sides will work something out between now and then. The company continues to sell Danhausen merchandise at events and online.
Danhausen has a major backstage AEW supporter
Danhausen was rumored to appear for All Elite Wrestling during the Halloween season, and when he did not, speculation picked up on his future. The 34-year-old is staying busy on the indies and other promotions such as GCW.
Bryan Danielson had been a big backstage supporter of the face-painted star, according to Fightful Select. There had been some internal pitches to bring Danhausen back as he was eager to work, but nothing ever came of those ideas.
Danhausen had not had regular contact with All Elite officials in well over six months besides getting approval for indie dates. This is required for all talents under contract to Khan's company.