WWE legend says Bryan Danielson is not the best wrestler in the world after 'slow and awkward' work at AEW Grand Slam
Reigning AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson defeated his long-time rival Nigel McGuinness on Dynamite: Grand Slam earlier this week. Meanwhile, WWE legend Eric Bischoff was not happy with The American Dragon's performance this past Wednesday.
The 43-year-old star was originally supposed to put his title on the line against Darby Allin, but that didn't happen. Instead, Allin locked horns with Jon Moxley at the event. The 31-year-old faced a defeat against The Purveyor of Violence and also lost his number one contender's spot for the AEW World Championship.
In the recent episode of his 83 Weeks podcast, Eric Bischoff commented on Bryan Danielson's performance at Dynamite: Grand Slam. The veteran stated that The American Dragon performed poorly at the event.
"I'm not impressed with Bryan here. This is slow. It's awkward. You know talking about Bryan Danielson, and I don't disagree that he's one of the better wrestlers of his era. But to suggest, based on what I'm seeing here, this guy might be considered by some of the best in the world; this is not a representation of it. Nothing against Bryan. Nothing but respect for him. But what are we seeing here? I'm not seeing anything here that...somebody's been in the business for three years couldn't do. It's really bizarre to me!" he said. [From 34:13 to 34:50]
Eric Bischoff believes Bryan Danielson will not retire so soon
In the same episode of the 83 Weeks podcast, co-host Conrad Thompson asked Eric Bischoff to weigh in on Bryan Danielson's potential in-ring retirement.
The WWE Hall of Famer stated that The American Dragon's "powerful addiction" to wrestling would not let him retire so soon from the squared circle.
"I don't think he'll be done. Bryan is; I don't know him; it's just my impression from a distance; I think he loves it too much to walk away from it. I don't see it. His passion for what he does is what got him through his injuries. It's what propelled him into the ring when his doctors and everybody told him he shouldn't. When you love it that much, I don't think he's ever going to be able to satisfy that desire to go out there and perform. It's a powerful addiction!" he added. [From 2:06:00-2:06:46]
Earlier this year, Bryan said that he would soon retire from full-time in-ring duties. However, he became the AEW World Champion at All In. Later, he stated that he would retire after he lost the gold. The veteran will defend his title against Jon Moxley at WrestleDream 2024.