AEW fans inside the Accesso ShoWare Center in Kent, Washington, got a moment they wont forget after the June 25 edition of Dynamite and June 26 Collision tapings wrapped up Bryan Danielson made another surprise appearance despite still not being cleared to wrestle.
Danielson, who hasnt competed since losing the AEW World Title to Jon Moxley at WrestleDream 2024, got physical in a segment designed for the live crowd. After Kyle OReilly suffered a brutal loss to Kyle Fletcher and a post-match beatdown by Lance Archer, Max Caster interrupted as OReilly was preparing to speak. Caster threw out an open challenge to anyone in the building willing to fight him.
To the shock of the live audience, Bryan Danielson walked to the ring. The crowd erupted as Danielson, still sidelined with neck issues, stared down Caster. But before anything could happen, Adam Cole blindsided Caster with a superkick. Danielson quickly capitalized, locking Caster in the LeBell Lock and forcing him to tap out in just eight seconds.
Danielson then grabbed the mic and told the crowd, For one night only, Im joining the Paragon Im Kyle Danielson. Wanting to send fans home happy, Danielson asked for his theme music to play. The arena exploded as Final Countdown blasted through the speakers, with Danielson joking it was The Final Kyle.
Though Danielson remains out of action due to his neck issues, this appearance marks the second time hes inserted himself physically since his AEW World Title loss. Just last week, Danielson stormed the ring at Arena Mexico after Dynamite: Grand Slam Mexico went off the air, saving lucha legend Blue Panther in another untelevised moment.
AEW sources have made it clear Danielson isnt cleared for in-ring competition yet, but his passion for wrestling and his connection with the fans clearly hasnt gone anywhere.
Do you think Bryan Danielson should risk another return to the ring, or is it time for him to hang it up for good? Let us know what you think in the comment section below.
