Bryan Danielson knew his time in WWE had run its courseand he wasnt shy about revealing exactly what pushed him to sign with AEW instead.
During an interview with Chris Van Vliet, Danielson talked about what went into his decision to walk away from the company where he became a household name. It came down to his body, his kids, and one unforgettable moment watching Cody Rhodes hit a Frankensteiner on Penta.
He admitted that after years of grinding under WWEs intense live event schedule, the pandemic made him reevaluate everything. With AEW offering a lighter travel loadat the time just working Wednesdaysit was a no-brainer. Speaking on the transition, Danielson explained:
Family aside, his curiosity about whether he could still hang in AEWs faster-paced, more athletic style was a major driving force. One specific moment caught his eye and wouldnt let go.
Bryan knew the end of his in-ring career was nearing, so he didnt want to sign a deal just to coast. He wanted to test himself one more time.
AEWs presentation and wrestling-centric approach was the right fit. Less stress, fewer miles, and a chance to work the style that made him fall in love with wrestling in the first place.
Danielsons leap to AEW wasnt about money or a grudge. It was about purposefinding a platform that let him perform at a high level while still being a father and husband.
Bryan Danielsons choice to leave WWE speaks to something a lot of wrestlers face but rarely say out loud: sometimes the biggest move you can make is stepping back from the grind to protect what really matters.
Please credit Ringside News if you use the above transcript in your publication.
What do you think about Bryan Danielsons decision to sign with AEW over WWE? Please share your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
