Bryan Danielsons health may have just hit another breaking pointand now theres confirmation of why fans didnt see him on AEW Dynamite this week.
According to Dave Meltzer in the January 23, 2026 Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Danielson wasnt at AEW TV because his neck issues have worsened due to frequent travel. The report states that its not in-ring action thats causing him troubleits the toll of flying every week to appear on commentary.
This comes right after Danielson himself revealed how serious things have gotten. In a previous interview with Chris Van Vliet, the AEW star revealed hes suffering from extensive neck degeneration and is on the cusp of needing surgery. Danielson confessed he had hopes of wrestling occasionally, but now realizes that might be over.
He was noticeably absent from the January 21 episode of AEW Dynamite, with Taz stepping in to replace him on commentary after his own surgery recovery.
This new update from Meltzer all but confirms what many feared: Danielsons physical state is worse than previously thought, and even traveling to shows may no longer be viable. For fans holding onto the hope of one more match, the reality is setting inDanielson may be done in the ring, and now even his commentary role could be in jeopardy.
What do you think AEW should do next with Bryan Danielson? Should he step away entirely, or find a new way to stay involved without the travel? Drop your thoughts and feedback below.
