Bryan Danielson Gives Update On His Neck & Whether There's A Chance He Wrestles Again

It doesn't sound as though Bryan Danielson has concrete plans to return to the ring, in AEW or anywhere else.
Bryan Danielson on 10/2/24 AEW Dynamite
Bryan Danielson on 10/2/24 AEW Dynamite | Lee South - All Elite Wrestling

Bryan Danielson doesn't sound like a man who's aiming to return to the ring one day.

The former AEW World Champion retired from full-time competition after losing to Jon Moxley at WrestleDream this past October. There's been this belief that the door could be open for return match or two in the future, but that door may not be particularly wide open.

Danielson recently spoke with Jamal Niaz and was asked about the potential for a comeback down the line. His response, while understandable, might leave some hopeful fans a bit disappointed.

"My neck is wrecked," Danielson admitted with a laugh. "So, it's not no chance, but it's risk versus reward at this point, right? So I want to be able to live comfortably with my wife and kids. One of the things our society has a real problem with is realizing when enough is enough, and I'm very satisfied with my career, and I think enough is enough."
Bryan Danielson to Jamal Niaz

AEW President Tony Khan said in a separate interview this week that he's hopeful Bryan will be able to return to the ring one day. Sentiments that have been echoed by others in All Elite Wrestling to Fightfuls' Sean Ross Sapp.

"People in AEW are of the belief he hasn't wrestled his last match," Ross Sapp said during a Q&A Saturday. "He was hoping to avoid surgery, and we haven't heard if that's changed. He's been backstage here and there and still works with AEW."

Danielson was asked by Niaz if there was any particular opponent that could coax him to put his boots back on, but he did not provide a clear answer.

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Rick Ucchino
RICK UCCHINO

Rick Ucchino is the Assistant Editor & Content Coordinator for The Takedown on SI. He also works full-time for 700WLW Radio in Cincinnati, Ohio as a local news and sports anchor, in addition to his time covering the Cincinnati Bengals for Sirius XM. Rick has been on the professional wrestling beat since 2019, having provided coverage for a number of outlets, including Fightful, SB Nation’s Cageside Seats and the Bleav Podcast Network. With an educational background in theater, creative writing and journalism, Rick focuses primarily on the storytelling aspect of pro wrestling, but he’s no stranger to the squared circle himself. He had the privilege of training with former WWE & WCW cruiserweight Jimmy Wang Yang for nearly two years and retired early due to back issues with a perfect 1-0 record in singles competition. Rick is a married father of two incredibly adorable children, who are budding pro wrestling fans themselves. Much to the chagrin of their mother. You can reach Rick at rwucchino@gmail.com