Folks, we’ve got some bombshell news straight from the dragon’s mouth—or at least close enough! “The American Dragon” Bryan Danielson, a man who’s no stranger to laying it all out in the ring, has been surprisingly candid about his future, and it’s got everyone talking. Just ahead of his big AEW World Championship match at All In 2024, Danielson dropped a couple of truth bombs: his AEW contract has already expired, and he’s going to need neck surgery by the end of the year. That’s right, folks—this warrior is fighting without a safety net, and he’s doing it in front of a sold-out crowd at Wembley Stadium!
Now, according to our friends over at Fightful Select, Danielson has been working without a contract since August 1. That’s not a typo, folks—no contract, just pure guts and glory. Despite his contract status, Danielson was medically cleared to fight Jeff Jarrett on the August 7 episode of “AEW Dynamite” and for his upcoming clash with AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland at All In. But here’s where it gets interesting: Danielson wasn’t cleared to compete in the Blood & Guts match on July 24, raising more questions about his current health and long-term future in the ring.
So why haven’t we seen more of Danielson lately? Word is, his medical issues are a big part of why his appearances have been fewer and further between since winning the Men’s 2024 Owen Hart Foundation Tournament. And get this: even after All In, we might be seeing even less of him. That’s right, folks—Fightful reports that AEW insiders believe Danielson’s remaining matches could be “fewer than expected.” And with the stipulation that Danielson will retire if he loses to Strickland, this could be one of the last times we see the American Dragon breathe fire in the ring.
But here’s the kicker: despite his contract running out, Danielson hasn’t exactly been twiddling his thumbs. He’s still been involved in AEW creatively and as part of the disciplinary committee, working on the terms of his expired talent deal. And don’t worry, folks—he’s expected to stick around AEW even after he hangs up his boots. Meanwhile, WWE sources say Danielson is beloved and respected by the locker room, but so far, the Stamford suits haven’t come knocking.
So what does this mean for Danielson’s future? We’ll have to wait and see, but one thing’s for sure: whether he wins or loses at All In, Bryan Danielson’s story is far from over. Stay tuned, because you know this saga is going to be YUGE!