Professional wrestler Bryan Danielson Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Bryan Danielson should use WrestleDream to finally retire

By Adam Taylor | Last updated 10/12/24

Bryan Danielson has made no secret of his impending retirement from full-time wrestling. The former WWE and current AEW champion has been dealing with a neck injury which has progressively worsened. He is expected to undergo surgery before the end of 2024.

However, Danielson has remained true to his word that he won't retire while he holds the AEW championship, which he won at All-In by defeating Swerve Strickland. He will defend that title on Saturday when he faces Jon Moxley at AEW's WrestleDream pay-per-view event.

During a recent interview with Yahoo Sports Uncrowned, Danielson confirmed that his neck injury is starting to affect other areas of his body. He noted how he's begun to lose power in his legs, and can no longer turn his hip when throwing a roundhouse kick.

“It’s getting to the point where it’s not tenable,” Danielson said. "...When I got to the back (after facing Nigel McGuinness at AEW Grandslam), I went to the trainer right away and they worked on me for like 30 minutes. They said it (losing power in his legs) was stemming from the neck stuff. It’s getting to a point where, physically, we’re seeing the signs. I haven’t been sleeping well because I have been having this shooting pain down my arm.”

Moxley is still one of AEW's biggest stars. Losing to him at WrestleDream would be the perfect out for Danielson, especially with the fanbase understanding his injury issues. It would be the most logical way for him to step aside and begin focusing on his health.

Danielson has always stated that his retirement would be from full-time wrestling, meaning he could still return in the future to settle a score with Moxley in a short-lived feud. For now, though, he would be wise to prioritize his long-term health and allow himself to walk away from AEW with his head held high.

Danielson has enjoyed a stellar career across multiple promotions. He's been at the top of the industry for years and is widely accepted as one of the most gifted wrestlers of his generation. WrestleDream provides him with an opportunity and if he's smart, he will take it. Right now, every match is coming with a bigger risk. It's time for Danielson to walk away and there's no better ending than bowing out with a match against Moxley.

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