Bryan Danielson Gives Update on In-Ring Retirement

Bryan Danielson remains one of the most beloved wrestlers of the modern era.

Whether you were introduced to him as Daniel Bryan in WWE or American Dragon in New Japan Pro Wrestling (NJPW), Danielson had a knack for drawing the audience in with his natural charisma, technical prowess, and excellent in-ring storytelling.

Danielson remains a draw to this day, serving as a main eventer and locker room leader for All Elite Wrestling (AEW). In fact, he’s set to face AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland at All In on Aug. 25 with his career on the line.

While this would be an upsetting turn of events for any pro wrestling fan, it seems that Danielson has come to peace with the result.

During an appearance on the Nikki & Brie show, a podcast hosted by former WWE Superstars Nikki Bella and Brie Bella (his wife), Danielson revealed that he’s ready to retire from wrestling if he loses to Strickland.

“So I’ve been in AEW now for three years and I’ve never won a championship,” Danielson said. “The story is, I’m wrestling this match, it’s career vs title. If I lose, I’m forced to retire. It’s something I’m ready for, I’m kind of ready to be done.”

When asked why, Danielson had a simple answer: his seven-year-old daughter.

“I’d rather be at home,” Danielson said. “I don’t wanna miss out. There’s this small portion of our kids lives where they actually want us there, right? I see it with my friends and my sister and all of that kind of stuff.”

“All of the sudden, Birdie, she’s seven now, she’s going to turn into a teenager and she’s gonna have other things. Now, she wants daddy there all the time and so it’s like, I wanna be there for that.”

Danielson further elaborated that his body is breaking down, opening up about a likely neck surgery and all of the injuries he’s faced in his career. While he still loves wrestling, it may be time to call it quits.

“When I started AEW, I was like, I’m invincible! Then it turns out maybe I’m not so invincible. It does but I’m not saying to feel bad for me. This is a blessed life, it really is. It’s fun and I still love it 25 years in, it’s just now I have things that are more important to me.”

Danielson is one of the most decorated wrestlers of the modern era. Despite not winning a title in AEW, he is still a four-time WWE Champion, a World Heavyweight Champion, an Intercontinental Champion, a United States Champion, a two-time WWE Tag Team Champion, and a Ring of Honor World Champion.

While it will be sad to see Danielson go, there’s no doubt that he’s one of the best there’s ever been, and he deserves to enjoy his retirement.

More WWE: Former WWE Champion Wants to Face John Cena on Retirement Tour