Bryan Danielson’s journey in professional wrestling is a story of resilience, passion, and overcoming the odds
He has faced numerous challenges throughout his career, from being told he was too small to succeed in WWE to suffering life-threatening injuries. Yet, he has always found a way to come back stronger and prove his doubters wrong.
In AEW, Danielson has continued to build on his legacy, delivering some of the best matches of his career and solidifying his status as one of the greatest wrestlers of all time. However, the recurring injuries, particularly his neck issues, have cast a shadow over his future in the ring.
As fans, we can only hope that Bryan Danielson is able to continue doing what he loves for as long as possible, but we must also prepare ourselves for the possibility that his time in the ring may be nearing its end.
No matter what happens next, Bryan Danielson’s impact on the world of professional wrestling will be felt for generations to come.
His story is one of perseverance, determination, and the relentless pursuit of greatness—a true testament to the spirit of professional wrestling.
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Table of Contents
Bryan Danielson: Injury
Bryan Danielson, also known by his WWE ring name Daniel Bryan, is one of the most respected and beloved professional wrestlers in the industry.
His journey from the independent circuit to the grandest stages of wrestling, including WWE and AEW, is a testament to his talent, resilience, and passion for the sport.
Danielson has always been recognized for his technical prowess, in-ring psychology, and ability to connect with fans. His rise to fame wasn’t meteoric, but rather a slow and steady climb, characterized by perseverance and an unwavering commitment to his craft.
Injuries in AEW: A Recurring Nightmare
Despite his success in AEW, Bryan Danielson has not been able to escape the specter of injuries that has haunted him throughout his career.
Since joining AEW, he has suffered several untimely injuries that have forced him to take time off and even undergo surgery. These injuries have been particularly concerning given his history and the toll his body has already taken over the years.
One of the most significant injuries occurred in 2023 when Danielson broke his orbital bone during a match against Kazuchika Okada.
The injury was severe enough to require surgery, and it sidelined him for several months. This was not the first time Danielson had faced such adversity, but it was a stark reminder of the physical risks involved in professional wrestling, especially for someone with his injury history.
The Neck Issues: A Persistent Concern
Recently, Bryan Danielson opened up about his neck issues, which have been flaring up again. This revelation has sparked concern among fans and colleagues, as neck injuries are particularly dangerous in professional wrestling.
Danielson’s neck problems date back to his time in WWE, where he suffered multiple injuries that ultimately led to his temporary retirement.
Neck injuries are notoriously difficult to manage, and they can significantly impact a wrestler’s ability to perform. For someone like Danielson, whose style relies heavily on technical wrestling and high-impact maneuvers, neck issues can be particularly debilitating.
While Danielson has not indicated that he is considering retirement again, the recurrence of these issues raises questions about how much longer he can continue to wrestle at an elite level.
Bryan Danielson: Bio
The Early Years: A Journey into Wrestling
Bryan Lloyd Danielson, better known by his ring name Daniel Bryan, was born on May 22, 1981, in Aberdeen, Washington.1
From a young age, Danielson had an intense passion for wrestling, idolizing stars like Shawn Michaels. His dream of becoming a professional wrestler led him to train at the Texas Wrestling Academy, where he honed his skills under the guidance of Shawn Michaels and Rudy Gonzalez.
With a foundation in technical wrestling, Danielson was ready to make his mark on the professional wrestling scene.
I’ve done a lot of thinking and there’s a lot I have to say. See you Wednesday on #AEWDynamite. https://t.co/A9d0k6wbmQ
— Bryan Danielson (@bryandanielson) July 27, 2024
Independent Circuit and Early Success
Danielson began his professional wrestling career in 1999, making waves on the independent circuit.
He initially signed an 18-month contract with the World Wrestling Federation (WWF, now WWE) in 2000.
However, his time in WWE was short-lived, as he made only sporadic appearances until 2003.
This period was crucial in his development, as he continued to wrestle in various promotions, gaining valuable experience and building a reputation as one of the best technical wrestlers on the independent circuit.
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Bryan Danielson: Career
Ring of Honor: The American Dragon Rises
In 2002, Danielson joined Ring of Honor (ROH), a promotion that would become synonymous with his career.2
ROH was known for its emphasis on technical wrestling and pure competition, making it the perfect environment for Danielson to thrive. He wrestled in the main event of ROH’s first-ever show, “The Era of Honor Begins,” establishing himself as a key figure in the company.
Danielson’s time in ROH was marked by numerous accolades. He won the ROH World Championship once and the ROH Pure Championship once, becoming one of the most decorated wrestlers in the promotion’s history. In 2005, he unified both championships, solidifying his status as a top competitor.
Danielson was also the inaugural winner of the Survival of the Fittest tournament, further showcasing his dominance in ROH. His influence on the promotion was so significant that in 2022, he was inducted into the inaugural class of the ROH Hall of Fame.
International Success: Dominating Japan and Beyond
Danielson’s wrestling prowess wasn’t limited to the United States. He made a significant impact in Japan, competing in top promotions such as Pro Wrestling Noah and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW).
In Pro Wrestling Noah, he won the GHC Junior Heavyweight Championship, while in NJPW, he captured the IWGP Junior Heavyweight Tag Team Championship. These achievements further cemented Danielson’s status as a global wrestling star.
In addition to his success in Japan, Danielson won numerous titles on the independent circuit, including two Pro Wrestling Guerrilla (PWG) World Championships, the Full Impact Pro (FIP) Heavyweight Championship, and the Westside Xtreme Wrestling (wXw) World Heavyweight Championship.
His ability to adapt to different wrestling styles and environments made him a sought-after talent worldwide.
Return to WWE: The Yes Movement Begins
In 2009, Danielson returned to WWE, signing a new contract that would change the course of his career. However, his journey in WWE was not without its challenges.
In 2010, he was briefly fired from the company after a controversial incident during the Nexus invasion, where he used a tie to choke ring announcer Justin Roberts. Despite this setback, Danielson returned to WWE three months later, determined to prove his worth.
Danielson’s return to WWE marked the beginning of a new chapter in his career. Now performing under the ring name Daniel Bryan, he quickly rose to prominence, capturing the WWE Championship four times and the World Heavyweight Championship once.
His popularity skyrocketed, largely due to his underdog persona and the “Yes Movement,” a fan-driven phenomenon that took WWE by storm.
The “Yes Movement” culminated in Bryan’s victory at WrestleMania 30 in 2014, where he defeated Triple H, Batista, and Randy Orton in one night to win the WWE World Heavyweight Championship. This moment is considered one of the greatest in WrestleMania history.
Becoming a WWE Grand Slam Champion
Daniel Bryan’s success in WWE extended beyond the world titles. He won the United States Championship, Intercontinental Championship, WWE Tag Team Championship (with Kane as part of Team Hell No), and the SmackDown Tag Team Championship (with Erick Rowan).
These achievements made him WWE’s 26th Triple Crown Champion and 15th Grand Slam Champion. His ability to excel in both singles and tag team competition showcased his versatility as a performer.
In addition to his championship wins, Bryan also won the 2011 Money in the Bank ladder match and was named “Superstar of the Year” at the 2013 Slammy Awards. His headlining of several major WWE events, including WrestleMania 30 and WrestleMania 37, solidified his legacy as one of WWE’s top stars.
Bryan Danielson: Retirement and Return
In 2016, Daniel Bryan’s career took an unexpected turn when he announced his retirement from professional wrestling.3
Years of competing at the highest level had taken a toll on his body, particularly due to multiple concussions that led to seizures and a brain lesion. Bryan’s retirement was an emotional moment for fans and marked the end of an era in WWE.
Despite his retirement, Bryan remained with WWE in a non-wrestling role, serving as the on-screen General Manager of SmackDown. However, in 2018, the unthinkable happened—Bryan was medically cleared to return to in-ring competition.
His return was met with overwhelming support from fans, and he quickly reestablished himself as one of WWE’s top performers. Bryan’s resilience and determination to overcome adversity became an inspiration to many, both inside and outside the wrestling world.
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Final Days in WWE and Transition to AEW
Daniel Bryan’s final years in WWE were marked by continued success and high-profile matches. He headlined WrestleMania 37 in 2021, competing in a triple threat match against Roman Reigns and Edge for the Universal Championship.
Although he did not win, Bryan’s performance was praised for its intensity and storytelling.
In May 2021, Bryan’s WWE contract expired, and after months of speculation, he made his debut for All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in September 2021, using his real name, Bryan Danielson.
His arrival in AEW was a game-changer for the promotion, as he brought with him years of experience, a loyal fanbase, and a reputation as one of the best technical wrestlers in the world.
AEW: The American Dragon Roars Again
Since joining AEW, Bryan Danielson has continued to solidify his legacy as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time.
He quickly became a key figure in AEW, engaging in memorable feuds and delivering show-stealing matches.
Danielson joined the Blackpool Combat Club, a faction known for its hard-hitting, technical wrestling style, perfectly suited to his strengths.
In 2024, Danielson added another accolade to his illustrious career by winning the men’s Owen Hart Cup Tournament. This victory was a testament to his enduring skill and adaptability in the ring.
Danielson’s ability to consistently perform at a high level, even after two decades in the business, is a testament to his dedication and passion for professional wrestling.
Bryan Danielson: Legacy
Bryan Danielson’s impact on professional wrestling extends far beyond his in-ring achievements.
His technical wrestling style, characterized by precision and mastery of holds and submissions, has influenced a generation of wrestlers.
Danielson’s ability to connect with fans, whether as a beloved underdog or a despised villain, has made him one of the most versatile performers in wrestling history.
Danielson is also known for his commitment to the craft of wrestling. He has always emphasized the importance of storytelling in matches, believing that wrestling is not just about athleticism but also about conveying emotions and narratives that resonate with the audience.
His dedication to the art of wrestling has earned him respect from peers and fans alike.
Influence on Professional Wrestling
Bryan Danielson’s journey from the independent circuit to WWE and AEW is a story of perseverance, passion, and excellence.
Throughout his career, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of what is possible in professional wrestling, both in terms of in-ring performance and character work. His influence on the industry is undeniable, and his legacy as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time is secure.
As Danielson continues to compete in AEW, his story is far from over. Whether he is capturing championships, delivering unforgettable matches, or inspiring the next generation of wrestlers, Bryan Danielson remains an unstoppable force in the world of professional wrestling.
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