Bryan Danielson’s retirement marks the end of an era in professional wrestling. His contributions to the sport are undeniable, and his influence will be felt for years to come
While his final match ended in controversy and violence, it was a fitting conclusion to a career that was always about pushing boundaries and defying expectations.
As fans, wrestlers, and the entire wrestling community bid farewell to “The American Dragon,” one thing is certain—Bryan Danielson’s legacy will endure, and his name will forever be etched in the annals of wrestling history.
Bryan Danielson’s journey from a shy, small-town boy to one of the most respected and accomplished professional wrestlers of all time is nothing short of remarkable.
His career, marked by numerous championships, unforgettable matches, and a strong connection with fans, continues to inspire the next generation of wrestlers.
Today, Danielson remains a key figure in AEW and professional wrestling at large, proving that passion, perseverance, and talent can overcome any obstacle.
Table of Contents
Bryan Danielson’s Final Match: Legendary Career
Bryan Danielson, a former world champion and one of the most respected names in professional wrestling, has officially ended his full-time wrestling career.1
The news came as a shock to many fans when it was revealed that Jon Moxley retired “The American Dragon” during the AEW WrestleDream pay-per-view (PPV). This marked the end of an illustrious career filled with iconic matches, title reigns, and unforgettable moments.
Danielson’s retirement, however, did not come in a peaceful fashion. The former AEW World Champion had previously hinted that he would retire once his time as champion was over.
At WrestleDream, Jon Moxley, known for his aggressive and violent style, delivered the final blow, choking out Danielson to secure a submission victory. But the post-match events turned what was supposed to be a dignified exit into a brutal affair.
3 things:
1. YES, remember #AEWDynamite is tonight! #TitleTuesday!!! @AEW2. What does “Deadass” mean? It’s a conjunction that makes little sense
3. Lee will be fined an undisclosed amount for putting me in a Yankees hat. https://t.co/c5ApGLl0NE
— Bryan Danielson (@bryandanielson) October 8, 2024
The Final Showdown: Jon Moxley vs. Bryan Danielson
At AEW WrestleDream, Jon Moxley and Bryan Danielson faced off in a highly anticipated match. Both men, known for their technical prowess and fierce fighting spirit, delivered an intense bout.
Moxley, a former AEW World Champion and member of the Blackpool Combat Club, was determined to not only defeat Danielson but also end his career in dramatic fashion.
The match was hard-hitting from the start, with both wrestlers trading vicious strikes and submission holds. As the bout wore on, Moxley began to gain the upper hand. In the final moments, he locked in a brutal chokehold, forcing Danielson to submit.
This not only ended the match but also effectively ended Danielson’s full-time wrestling career, as he had previously promised that his championship loss would mark his retirement.
Bryan Danielson’s Shocking Retirement Announcement
AEW wasted no time in confirming the end of Bryan Danielson’s full-time in-ring career.2
Shortly after WrestleDream, the company issued an official acknowledgment of Danielson’s retirement, posting a heartfelt “Thank you” message on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter).
The news quickly went viral, with wrestling fans expressing a mix of emotions—gratitude for Danielson’s contributions to the sport, and sadness at the suddenness of his retirement.
Danielson’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. From his days in WWE as Daniel Bryan, where he became a multiple-time world champion, to his impressive run in AEW, Danielson earned the respect of both fans and fellow wrestlers.
Known for his technical mastery, high in-ring IQ, and underdog spirit, he became a beloved figure in the world of professional wrestling.
The announcement of his retirement caught many off guard, especially given the intensity of his last match and the brutal post-match attack. Despite the shocking circumstances surrounding his exit, fans poured out tributes and messages of appreciation, celebrating the legacy of one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.
Post-Match Chaos: Blackpool Combat Club’s Brutal Attack
The drama didn’t stop with the end of the match. After Jon Moxley secured the win, the Blackpool Combat Club (BCC) made their presence felt in a shocking and violent manner.
Danielson, exhausted from the grueling match, was left vulnerable as his fellow BCC members unleashed a vicious assault on him.
Wheeler Yuta and Darby Allin initially rushed to the ring, seemingly to assist Danielson. However, in a shocking twist, Yuta betrayed his mentor.
In a display of brutality, Yuta choked out Danielson using a plastic bag, an attack that left the crowd in stunned silence.
The violence escalated further when Claudio Castagnoli, another key member of the Blackpool Combat Club, delivered a devastating steel chair shot to Danielson’s neck. The severity of the attack resulted in Danielson being stretchered out of the ring, bringing a grim end to his final AEW appearance.
Max Caster’s Controversial Reaction to Bryan Danielson’s Retirement
While many in the wrestling world were left saddened by Bryan Danielson’s retirement, not everyone shared those sentiments.3
One individual who seemed quite pleased with the turn of events was Max Caster, a member of The Acclaimed, a popular tag team in AEW.
Caster, known for his brash and often controversial persona, took to X (Twitter) to express his happiness regarding Danielson’s retirement.
Caster, who frequently makes headlines for his outspoken nature and provocative social media posts, wasted no time in capitalizing on Danielson’s retirement for his own gain. In his tweet, he made it clear that he was pleased to see Danielson exit the wrestling world, further fueling his reputation as one of AEW’s more divisive characters.
The tweet quickly sparked reactions from both fans and fellow wrestlers, with some criticizing Caster for his insensitivity, while others applauded him for staying true to his “heel” (villainous) persona.
Caster’s reaction highlighted the complex and often polarizing nature of professional wrestling, where the lines between reality and scripted personas can blur.
Jon Moxley’s Role in Bryan Danielson’s Farewell
Jon Moxley’s involvement in Bryan Danielson’s final chapter is significant. The two men, both members of the Blackpool Combat Club, shared a mutual respect, but also an intense rivalry.
Moxley, known for his violent, unpredictable style, played a pivotal role in retiring Danielson, a man he had both fought alongside and against.
Moxley’s submission victory at WrestleDream was not just the end of the match, but also a symbolic passing of the torch within AEW.
Moxley, a former WWE star like Danielson, has become one of AEW’s biggest names, carrying the mantle of leadership in the company. His role in Danielson’s farewell solidified his place as a top figure in AEW’s present and future.
Also Read: Bryan Danielson (WWE): Injury, Bio, Wiki, Age, Career, Legacy, Retirement and More
Bryan Danielson: Legacy
A Career Defined by Excellence
As the dust settles on Bryan Danielson’s wrestling career, it’s important to reflect on the legacy he leaves behind.
Danielson’s journey from the independent wrestling circuit to the heights of WWE and later AEW is a testament to his dedication, passion, and skill. He was never the biggest or most physically imposing wrestler, but his technical brilliance and storytelling ability in the ring made him a true legend.
In WWE, as Daniel Bryan, he became a symbol of the underdog, rallying fans behind his improbable rise to the top.
His “Yes Movement” during his WWE tenure remains one of the most memorable fan-driven moments in wrestling history. He won multiple championships, headlined WrestleMania, and became a global star.
After his departure from WWE, Danielson joined AEW, where he continued to deliver stellar performances. His matches with the likes of Kenny Omega, MJF, and Jon Moxley showcased that even in the later stages of his career, he could still compete at the highest level.
His technical matches, infused with psychology and intensity, earned him widespread acclaim in AEW as well.
What’s Next for Bryan Danielson?
With Bryan Danielson’s full-time in-ring career now behind him, the question on everyone’s mind is, “What’s next for The American Dragon?” While his wrestling career may have come to an end, Danielson’s influence on the sport is far from over.
It’s likely that Danielson will continue to be involved in the wrestling world in some capacity, whether as a backstage mentor, trainer, or even a commentator.
Many fans are also hopeful that Danielson could make sporadic appearances in AEW or other promotions for special matches or events.
Given his popularity and the respect he commands within the industry, it’s hard to imagine Danielson stepping away from the wrestling business entirely.
Bryan Danielson: WWE Career
- Bryan Danielson returned to WWE in 2009 under the ring name “Daniel Bryan,” marking a new chapter in his career. However, his journey with WWE was not without controversy.
- In 2010, Danielson was fired after an incident during a televised segment. Despite this setback, he was rehired three months later, and his career skyrocketed from that point forward.
- Daniel Bryan became one of WWE’s most beloved and successful superstars. He won the WWE Championship four times, the World Heavyweight Championship once, and both the WWE United States and Intercontinental Championships.
- He was also a multiple-time tag team champion, forming the popular Team Hell No with Kane, with whom he won the WWE Tag Team Championship.
- One of the defining moments of his career came when he won the 2011 Money in the Bank ladder match.
- He would go on to headline several major WWE events, most notably WrestleMania 30 in 2014, where he won the WWE World Heavyweight Championship in one of the most celebrated moments in wrestling history.
- This victory was the culmination of a grassroots movement known as the “Yes Movement,” where fans passionately rallied behind Bryan to secure his place at the top of WWE.
- In 2015, Daniel Bryan added to his achievements by winning the Intercontinental Championship, becoming the 26th WWE Triple Crown Champion and the 15th WWE Grand Slam Champion.
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Departure from WWE and Arrival in AEW
After his WWE contract expired in May 2021, Danielson decided to explore new opportunities. In September 2021, he made his highly anticipated debut in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), marking the next major phase of his wrestling career.
Fans embraced Danielson’s arrival in AEW, and he wasted no time establishing himself as one of the top competitors in the company.
Since joining AEW, Danielson has headlined multiple pay-per-view events and solidified his status as one of the most technically skilled wrestlers in the world.
In 2024, he won the prestigious Owen Hart Cup, further adding to his list of accolades. At AEW’s All In 2024 event, Danielson reached another career milestone when he defeated Swerve Strickland to win the AEW World Championship.
This victory made him a world champion in AEW, following his world title reigns in WWE and ROH, demonstrating his continued excellence across multiple promotions.
Also Read: Bryan Danielson’s Scary Neck Injury: Medical Team Responds to AEW Star’s Fall
