Bryan Danielson nears retirement, set for AEW World Championship match despite contract expiration

Bryan Danielson, known as “The American Dragon,” is approaching retirement from professional wrestling. His AEW contract expired before All In, and he needs neck surgery by year’s end. Despite this, he’s set to compete for the AEW World Championship at All In 2024 in Wembley Stadium.

Danielson has been working without a contract since August 1, including his recent match on AEW Dynamite. He’s medically cleared for his upcoming match against AEW World Champion Swerve Strickland at All In, but wasn’t cleared for the July 24 Blood & Guts match. His medical issues have limited his appearances since winning the 2024 Owen Hart Foundation Tournament.

If Danielson loses to Strickland, he says he’ll never wrestle again. Interestingly, Danielson has reportedly asked to lose most of his matches and never win a championship, even regretting his wins.

Despite his contract expiration, Danielson continues to work in creative roles and on AEW’s disciplinary committee. He’s expected to stay with AEW after retiring from full-time competition. While respected in WWE, they haven’t reached out to him.

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