Bryan Danielson’s AEW In-Ring Return Still Possible Despite Medical Hold

Bryan Danielson hasn’t wrestled since dropping the AEW World Title to Jon Moxley at AEW Wrestle Dynasty—and now we know why. He’s not cleared to compete. But behind the scenes, AEW still has plans in motion, just in case the American Dragon gets the green light.

Danielson recently revealed on the Daly Migs Show that while he’s still active behind the curtain, stepping inside the ring isn’t an option right now.

“I don’t know, but right now, I’m not cleared to wrestle,” Danielson said during the interview. “Even if I wanted to, if I said, ‘Hey, I’m going to be there.’ I will be there in Kent. I will be there live in front of the people, but probably not on television. It’ll just be for the people there live.”

According to Fightful Select, Danielson’s in-ring future has been in question for some time—but his presence within AEW has never fully disappeared. He’s still involved as a creative consultant and often helps out backstage or with media. Sources confirmed AEW has been very deliberate with its wording, only referring to Danielson as being done “full-time,” leaving the door open for a future return.

Danielson’s last major update came in December when he said that he wasn’t feeling physically great and wanted to avoid surgery if possible. There’s been no confirmation that he’s undergone any procedures since then. His neck remains a major concern, but his love for wrestling is still burning.

That showed when Danielson made a surprise appearance at ROH Global Wars: Mexico, jumping in to make the save for lucha libre legend Blue Panther. AEW sources said that this moment was deeply personal for Danielson, and the company even brought in Shane Taylor Promotions specifically to build around that angle.

Despite not being active in the ring, AEW has already set up subtle callbacks for a Danielson return. One example: Wheeler YUTA has been incorporating Danielson’s signature moves into his own arsenal. We’re told that these aren’t coincidences—they’re breadcrumbs for when (or if) Bryan gets cleared to compete again.

Backstage, there was even a moment that raised eyebrows: Danielson took a back bump. Sources say it helped solidify internal belief that he’ll eventually be back inside the ring, even if not on a full-time basis.

Bryan Danielson might be sidelined, but AEW clearly hasn’t stopped planning for a return—and fans haven’t stopped hoping for one.