Bryan Danielson Provides Devastating Update on In-Ring Future as Neck Issues Worsen

Bryan Danielson just gave fans the clearest update yet on his health—and it’s not the comeback news many were hoping for.

After being off the active roster for over a year, The American Dragon revealed in a new interview with Chris Van Vliet that his neck issues have reached a critical point, and any hopes of an in-ring return are looking grim. Danielson confirmed he’s on the verge of needing neck surgery, and that increased travel due to his AEW Dynamite commentary gig has made things worse—not better.

“So I have degeneration throughout my entire neck from C1 to T2. I’m on the cusp of needing surgery. I’d really like to avoid it as much as possible. I’d like to never get neck surgery. I was actually doing really well until I started traveling more for commentary, and now it’s really gone downhill.”

Danielson admitted he had been holding onto hope—maybe even fooling himself—that a limited return could be possible. But reality has hit hard.

“I had these delusions of, ‘Okay, maybe I can get back and do a little bit of wrestling.’ Now I see that they really are delusions, because this traveling is like… this is not a good idea.”

When asked if he considers himself fully retired, Danielson didn’t dance around it — but he also made it clear he’s not ready to use the r-word just yet.

“I hate the r‑word because I was forced to retire before. I never consider myself fully retired. I think… this is how a lot of wrestlers think: ‘Well, I think I could do this in this situation if needed or called upon.’”

“But yeah—effectively, for the Bryan Danielson that I used to be, yeah, that guy doesn’t exist anymore.”

Even though he’s not lacing up his boots weekly, Danielson hasn’t disappeared from AEW. He’s still a regular on Dynamite commentary and even got physical at AEW All In: Texas, stepping in during a brawl with the Death Riders. But for those holding out hope that The American Dragon might roar again — this update feels like the closing of a chapter.

Danielson’s honesty makes it clear: the physical toll of his legendary career is catching up, and the dream of one final match may not be worth the cost.

Do you think Bryan Danielson should step in the ring one last time, or is it time for him to prioritize his long-term health for good? Share your thoughts in the comments — and let us know how you feel about this new chapter in Bryan Danielson’s career.

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