Bryan Danielson’s Full-Time In-Ring Career Believed to Be Over for Good

Bryan Danielson’s full-time wrestling career came to an emotional close at AEW WrestleDream in October 2024. Since then, the American Dragon has shifted his focus to a backstage role and recently joined the commentary team on AEW Dynamite. But while fans hold out hope for one more match, one of Danielson’s longest-running rivals isn’t optimistic.

Nigel McGuinness, who has also returned to the ring after a lengthy hiatus, spoke to The Magic of Wrestling about Danielson’s future. When asked if his former foe might step back into the ring, McGuinness shared his doubts while throwing in a trademark jab.

“I think the only reason he might do that is because he sees me do it, and once again, jealousy becomes a factor and he realises ‘I was never as good a wrestler as Nigel when I was full-time, now I could come back…’ so I don’t think so.”

McGuinness went on to explain why he thinks Danielson is unlikely to return to active competition.

“I think he’s enjoying his life with his kids. He has probably made some sort of promise to his missus in that regard, that would be my guess. He doesn’t want to get on the wrong side of her as well, she clearly wears the pants in the relationship.”

He finished by suggesting Danielson is happy to settle into a new chapter in his career.

“I don’t see it happening. I think he’s trying to really transition and steal one more thing from me when it comes to commentary, so I don’t see it happening.”

Their rivalry has stretched across decades, from their battles in ROH to their last showdown on AEW Dynamite Grand Slam in September 2024, where Danielson defeated McGuinness in a repeat of their ROH classic from fifteen years earlier. Since then, McGuinness has been wrestling more frequently in AEW, most recently facing IWGP World Heavyweight Champion Zack Sabre Jr at Forbidden Door.

While McGuinness is stepping back into the ring, Danielson appears to be embracing his new role in AEW. Whether that changes down the line remains to be seen, but for now, fans might have to accept that his in-ring days are truly behind him.