Bryan Danielson has been noticeably absent from AEW television, and Tony Khan finally explained why.
During a charity livestream, Khan was asked if fans could expect Danielson back on commentary anytime soon. Instead of teasing a return, the AEW President revealed the real reason the former world champion has been away: his body simply needs more time to recover after everything he’s put it through.
“Bryan’s beat up, and I’ve been giving Bryan time to recover. I’d love to have him there all the time, but he’s been home with his family, and he’s doing very well.”
Khan explained that keeping Danielson off the road isn’t just about taking a break from wrestling. The constant travel itself has become physically demanding, and allowing him to stay home with his family is a huge part of the recovery process. Rather than asking one of AEW’s biggest stars to fly across the country every week, Khan wants him focused on getting healthy.
“But it’s a lot for Bryan being on the road, and a lot of the utility of Bryan stepping away from the ring and resting is being home with his family, recovering, and trying to be off the road. So I’ve been trying to take the pressure of the road off Bryan.”
While fans have wondered why Danielson hasn’t even been sitting behind the commentary desk, Khan said it’s because even those responsibilities can be physically taxing. He’s hopeful Danielson will eventually be able to travel again, but only when he’s no longer dealing with constant pain.
“But when he’s pain-free and able to travel more, I think it will be great. Even just sitting in the chair and moving his head around in the monitor is hard. People don’t realize what toll this business has taken on this man.”
For Khan, bringing Danielson back before he’s ready simply isn’t worth it. He praised everything Danielson has already given AEW inside the ring and made it clear that protecting his health is now the priority, even if it means fans have to wait longer to see him on television again.
“It means the world to have him in AEW, but also that man knows he’s done everything he can in the ring for AEW at this point, and I don’t need to drag him out and beat him up even more when he’s hurting.”
Danielson last wrestled at WrestleDream 2024, where he lost the AEW World Championship to Jon Moxley. Although he has never officially announced his retirement, recurring neck and spinal issues have repeatedly cast doubt on whether he’ll ever compete again. Khan’s comments make it clear that, for now, AEW is putting Danielson’s long-term health ahead of getting him back on television.
Do you think Bryan Danielson will return to AEW TV once he’s healthy enough to travel? Let us know in the comments below.
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