26-04-2025
Bryan Danielson Appears to Have Retired From Wrestling
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While providing an update on his health and in-ring status, Bryan Danielson implied that he is leaning towards retirement from wrestling. Danielson's illustrious wrestling career faces an uncertain future as he grapples with a persistent and significant neck injury.
This is following his last in-ring appearance at Wrestle Dynasty, where he conceded the World Title to Jon Moxley.
In October, Danielson expressed a strong desire to avoid surgery, opting instead for stem cell treatment in a bid to facilitate healing and circumvent a potentially career-altering procedure. However, by December of the same year, the top star stated the likelihood of his returning to active competition was a precarious "50/50."
Danielson has refrained from definitively closing the door on a potential comeback despite the looming uncertainty. During a recent appearance in London for the weigh-in event preceding the Chris Eubank Jr. vs. Conor Benn boxing match, Danielson spoke with NMedia's Jamal Niaz.
During it, he directly questioned about the possibility of a return to AEW to challenge Jon Moxley once again, Danielson offered a starkly honest reply: "Yeah, but my neck is wrecked."
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Expanding on the chances of him stepping back into the squared circle at all, Danielson elaborated on the delicate balance he now faces: "So, it's not 'no chance' but it's risk versus reward, at this point. I want to be able to live comfortably with my wife and kids. One of the things our society has a real problem with is realizing when enough is enough and I'm very satisfied with my career and I think enough is enough."
TOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 04: Bryan Danielson enters the ring during the New Japan Pro-Wrestling～Wrestle Kingdom 18 in Tokyo Dome on January 04, 2024 in Tokyo, Japan.
TOKYO, JAPAN - JANUARY 04: Bryan Danielson enters the ring during the New Japan Pro-Wrestling～Wrestle Kingdom 18 in Tokyo Dome on January 04, 2024 in Tokyo, drew parallels between the build-up to the Eubank Jr. vs. Benn fight and the intricate storytelling often found in professional wrestling.
"I'm a fan of (Eubank Jr.) but I'm also a fan of the build to this fight," Danielson stated. "It's like better than a pro wrestling build. It's like they took so many elements from pro wrestling into this thing – the rivalry between the fathers, even the intrigue about Chris Eubanks Jr's dad, that they're not really in good connection – there's so much drama and intrigue into this fight, but I'm a Chris Eubanks Jr. guy."
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