AEW’s Tony Khan on future of Bryan Danielson: ‘He’s planning to stay with us for a long time’

At one point, and recently, Bryan Danielson heavily considered hanging up his gear and calling it a career. And while there is still no guarantee that he won’t, he hasn’t just yet, and that’s at least promising for Tony Khan and his promotion because Danielson is a future Hall of Famer across multiple brands that include WWE.

The originator of the Yes! movement is also a legend on the independent circuit and in NJPP (New Japan Wrestling) so, yeah, he’s kind of a big deal.

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“We have so many great captains on this team, and that’s what’s really exciting,” Khan told the Rich Eisen Show, via Fightful . “We have great leadership, great people here, and nobody greater, I think it’s fair to say, Bryan Danielson is a huge part of the company.”

But does that mean it’ll be as in-ring talent? A manager on the mic? Or in some other leadership capacity altogether??

Khan admits he’s unsure.

"I can’t say how much time Bryan has left in the ring, but he has said this will be his final year, and this is gonna be the year Bryan hangs them up from full-time wrestling. At that point, it’s gonna be a sad day for pro wrestling and for me personally. But it’s great to be able to have Bryan that I can call and talk to and have in the locker room with us every week.

“ …  I hope Bryan will [absolutely, 100%] stay here for the rest of his life, and I know he’s planning to stay with us for a long time going forward as part of the company. I would want Bryan to stay with us as long as humanly possible.”

It sounds as if Danielson has found a permanent home in AEW, while knowing that every promotion is technically that for him as well because, again, legend.