The wrestling world is abuzz with speculation about Bryan Danielson’s future as AEW’s WrestleDream event approaches. With Danielson’s recent statements and seemingly self-imposed career stipulations, fans are left wondering if this could be the end of the road for one of professional wrestling’s most beloved figures.
The Road to WrestleDream
Bryan Danielson’s journey to WrestleDream has been dramatic. After winning the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, Danielson earned a shot at the AEW World Championship against Swerve Strickland at All In London. In a bold move, Danielson declared that if he failed to capture the title, he would quit wrestling altogether.
A Championship Victory with a Catch
In a match of the year candidate, Danielson emerged victorious, claiming the AEW World Championship. However, the celebration came with a bittersweet announcement: Danielson stated that his full-time in-ring career would end once he loses the title.
This stipulation has set the stage for an intense buildup to WrestleDream, where Danielson is set to defend his championship against Jon Moxley.
The Specter of Retirement
Danielson’s potential full-time retirement at WrestleDream is not just idle speculation. Several factors contribute to the possibility that this could indeed be his final match.
A History of Retirement
This isn’t the first time Danielson has faced retirement. In 2016, while wrestling as Daniel Bryan in WWE, he was forced to step away from the ring due to concussion-related issues. That retirement lasted two years before he was cleared to compete again.
Family Considerations
Danielson has been open about his family’s influence on his career decisions. He revealed that his daughter has been ready for him to be home for over a year, and he’s excited about the prospect of being a full-time dad. This personal factor adds weight to the possibility of his retirement.
Physical Struggles
Recent interviews have shed light on Danielson’s ongoing physical challenges. He has given insight into his injury struggles , which may be influencing his decision to consider retirement. These physical issues, combined with family considerations, paint a picture of a wrestler who may be ready to hang up his boots.
The Emotional Readiness
Unlike his forced retirement in WWE, Danielson appears to be mentally prepared for this potential end to his in-ring career.
Danielson has expressed that his emotional state is different this time around . He feels mentally ready for retirement, partly due to his physical struggles and the fulfilling family life he now enjoys.
Predictions and Speculations
Some, like Tommy Dreamer, believe that while Danielson may lose the AEW World Title at WrestleDream, he won’t retire :
“If he [Danielson] loses, he’s done and he’s done for a while, but I do not think he will be. He needs neck surgery, legit. He’s gonna be gone probably for a year, but I don’t think he’s going to announce his retirement, and I don’t think, you know, in wrestling, they’ve always done things. Sting came back recently, but he didn’t wrestle. I think he’ll [Danielson] be a part-time in-ring performer after WrestleDream.”
Others speculate that this could indeed be the event where Danielson takes his final bow.
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