Bryan Danielson, one of professional wrestling’s most respected figures, is officially joining AEW Dynamite’s full-time commentary team starting September 10, 2025. Far from merely resting on his decades-long in-ring acclaim, Danielson has committed to his new role with the same seriousness and dedication he applied as a 15-year-old flipping burgers at McDonald’s.
AEW President Tony Khan revealed that Danielson’s transition to broadcasting reflects his meticulous preparation and deep wrestling knowledge. Khan praised Bryan’s insightful commentary and noted that fans want to not only see but hear Danielson’s intelligent perspective on AEW television. Khan stated on the Battleground podcast that Danielson’s track record of research and understanding spanning multiple wrestling promotions worldwide made him an ideal fit, especially following his successful guest commentary stint at AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door[1][2][4].
Danielson himself likened his approach to commentary with how he tackled his first job at McDonald’s, emphasizing humility, consistency, and hard work. Sources close to Danielson revealed that he views this broadcasting role not as a step down from wrestling but as a continuation of his commitment to excellence in every professional challenge. Just as flipping burgers required focus and pride in the task, Danielson says commentary demands full attention and the desire to add meaningful insights for fans[1].
This new role comes after Danielson concluded his full-time in-ring career earlier in 2024 during AEW’s WrestleDream pay-per-view. Fans and critics alike have applauded his ability to transition smoothly from wrestler to broadcaster, with many anticipating that his technical knowledge and storytelling abilities will enhance AEW Dynamite’s presentation. Wrestling journalist Jason Powell highlighted that the Dynamite commentary team will now likely feature Danielson alongside Excalibur and Taz, while longtime announcer Tony Schiavone moves exclusively to AEW Collision[3].
Tony Khan’s enthusiasm for Danielson’s integration is evident. He remarked, “Bryan’s a great star, and people want to see Bryan Danielson on television and hear Bryan Danielson on television, and thankfully, he’s got very intelligent, insightful things to say when he does talk. I really thought Bryan would be a great part of the commentary team, and he did a fantastic job on Forbidden Door”[2][4].
Behind the scenes, sources close to AEW indicate that Danielson’s work ethic and professionalism played a significant role in Khan’s decision. His willingness to immerse himself fully in the preparation process for every broadcast—scrutinizing opponents, match histories, and storylines—has impressed colleagues. A WWE insider familiar with Danielson’s career trajectory noted, “It’s rare to see someone who dominated in the ring translate that to commentary without ego. Bryan is treating this like any vital job, putting in the hours and focusing on what the fans want to hear”[1].
This move aligns with a growing trend in wrestling promotions where veteran stars leverage their in-ring experience to enrich broadcast teams, combining expert analysis with storytelling flair. Danielson’s deep roots in technical wrestling and his international experience give him added credibility, particularly for shows like Forbidden Door that feature talent from AEW, NJPW, and other global promotions.
In addition to live commentary, insiders suggest Danielson may contribute to promotional segments and behind-the-scenes content, further expanding his AEW presence. His familiarity with wrestling psychology and ring strategy is expected to bring nuance and educational value to the broadcasts, appealing to both hardcore fans and casual viewers.
As AEW continues to diversify its television offerings across Dynamite, Collision, and pay-per-view specials, adding a knowledgeable commentator like Bryan Danielson solidifies the brand’s commitment to quality production and fan engagement. Fans can expect Danielson to bring the same passion to the microphone that earned him accolades inside the squared circle.
In summary, Bryan Danielson’s appointment to AEW Dynamite’s full-time commentary team reflects his renowned work ethic, which he traces back to his formative years flipping burgers at McDonald’s. Supported by Tony Khan’s confidence and fans’ enthusiasm, Danielson is poised to elevate AEW broadcasts with his expert insights and professionalism. Beginning this Wednesday from Philadelphia’s 2300 Arena, the “American Dragon” sets out to prove that great work—whether in wrestling or flipping burgers—is always about attitude and preparation[1][2][3][4][5].