Bryan Danielson, widely known as “The American Dragon,” recently revealed the inside story behind his full-time AEW return, shared his thoughts on potentially running Ring of Honor (ROH) for AEW and owner Tony Khan, and weighed in on the ongoing WWE-AEW rivalry. Speaking in a candid interview with Pario Magazine, Danielson offered fans a rare glimpse into his mindset and future plans within professional wrestling.
Danielson’s full-time reentry to AEW programming, notably his return to AEW Dynamite, came as a surprise to many. He disclosed that he learned about the decision to rejoin AEW full-time through direct communication from Tony Khan, reaffirming the close working relationship between the two. The announcement marked a significant shift for Danielson, whose in-ring career status has been a subject of speculation after his AEW World Title loss to Jon Moxley at WrestleDream 2024. Sources close to Danielson confirm that this return is as much a transition into AEW commentary and mentorship roles as it is about wrestling[1].
Discussing his physical capacity, Bryan openly acknowledged that his body might no longer sustain the grueling schedule or the high-impact wrestling style typical in AEW’s ring. In a separate interview on the Kairouz Bros podcast, he expressed doubts about meeting AEW’s in-ring demands but showed openness to competing in smaller, independent events with less rigorous expectations. These insights portray a veteran wrestler embracing the evolving nature of his career while remaining passionate about the craft[1][3].
A highlight of the interview concerned Danielson’s interest in potentially running ROH. As AEW continues to build ROH as a developmental and cultural extension of its brand, Tony Khan has reportedly discussed with Danielson the prospect of taking on a leadership or creative role within the company. Danielson indicated a genuine curiosity and respect for the opportunity, suggesting that his deep wrestling knowledge and ethos align well with the goal of nurturing new talent. Wrestling insiders reveal that Tony Khan values Danielson’s wrestling IQ enormously and considers him a prime candidate to help shape ROH’s future[1].
Bryan Danielson also delved into his perspective on the ongoing wrestling industry battle, particularly between AEW and WWE. He criticized WWE’s attempts at counter-programming AEW’s events, interpreting it as a defensive move against the legitimacy AEW has established. He underlined the structural differences between the companies, especially regarding wrestler compensation. Danielson applauded AEW’s revenue-sharing model, noting that AEW pays wrestlers 40-50% of revenue—comparable to major U.S. sports leagues—while WWE historically paid far less. This shift, he said, is empowering wrestlers and raising industry standards, even as WWE continues to wrestle with AEW’s growing influence[4].
In light of WWE’s last-ditch efforts to re-sign him, Danielson confirmed his commitment to AEW’s wrestling-centric vision, which played a critical role in his decision to reject WWE’s final offer. Sources familiar with Danielson’s thought process say he was motivated by AEW’s emphasis on in-ring performance and creative freedom, contrasting with WWE’s corporate environment. This stance has made him a symbol for wrestlers seeking artistry and autonomy in their careers[5].
Meanwhile, Danielson’s evolving role at AEW dynamically bridges commentary, mentorship, and occasional wrestling—a formula that suits his current physical condition and experience. According to Fightful, Danielson is expected to be a consistent presence on AEW Dynamite commentary, bringing expert analysis and veteran insight that enrich the broadcast. His involvement in ROH’s future direction further emphasizes Khan’s strategy to blend AEW’s established brand with ROH’s storied legacy and developmental potential[1].
To summarize, Bryan Danielson’s AEW full-time return is more nuanced than a simple wrestling comeback. It reflects a multi-dimensional role encompassing commentary, leadership, and occasional in-ring competition tailored to his capabilities. His developing relationship with Tony Khan and potential ROH stewardship aligns with AEW’s ambition to build a wrestling empire rooted in tradition, innovation, and performer respect. Additionally, Danielson’s outspoken views on WWE’s tactics and the wrestling industry at large provide critical perspective on the competitive dynamics shaping pro wrestling in 2025.
As AEW continues to evolve, Danielson’s journey exemplifies how veteran wrestling stars adapt to new phases, contributing far beyond just their in-ring performances. Fans can expect to see “The American Dragon” not only on AEW Dynamite but potentially influencing the future stars and storylines emerging from ROH under AEW’s guidance.
Sources: Pario Magazine interview, Fightful, Kairouz Bros podcast, Ringside News, Last Word on Sports.