Major Update On Bryan Danielson's AEW Future

Contract news on AEW's Bryan Danielson, who plans to step back in a year.

by Andy H Murray
Bryan Danielson AEW
AEW

Bryan Danielson's AEW contract is due to expire in September 2024, reports Dave Meltzer on Wrestling Observer Radio.

'The American Dragon' signed a three-year deal with the Tony Khan-helmed promotion in the summer of 2021, debuting on the 5 September All Out 2021 pay-per-view. Given Danielson's injury record, Khan can extend the contract if he wishes. However, Meltzer theorised that the AEW founder and CEO isn't "... gonna be a dirty guy in this situation if Bryan wants to be finished."

Danielson recently stated he intends to scale back as a full-time in-ring performer by next August.

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If the former WWE Champion wants to quit the company once his contract expires, AEW won't be able to do anything about it. Meltzer added that although Danielson doesn't have anything against WWE, and nothing can ever be ruled out entirely in wrestling, he doesn't get the impression that Bryan wants to return to the market leaders once his AEW deal elapses.

Danielson is set to miss an indefinite period of ring time after suffering a broken orbital bone, bringing a stellar in-ring year to a close. There is currently no timetable for his return.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.