Bryan Danielson has opened up about his role in the AEW creative process.
The American Dragon is thought of highly within the company, with Tony Khan going on record to say that if anything were to happen to him then he would want Bryan Danielson to take over his role. With it being speculated that Danielson’s brilliant wrestling mind has been used to help other storylines within the promotion, what does Danielson’s role entail?
Contrary to popular belief, Danieslon’s input is actually rather minimal. Speaking with Sports Nightly, Danielson confirmed that he is more of a sounding board for Tony Khan and the creative role itself has been slightly blown out of proportion:
“I think it’s probably a little overstated. People ask me about it all the time, and I really don’t do that much extra. Sometimes Tony asks me about certain ideas — or whatever — for “Collision,” and sometimes he doesn’t. He’s a very busy man. Football season has started … I hear a lot less from him during football season.”
Danielson further clarified his comments by stating that the majority of the ideas come from Khan:
“It’s one of those things where these shows are still Tony Khan-produced shows, most of these ideas are Tony Khan’s ideas,”
Danielson is remaining focused on his in-ring career having multiple critically acclaimed dream matches throughout 2023 with wins over Kazuchika Okada and Zack Sabre Jr. being notable highlights. While both of these matches took place in America, Danielson has frequently discussed the idea of having matches in Japan before he retires.
Bryan Danielson Reveals Retirement Plans
Danielson has made it clear that he is approaching the end of his in-ring career and will get the opportunity to retire on his terms. When all is said and done for The American Dragon, Bryan Danielson has stated that he does not want to be on TV ever again.
H/t to Wrestling Inc.