Bryan Danielson - better known to WWE fans as Daniel Bryan - did what many thought was impossible in 2018 when he returned from a career-ending brain injury. Multiple concussions led to seizures and a brain lesion, but he was cleared and wrestled for WWE until 2021.
Deciding he needed more than what the company had to offer, he signed with AEW and finally became AEW World Champion at this year's All In PPV. However, he lost the title to Jon Moxley months later at WrestleDream 2024 in what was billed as his final pro wrestling match.
In a new interview, Danielson addressed his future and admitted he's okay with possibly never stepping back into the squared circle.
"My neck is not great," he admitted. "It’s causing me to not sleep good and some of these other things. But at the end of the day, I’m happy. At first, it was a little bit tough."
"It’s like, for parents out there, it’s like the first three weeks that you have a child and you’re not sleeping at all, but then you get used to not sleeping very well [Laughs]," Danielson continued. "So I’ve just become used to the not sleeping. Yeah, I’m happy. I’ve just had an incredible time just being with my family and being with my kids."
Asked whether he would consider having surgery to try and fix the issue, he admitted that isn't currently at the top of his list of priorities.
"I’m trying to avoid it," Danielson said with a laugh. "Maybe [when asked if it’s possible to avoid.] I’d like to avoid it as much as possible. The idea to me is that surgery is a last resort, not a first resort. I’m trying some other things first before going under the knife. That’s kind of my plan now.
"If I had to guess right now, I would say it’s 50/50 if I’ll ever...and I’m okay with that," he said of his in-ring future. "I loved the time I got to spend doing this, but I also love what I’m doing now."
Danielson is still working behind the scenes in AEW and seemingly intends to remain there for the time being. We'd be shocked if he doesn't one day get inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame, though, as many feel his greatest achievements were as part of that company.
You can watch the full interview with Danielson below.