Bryan Danielson Closes In-Ring Career for Good, Joins AEW Commentary Team Full-Time
It’s the end of an era for The American Dragon. AEW President Tony Khan announced that Bryan Danielson will join the AEW Dynamite broadcast team full-time starting Wednesday, September 10. Danielson, 44, will make his official commentary debut at the historic 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, with the show airing live on TBS and simulcast on HBO Max.
Starting this Wednesday,@bryandanielson The American Dragon will join the
— Tony Khan (@TonyKhan) September 6, 2025
Wednesday Night #AEWDynamite
commentary team full-time!
Welcome back Bryan on Dynamite this Wednesday Night,
+
See you on@TNTdrama And/or HBO Max
8pm ET/7pm CT
For Saturday Night #AEWCollision
TONIGHT!!
Danielson is no stranger to the broadcast booth, having filled in on commentary during several AEW shows in the past. But now, following the conclusion of his full-time in-ring career at AEW WrestleDream in October 2024, Danielson is ready to make the transition permanent.
Bryan Danielson on Retirement: “I’m Ready To Be Done”
Speaking with SENQ 693, Danielson reflected on his decision to walk away from competition, noting that his final months in the ring were spent working through constant pain.
“Nope. Not a single thing. There’s not a single thing,” Danielson said when asked if he had unfinished business in wrestling. “I’ve been very fortunate in my career to have some incredible moments. When I was forced to retire before, I wasn’t ready to be done. But with the last six months of my wrestling career being in as much pain as I was, that kind of put me in this thing like, ‘Okay, you know what, I think I’m ready to be done.’”
Danielson, who is now focused on parenting and mentoring younger wrestlers, explained that he remains fulfilled by the sport without the grind of full-time wrestling. He also dismissed any interest in acting, saying he still spends his free time reading and watching wrestling, often studying old matches to pass lessons on to the next generation.
Wrestling.news | Backstage Take
Bryan Danielson has always been revered as a wrestler’s wrestler, and his decision to officially hang up the boots closes one of the most influential chapters in modern wrestling history. His move to commentary ensures that fans will still hear his voice and insight every week, while AEW’s younger roster will continue to benefit from his knowledge. The American Dragon may be finished inside the ropes, but his impact on the business is far from over.
