Backstage Reaction, Speculation On Daniel Bryan Within WWE, AEW, ROH
Added 2021-05-05 18:02:42 +0000 UTCFightful has spoken with several talent about the expiration of Daniel Bryan's WWE contract, and what they think is in store for the future Hall of Famer. WWE sources indicated that backstage, Bryan didn't make a big deal about his contract expiring, and many only heard it through the grapevine over the past few weeks as opposed to from Bryan himself.
When inquiring with sources in Ring of Honor, they said they expect ROH to make contact and at least make an effort to bring him in for some appearance at the minimum, noting the company hasn't been completely out of contact with him in recent years.
Two AEW talent we spoke with said they fully expect Bryan to remain with WWE, with one outright saying they've heard he's staying with WWE. Of course we've not been able to confirm that, as it's just speculation.
Comments
I'd love to see Bryan Danielson do something different, but I seriously doubt he would leave WWE. Does he want to shift to more of a backstage role and travel less, wind down his in-ring work? OR show up in AEW, NJPW, or ROH/IMPACT? He could potentially do every promotion outside of WWE he if wants. Maybe the real question--he might be a contender, but is he ever going to hold a title in WWE again if he goes back?
David Feig
2021-05-05 22:09:38 +0000 UTCMoving goalposts
Fightful Select
2021-05-05 21:40:09 +0000 UTCMoxley was unhappy with creative. Like, extremely unhappy to anyone who’s read one interview of his the last two years. Rhino said he left because they didn’t really have any plans for him, which I respect. Nobody should stay there if they feel like they’re not getting used to their full potential. Have we heard anything of Daniel not liking creative? It’s been awhile since I’ve seen a person who was treated well by WWE, didn’t have any known issues (that I’ve seen reported anyway), just walk away from TWO huge guarantees money situations(WWE and Total Bellas). I’ll support him wherever he goes just like I support Moxley and FTR. I just think there’s like a 99 percent chance he stays. That’s all.
Joel Wood
2021-05-05 21:38:38 +0000 UTCBryan has given so much to this business. I would love for him to continue wrestling, but if he chose not to I would feel nothing but pure happiness for him. He’s been one of the best people I’ve had to the pleasure of interacting with. I hope he continues to wrestle, but if this is it, I will always remember him as one of the best wrestlers of all time.
Bryant Heath
2021-05-05 21:36:35 +0000 UTCJon Moxley then. Rhino was offered double his downside. Literally whatever makes him happy is his priority. He will make huge money outside WWE if he chooses
Fightful Select
2021-05-05 21:17:49 +0000 UTCI’m not looking down on his motivations. Those guys you just mentioned were not treated nearly as well by WWE as the DANIELSON family. Also I’m no math expert but I’d be willing to bet Shawn Spears and Rhino were not nearly in the positions of Daniel Bryan. Maybe “affording the lifestyle “ was a wrong choice of words. I’ll accept that. But throwing away the kinda deal he had to wrestle on the independents? Maybe 3 years ago I would’ve expected it when he really wanted to wrestle again . Now? I can’t see it. Has nothing to do with looking down on his motivations. I just know at this stage of his life, his main priority as stated multiple times is his family so if doing what’s best for his family, I can’t see how touring the independents again fits in to that.
Joel Wood
2021-05-05 21:15:42 +0000 UTCIf he wants, yes. Or get this....he doesn't have to be on a show that doesn't bear his name. You already pretended like he couldn't afford his lifestyle. Who the fuck are you to look down on anyone's motivations, whether it be working for WWE or "doing a few indie matches?" YOU DO NOT KNOW HIS MOTIVATIONS. Rhino, FTR, Spears all passed on more money. Cody, Hager, others created situations where they made more money than in WWE
Fightful Select
2021-05-05 21:02:28 +0000 UTCLol so just cancel Total Bellas so Daniel can go wrestle a few Indy matches? He’s had a sweet deal for years, making talent pay and total Bellas pay. He’s not going to get a better deal anywhere else. If dates is the only issue keeping him from re-signing then I don’t see him being gone that long
Joel Wood
2021-05-05 20:42:16 +0000 UTCWho cares? They've done a ton of seasons of it. They're not living paycheck to paycheck
Fightful Select
2021-05-05 20:20:55 +0000 UTCValid, and that reality show that they’re involved in, Total Bellas(objectively I’ve not watched one episode of Total Divas so idk if they’re still a presence on that show). Who’s one of the production companies involved in that? You think “ROH Superstar Bryan Danielson “ is going to be allowed to appear on it? Because I do not which might complicate things with them being married and all
Joel Wood
2021-05-05 20:02:50 +0000 UTCJoel, you're objectively wrong. He's spent a decade earning six figures in WWE, his wife has been doing the same, and they have reality show money from two series. They'd never have to work again if they chose
Fightful Select
2021-05-05 18:52:47 +0000 UTCBryan lives in a mansion in Napa valley California, one of the most expensive places to live in the country. He’s not affording that lifestyle touring the indies. He might do a couple one offs at the most before going back to WWE
Joel Wood
2021-05-05 18:51:17 +0000 UTCIf ROH runs back that "past vs present" gimmick PPV and somehow manages to book Bryan Danielson and Samoa Joe on it I'm flying from Ontario Canada to wherever it is and attending
KingoftheNorth
2021-05-05 18:16:14 +0000 UTCI really hope he leaves but he should do what’s best for his family
Jack Murphy
2021-05-05 18:05:33 +0000 UTC
