Bryan Danielson (fka Daniel Bryan in WWE) wrestled Undisputed WWE Universal Champion Roman Reigns on the April 30th 2021 episode of SmackDown in a Title vs. Career match, which he lost.
The loss led to Danielson being written off WWE programming as his contract was set to expire around that time.
The former WWE Champion left the company and made his AEW debut in the main event of the 2021 All Out pay-per-view, after Kenny Omega defeated Christian Cage to retain the AEW World Championship.
Speaking to Sports Illustrated, Danielson discussed his pro wrestling career and AEW contract, and revealed that his deal with Tony Khan’s promotion expires shortly after his daughter’s birthday.
“In my mind, it’s around August of next year. My daughter will say, ‘Daddy, are you going to be done wrestling when I turn 7?’ And I’ll respond, ‘Well, not exactly when you turn 7, but I’ll be on the home stretch.’
I don’t think I’ll ever reach a point where I declare I’m absolutely done. I want the ability to show up when I want to show up. Terry Funk is someone I always admired. He retired a million times, but he loved it so much he couldn’t help but keep doing it. And he did it when he wanted. For me, it might be a couple times a year, or it might be years between matches.
I didn’t get a chance to do All In this year. I would like that chance next year. We have a show, WrestleDream, this October 1 in Seattle where I’m wrestling Zack Sabre Jr. If we have another next year in Seattle? Maybe it will be then. My daughter turns 7 in May, so it’s a good time to close down the shop.
I always thought I’d wrestle until the day I die. But it’s not going to be this regular, weekly wrestling. I don’t even know if it’s going to be wrestling at big shows. I’ve always wanted to wrestle for DEFY in Seattle. How easy would it be for me to call the promoter and pop in some weekend? They wouldn’t even need to promote me. I could come in, surprise people, and do my thing.”
AEW had signed many former WWE wrestlers in 2021, and several stars agreed to 3-year deals, so a lot of contracts will likely expire in 2024.
Also Read: Top Star Reportedly Done With AEW, Headed To WWE
WATCH: Revealing Video Of Brie Bella’s (Daniel Bryan’s Wife) Top Being Taken Off:
