It was reported on Wednesday that Daniel Bryan, real name Bryan Danielson, has reportedly signed with AEW.
The belief is he’ll make his promotional debut on the September 22nd episode of Dynamite at Arthur Ashe Stadium, which has already sold 15,000 tickets.
Dave Meltzer talked about this report on today’s Wrestling Observer Radio and noted that one of the biggest factors in Bryan signing with AEW could be due to their relationship with NJPW. Meltzer did note that he hasn’t confirmed whether Bryan has officially signed with AEW.
Bryan has gone on record in the past by noting that he wants to wrestle for other promotions. A few months ago, it was reported that WWE President Nick Khan did have talks with NJPW about a working relationship and Bryan was a topic of conversation in the talks. This would’ve allowed WWE to re-sign Bryan while also letting him work for NJPW.
“As far as Bryan Danielson goes, I’m pretty sure that whatever decision…I mean there are a lot of factors that are going into whatever decision he would make and it was New Japan, AEW, and WWE.
I don’t think he didn’t consider anybody else. He has loyalty to WWE and Vince McMahon and has a lot of friends in WWE. At the same time, in the end, the company who had the relationship with New Japan was going to be the favorite to get him.”
You can listen to the entire clip by clicking on the player below (quotes can be found around the 38 seconds mark):
