AEW performer Bryan Danielson was a guest on the “Superstar Crossover” podcast with Josh Martinez, where he discussed several topics, including his perspective on John Cena’s legacy, a theory on the evolution of modern television wrestling, his thoughts on his own career, and his AEW colleagues.
On John Cena’s Legacy
When asked to comment on the legacy of John Cena, Danielson focused on Cena’s character and actions outside of the ring, particularly his work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
“It’s the charity stuff that he’s done, and not ever wanting acknowledgment for it,” Danielson said. “He did more Make-A-Wishes than anybody ever and didn’t need anybody to know… He wanted to improve the lives of those children. When I think of John Cena, I’m thinking of that.”
Danielson also spoke about Cena’s work ethic and professionalism. “John Cena was always the first person at the building,” he recalled. “I’m perpetually early, and John Cena was always there before me… he would be there working.”
Danielson also commented on Cena’s history of losing matches to other performers. “One of the things that I think of in John Cena too, is his willingness to give back,” Danielson stated. “There were a period of years where… I don’t think he won a single match. He was just constantly losing to guys, but he never lost his star power. And this idea of being so confident in your abilities that you can go out there and you have no problem losing.”
The Business Decision That Changed Wrestling
Danielson offered a theory on a WWE business decision that he believes shaped the present state of in-ring wrestling in America. He credits the expansion of Monday Night Raw to a three-hour broadcast as a key factor.
“What I actually pinpoint to this, as far as American TV wrestling, is Raw going to three hours,” Danielson stated. “Three hours is almost too much content… what WWE needed, is they needed people who could go out there and entertain people with their wrestling, because you couldn’t do three hours of interview segments.” He said this created a new industry standard. “If you can’t go out there and carry a match that goes through a commercial break that’s at least 10 minutes, you’re going to have a hard time in a major wrestling company.”
On Life’s “Second Mountain” and Retirement
The conversation also covered Danielson’s career and his perspective on stepping back from a full-time in-ring role. He contrasted his current mindset with his first retirement, which was due to injury. “I was not ready to be done with wrestling [the first time]… This time, I was ready,” he said.
He cited a desire to be more present for his family as a reason for his transition. “I’m ready to spend more time at home with my family,” he said. “This past year I was able to coach my son’s T-ball team. I would have never been able to do that before.”
He framed this new phase of his life through the philosophy from the book “The Second Mountain” by David Brooks. “You spend the first half of your life pursuing this mountain that is culturally defined as success,” Danielson explained. “And then you get to the top of that mountain… and you realize that that wasn’t the mountain at all. There’s another mountain that you want to climb.”
Danielson further elaborated on this perspective, referencing writer Joseph Campbell. “What you really want out of this… is that you want to feel like you experienced a real life,” he said. “One of the things with children is… every single morning, my daughter, who’s eight, runs from her room and jumps into my arms… and I can feel her heartbeat, and it’s like, oh, like, this is the experience of living.”
On His Colleagues
Danielson also commented on his AEW colleagues Eddie Kingston and Big Bill ahead of their match at All Out, mentioning their personal histories.
“I admire Eddie a lot in the sense of, he’s had a lot of mental health struggles… and I think he has the ability to positively impact people with his story,” Danielson stated. He then noted that Big Bill has a “very similar story” of personal growth. “To see his growth, not only as a performer… but also his growth as a human being, I’m really excited for this match, and I’m really happy for both guys.”
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If you use any portion of the quotes from this article please credit Z100 (Superstar Crossover with Josh Martinez) with a h/t to WrestlingNews.co for the transcription.
