The American Dragon, Bryan Danielson, may have captured the AEW World Championship at All In, but he’s already looking to the future—and his eventual retirement. During an emotional segment on this week’s “AEW Dynamite,” Danielson revealed his plans to step away from full-time competition, but not before defending his title for as long as he can.
Danielson, still riding high from his victory over Swerve Strickland, made it clear that Sunday’s win was the pinnacle of his storied career. Addressing the crowd, Danielson spoke from the heart, sharing how his contract with AEW had actually expired on August 1, and that he’ll soon need neck surgery. But despite these challenges—and his family urging him to come home—the passion for professional wrestling still burns bright in Danielson. He expressed his deep love for AEW, noting how the company has not only elevated the sport but also enriched his life.
However, Danielson also dropped a bombshell: “I will not retire as AEW champion,” he stated, adding that his full-time wrestling career will end the moment he loses the title. But if you think that means he’s planning to take it easy, think again. Danielson declared his intention to defend the belt with everything he has, vowing to keep fighting and kicking heads in until the day comes when he’s no longer champion.
In true fighting spirit, Danielson issued an open challenge for the AEW World Championship at All Out. But before the ink could dry on his declaration, TNT Champion Jack Perry appeared on the tron with a chilling message. In a pre-recorded video, Perry—clearly still bearing a grudge—recalled their past encounter at Anarchy in the Arena, where he pinned Danielson after being set on fire. He claimed that his future is to retire Danielson, because, as Perry put it, “Danielson’s future is behind him.”
As if that wasn’t enough, Perry had one more trick up his sleeve. As Danielson stood in the ring, Perry ambushed him from behind, leaving the new champion reeling as “Dynamite” went off the air. With All Out just around the corner, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Will Danielson be able to defend his title and continue his reign, or will Jack Perry be the one to send him into retirement?