Bryan Danielson Dealing With Neck Issues – Bryan Danielson was notably absent backstage at AEW television this past week, prompting questions about his current status and availability. A new report has now clarified the situation, pointing to ongoing physical concerns rather than any creative or contractual issue.
According to the latest Wrestling Observer Newsletter, Danielson is dealing with neck problems that have been worsened by the demands of constant travel. While Danielson has remained connected to AEW behind the scenes as stepping away from full-time competition, the toll of being on the road every week has reportedly aggravated those issues.
“Bryan Danielson wasn’t there,” Meltzer wrote. “He’s been having a lot of neck issues from traveling every week.”
Danielson’s medical history makes any neck-related concerns especially meaningful. Throughout his career, he has dealt with a series of serious head and neck injuries, including multiple concussions. Those issues forced him into retirement in 2016 after doctors discovered a lesion on his brain. At the time, his in-ring career appeared to be over permanently.
After years of rehabilitation and medical evaluations, Danielson was eventually cleared to return to wrestling in 2018. He later joined AEW in 2021, where he resumed a physically demanding, high-intensity style that drew praise but also raised concerns about long-term wear and tear. Despite transitioning into a veteran role, Danielson continued to wrestle at a pace similar to his prime years.
In 2024,Danielson officially retired from full-time in-ring competition,citing health concerns and a desire to spend more time with his family. His final match came at WrestleDream 2024, where he dropped the AEW World Championship to Jon Moxley.