Add as a preferred source on Google Bryan Danielson remains away from AEW programming, even though he was announced as a full-time member of the Dynamite commentary team back in September 2025.
Tony Khan has now explained that the absence is tied to physical wear and tear built up over the course of his career — which, to be fair, isn’t exactly news.
During a recent charity stream, the AEW president said Danielson is at home with his family and that he has no plans to push him back on the road while he’s still in pain.
“Bryan’s beat up, and I’ve been giving Bryan time to recover. I’d love to have him there all the time, but he’s been home with his family, and he’s doing very well.”
“But it’s a lot for Bryan being on the road, and a lot of the utility of Bryan stepping away from the ring and resting is being home with his family, recovering, and trying to be off the road. So I’ve been trying to take the pressure of the road off Bryan.”
“But when he’s pain-free and able to travel more, I think it will be great. Even just sitting in the chair and moving his head around in the monitor is hard. People don’t realize what toll this business has taken on this man.”
“It means the world to have him in AEW, but also that man knows he’s done everything he can in the ring for AEW at this point, and I don’t need to drag him out and beat him up even more when he’s hurting.”
In May, ahead of Double or Nothing, Khan revealed that Danielson and Taz had been alternating appearances based on where the shows were being held, since long flights were aggravating both men’s physical issues.
Danielson revealed in December that he has degeneration between the C1 and T2 vertebrae and is nearing the point of needing another neck surgery, noting a considerable decline after he went back to traveling weekly for his commentary duties.