There’s an update regarding Bryan Danielson’s condition following an injury scare after his all-out war against Will Ospreay at Sunday’s at AEW Dynasty pay-per-view. Danielson lost to Will Ospreay in an ‘instant classic’ that saw Ospreay put him away with the devastating Tiger Driver 91. Danielson appeared to take the move on his neck and was tended to after the match by AEW’s medical team.
Bryan Danielson seems to be in real pain. Hoping it's nothing too badpic.twitter.com/uQ7Y4mN7pi
— Anutosh Bajpai || SEScoops || Wrestling News (@AuthorAnutosh) April 22, 2024
Danielson appeared to be in very rough shape after the match, but the ‘American Dragon’ did not sustain any serious injuries. According to Fightful, everything ‘went as planned’ as much things can, and Danielson was just selling the effects of the match and the Tiger Driver.
Will Ospreay was concerned for Danielson after the match which will likely play into the ongoing storyline between himself and the rest of the Don Callis Family. For some time, there have been tensions in the faction with Ospreay showing too much respect for his opponents to be aligned with the group. On commentary during the match, Callis insinuated that Ospreay was a liar and stupid in another sign of growing tensions.
It’s certainly good news that Danielson wasn’t legitimately injured in the match, especially given his history of neck issues. It was in 2014 that Bryan was stripped of the WWE World Heavyweight Championship due to a neck injury and his Intercontinental Championship reign the following year was also cut short due to neck issues. In 2016, Bryan would retire from the ring due to these setbacks and wouldn’t wrestle again until two years later.
What’s to Come?
It’s unclear when we’ll next see Bryan Danielson back in the ring but the American Dragon is currently in the midst of his final year as a full-time wrestler. This decision stems from a promise Danielson made to step away from the ring as a full-time talent in time for his daughter Birdie’s seventh birthday. While Danielson won’t be wrestling full-time, fans should expect to see him in the ring. He’s stated in interviews that he doesn’t plan to ever retire and will wrestle in front of small audiences if he has to until he physically can’t do it anymore.
Danielson has certainly earned a more relaxed schedule in the ring but plans to stay active even as a part-time competitor. Thankfully, Danielson won’t have to miss time due to what transpired at Dynasty, despite what the events after his match may have made fans believe.