Shaping the Future Without Saying Goodbye to the Ring

Summary

– Bryan Danielson declares he won’t use the term “retirement” and remains open to wrestling at any age.

– His primary focus shifts from personal achievements to nurturing the next generation of wrestlers.

– Danielson champions building new stars over seeking titles for himself.

Bryan Danielson, a stalwart of the professional wrestling world, has made it clear that the concept of retirement isn’t in his plans despite being in what he considers his last full-time year as a wrestler. His journey took a significant turn in 2016 when medical concerns led to a temporary step back from the ring. However, Danielson’s passion for wrestling is unwavering, and he now sets his sights on a mission far beyond personal glory.

At a recent SXSW panel, Danielson shared his philosophy on his future in wrestling, emphasizing a commitment to remain involved in the sport, potentially even into his 70s. His narrative took a compelling turn upon his entrance to AEW, where the debuts of other legends like CM Punk initially echoed his sentiments towards nurturing young talent. Yet, Danielson humorously noted his initial public stance appeared more combative than cooperative.

Digging deeper, Danielson expressed a profound vision for his role in wrestling. For him, the allure of championship belts fades compared to the opportunity to elevate the industry’s next stars. Citing examples like Hangman and MJF, Danielson highlighted the significance of building new wrestling attractions capable of drawing audiences and ensuring the sport’s vitality.

His commitment to the industry’s future doesn’t rule out the excitement of dream matches, blending the pursuit of legendary encounters with the responsibility of mentorship. Danielson’s approach reflects a broader view of success, measuring impact not through titles but through the growth and prosperity of professional wrestling.