Bryan Danielson has provided a sobering update regarding his physical health and the feasibility of a potential in-ring return. Since transitioning to a full-time role on the AEW Dynamite commentary team in September 2025, the “American Dragon” has discovered that the demand of a weekly travel schedule is taking a toll on his long-term neck injuries.
While Danielson previously held out hope for a limited return to action, he admitted in a recent interview with Undisputed that those dreams may have been “delusions” given his current daily reality.
The primary hurdle for Danielson is the grueling nature of being on the road every week, even without the physical impact of wrestling matches. Danielson revealed that the travel has caused a regression in his recovery, specifically regarding his ability to sleep.
Before returning to a full-time travel schedule, a specialist recommended by Adam Copeland had helped Danielson achieve consistent rest, but that progress has been undone by the demands of the road.
“The traveling is so hard on my neck,” Danielson said. “Once I started traveling again, I went back to sleeping four-and-a-half hours a night. There was a point around Forbidden Door that I had delusions of wrestling a couple matches a year. After traveling for commentary, I don’t see how it would be possible. And that’s without bumps.”
Danielson noted that he had been struggling with severe neck pain and sleep deprivation for nearly a year following his legendary encounter with Will Ospreay at AEW Dynasty 2024. In April 2025, a physical therapist was able to provide relief through intensive sessions, allowing Danielson to sleep through the night for the first time in months. However, the relief was temporary, as the cervical issues flared up once he resumed his duties at the commentary table.
“He said the guy was a miracle worker. This guy worked on me for two days in a row, six hours each day,” Danielson explained. “After the first night, I slept nine hours straight. After the second night, I slept eight hours straight. That’s a game changer for how you feel.”
Despite the physical challenges, Danielson has not officially closed the door on ever wrestling again, though he is adamant about avoiding surgery. His full-time in-ring career ended in October 2024. While fans remain hopeful for a one-off appearance, the current focus is on managing his pain and maintaining his role as a voice for AEW.
