Bryan Danielson – Retirement in 2026? And Who Should Be His Final Opponent?

[pepesmoke]

Hey everyone,

I was thinking about Bryan Danielson’s future and wanted to hear your thoughts. His last match was on October 8th, 2024, and since then there’s been a lot of speculation.

Do you think Bryan Danielson will officially retire in 2026?
And if that happens, who should be his final opponent?

Should it be someone from his past for the emotional payoff, or a younger star he can help elevate on his way out?

Curious to hear your fantasy bookings and opinions.

 

[camdudetenger9]

Hey everyone,

I was thinking about Bryan Danielson’s future and wanted to hear your thoughts. His last match was on October 8th, 2024, and since then there’s been a lot of speculation.

Do you think Bryan Danielson will officially retire in 2026?
And if that happens, who should be his final opponent?

Should it be someone from his past for the emotional payoff, or a younger star he can help elevate on his way out?

Curious to hear your fantasy bookings and opinions.

in 2024 he should have had a retirement tour where he would have had many matches in njpw roh cmll and aew

as for in 2026 well no idea

 

[Tremendez]

I’m like 1000% positive he already retired in 2024.

That was the whole point.

 

[Tommy Shelby]

He retired in 2024. It’s why he won the belt and then had the bag on his head which basically “ Killed” his career.

 

[Hoss]

They always phrased it, from my memory, as him retiring from full time in ring competition, which would imply a likelihood of future matches. I could be misremembering that though. But regardless, I feel we haven't seen the last of Danielson as a wrestler. He's not ancient, and he was still looking great at the point when he retired. If he legitimately never has a match again, that would be pretty surprising to me.

 

[King Kong Booty]

I’m pretty sure he said if he continued to wrestle he’d likely suffer life long injury

 

[Looji Nagata]

They always phrased it, from my memory, as him retiring from full time in ring competition, which would imply a likelihood of future matches. I could be misremembering that though. But regardless, I feel we haven't seen the last of Danielson as a wrestler. He's not ancient, and he was still looking great at the point when he retired. If he legitimately never has a match again, that would be pretty surprising to me.

Exactly this.

They phrased it very carefully and stayed on that phrasing too the whole time. They simply kept the door a little bit open, in case he can have another, more or less save, match at some point. He's only 44 and it would surprise me if he didn't at least continue to train to stay in shape.


I don't know anything about those supposed "speculations" the OP is talking about... sounds to me like typical garbage rumor milling from some YouTuber, wannabe journalist or just wishful thinking of some fans etc.

 

[Chris]

Danielson said himself before the match that he'd do part time matches until he was 80 but then after the match said his neck was so wrecked and that may have been it

 

[Hoss]

And of course wrestlers are known for their honesty

 

[Blazehausen]

I think he only said from full time, is so if he ever did another match he wouldn't be a liar. If he just straight up said he was done, then he probably would feel he couldn't do another match. Using "from full time" competition leaves the door open for say a tag match or something where he dont gotta do to much.

 

[Roy Mustang]

bryan deffo left the room open for doing another match at some point but I also lean the longer without him coming back to wrestle, he might be done

 

[Blazehausen]

bryan deffo left the room open for doing another match at some point but I also lean the longer without him coming back to wrestle, he might be done

Basically what I feel yeah.

Like if he never steps into the ring again, I wouldn't be shocked. But if he does, then I also wouldn't be.

 

[pepesmoke]

I see that the community is kind of split about Danielson’s in-ring return. Thanks to everyone for replying and sharing their opinions and knowledge.


My personal dream scenario would be AJ Styles going to AEW and having a (maybe career vs. career) match. Bryan Danielson vs. AJ Styles would be such a perfect match. They matches in ROH and WWE was good but i feel this would be even better and bigger and they History would be good for the build up

 

[DukeBlack1903]

I see that the community is kind of split about Danielson’s in-ring return. Thanks to everyone for replying and sharing their opinions and knowledge.


My personal dream scenario would be AJ Styles going to AEW and having a (maybe career vs. career) match. Bryan Danielson vs. AJ Styles would be such a perfect match. They matches in ROH and WWE was good but i feel this would be even better and bigger and they History would be good for the build up

Absolute cinema!
Great booking.