AEW’s Bryan Danielson Looks Back On Why He Left WWE In 2021

AEW’s Bryan Danielson Reflects on Leaving WWE in 2021

Bryan Danielson’s stint with WWE concluded in May 2021 when he opted not to renew his contract after WrestleMania 36. Just four months later, Bryan Danielson debuted in AEW at All Out and has expressed his satisfaction with his decision to join the promotion. In his three years with AEW, he has headlined five pay-per-views and won the AEW World Championship.

Bryan Danielson recently shared his thoughts on his departure from WWE in 2021 with “Inside The Ropes,” revealing that he considered four potential paths for his wrestling career at that time.

“People often think there were just two choices, AEW or WWE, but there were actually four possibilities: AEW, WWE, stepping away from wrestling entirely, or opting for a non-exclusive deal where I could pursue opportunities like the G1 without needing permission from anyone. My decision to leave wasn’t about dissatisfaction with Vince McMahon or the WWE product; it was about pursuing certain opportunities that were not possible within WWE, and that remains the case,” said Bryan Danielson.

He further noted that while he valued his time in WWE, his decision to join AEW would have been the same regardless of who was leading WWE in 2021.