Eric Bischoff urges Tony Khan to give Bryan Danielson a role change
Bryan Danielson's slew of injuries could mean he's nearing the end of his in-ring career. Eric Bischoff believes Tony Khan would be wise to begin integrating Danielson into creative as soon as possible.
When speaking on a recent episode of his "83 Weeks" podcast, Bischoff noted how Danielson can elevate AEW's storytelling and become an integral part of AEW's behind-the-scenes efforts.
"When I was working in WWE back in 2019, I hope I’m not speaking out of school here, but I know that Vince McMahon was very impressed with Bryan Danielson," Bischoff said, as transcribed by Fightful. "His creative, his psychology. I know that there was some conversation, I don’t know how serious it was at the time. Vince mentioned to me that he was possibly interested in bringing in Bryan Danielson to be very involved in the creative side of things...That is where the potential upside is, long-term for AEW. That’s the breath of fresh air, frankly, that AEW needs. If I were Tony, I’d give that Collision show to Bryan. Not just be my right-hand man and bounce ideas off. Give it to him. Say, ‘Here you go. Here’s your notepad, here’s your computer, here’s a pen. There’s an office."
Bischoff is right. AEW's in-ring work is exceptional and the key selling point for their brand. However, Khan and his creative team are miles behind WWE. Oftentimes, storylines feel cobbled together. There's no pop. And there's certainly nothing on the level of 'The Bloodline.'
If Danielson was good enough to impress McMahon during his tenure with WWE, then he's good enough to have an input at AEW. Collision has enjoyed a strong start since its launch earlier this year. Yet, without CM Punk to lead the brand, Danielson's input would be more valuable than ever.
AEW needs storylines that drive discussion and captivate imaginations. It needs highlights that don't consist of actual wrestling. Danielson doesn't need to quit wrestling to comprise a role in creative.
Being judicial when Danielson competes in the ring would be a fair compromise.
Bischoff has experience in leading a wrestling company's creative and has been incredibly successful at it. Khan would be wise to take his advice.
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