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Bryan Danielson Joining AEW Commentary Full Time
Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images

Well, it finally happened. After a few delightful, and frankly, much-needed guest appearances, Tony Khan has officially pulled the trigger. Bryan Danielson is joining the AEW Dynamite commentary team on a full-time basis. Let that sink in. The American Dragon, one of the most technically gifted wrestlers to ever grace a ring, is now going to be dropping knowledge bombs on us every single Wednesday night. And honestly, it’s about damn time.

Why This Move Makes Perfect Sense for AEW

Let’s be real for a second. Wrestling commentary can be a minefield of tired catchphrases, forced banter, and announcers who sound like they’re just shilling the next pay-per-view. It often feels like you’re listening to a sales pitch rather than an analysis of the athletic contest unfolding before you. Enter Bryan Danielson.

His guest spots, particularly during the Continental Classic tournament and the Forbidden Door PPV, were a breath of fresh air. He wasn’t just calling moves; he was explaining the why. He broke down strategy, described the physical toll a particular hold takes, and articulated the psychology behind a wrestler’s decision-making in real-time. He made the product smarter. He made the wrestlers look better. He made the fans feel more invested because, for the first time in a while, someone was treating the in-ring action with the respect it deserves.

What Will Bryan Danielson Bring to the Commentary Table?

At 44, Danielson decided to step away from the grueling full-time in-ring schedule in late 2024 to spend more time with his family, a decision any sane person can respect. Especially with Danielson’s neck issues it’s for the best. But keeping a mind like his away from the business entirely would be a criminal waste of talent. This new role is the perfect transition. It keeps one of AEW’s most valuable assets front and center, contributing in a meaningful way without putting his body through the wringer.

The big question now is how the booth will be structured, with Tony Khan’s social media announcement. The current Dynamite team consists of Excalibur, Tony Schiavone, and Taz. Are we looking at a potentially crowded four-man booth? Or is a shake-up on the horizon? One has to wonder if this signals a shift, perhaps moving the legendary Tony Schiavone exclusively to Collision, creating a more streamlined, focused three-man team on Wednesday nights.

The End of an Era, The Start of a New Chapter

This move is more than just a personnel change. It represents a potential philosophical shift for AEW’s presentation. By placing Bryan Danielson in such a prominent role, AEW is telling its audience that it values in-ring substance. It’s a nod to the fans who crave deeper storytelling and a more sport-centric presentation.

For years, we’ve watched Danielson create magic with his body. He’s been the underdog, the champion, the technician, and the brawler. He has nothing left to prove inside the squared circle. Especially, finally getting his revenge on the Death Riders, it’s time for a new chapter. Now, we get to witness him create a new kind of magic with his words, like he did during the WWE Cruiserweight Classic tournaments.

We get to see the art of professional wrestling through his eyes, and that’s a prospect that should have every single fan excited. So, get ready for a masterclass every Wednesday. The American Dragon has a new home, and it’s behind the announcer’s desk. Dynamite just got a whole lot more interesting.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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