Bryan Danielson's retirement date may need to be pushed up

Bryan Danielson has been one of the top stars in AEW since debuting with the company on "AEW Dynamite Grand Slam" on Sept. 22, 2021. The former WWE star was among the initial big names to swap the wrestling juggernaut for the newly formed challenger brand. However, his tenure in Tony Khan's company is yet to be rewarded with a championship.

That could change when Danielson faces Swerve Strickland at AEW's flagship "All In" pay-per-view on Aug. 25. However, the match stipulates that if Danielson loses, he will retire from wrestling. While that is clearly a storyline, it could be a precursor to the highly talented wrestler bowing out from the industry a few months early. 

To begin the year, Danielson announced that he would be stepping away from full-time wrestling at the end of 2024. However, his injuries have continued to pile up, with a neck issue currently limiting his in-ring activity as AEW tries to keep him healthy ahead of "All In."

During a recent appearance on "The Nikki & Brie Show," Danielson admitted that if he's forced to retire early, he's at peace with how his career has played out. 

“The story is, I’m wrestling this match, it’s career vs title," Danielson said (h/t Fightful). "If I lose, I’m forced to retire. It’s something I’m ready for, I’m kind of ready to be done ... I’d rather be at home. I don’t wanna miss out. There’s this small portion of our kids' lives where they actually want us there, right? I see it with my friends and my sister and all of that kind of stuff."

Losing Danielson from the week-to-week lineup will blow AEW's roster. Nevertheless, it's something for which the company has been preparing. He will likely remain as a part-time talent and also have some work behind the scenes. 

Danielson's body has begun breaking down in recent years. AEW's intense brand of wrestling and physicality has likely expedited his issues, too. 

"My body is broken down," Danielson said. "The odds are I’m probably going to have to have neck surgery before the end of the year ... I’ve had herniated discs in my back, tore the labrum in my shoulder, then I broke my arm which required nine screws, then I had two fractures in my orbital bone. I just recently hurt my neck really bad and that was in April, so it’s all of these things. When I started AEW, I was like, I’m invincible! Then it turns out maybe I’m not so invincible."

Danielson's stipulation at "All In" is the perfect excuse for him to bow out of the industry a few months earlier than planned. He can then receive the surgeries he needs without feeling the need to rush back to fitness to get back in the ring. He has already confirmed that his contract with the company is expiring. 

As such, it shouldn't come as a surprise if Danielson loses on Aug. 25. It might be what's best for his long-term health, and bowing out of the industry in front of a sold-out Wembley Stadium isn't a bad way to do it.