AEW President Tony Khan has provided an update on Bryan Danielson‘s absence from commentary, revealing the former AEW World Champion is still recovering from the physical toll of his wrestling career.
Bryan Danielson has not appeared on AEW commentary since the April 2026 edition of AEW Dynamite: Spring BreakThru, despite previously being a regular presence on broadcasts following his transition away from full-time competition.
Speaking during Jeremy Lambert’s 24-hour In The Weeds charity stream, Tony Khan explained that Danielson has been spending time at home with his family while continuing his recovery, and that traveling remains physically demanding for the veteran.
“I think Bryan’s incredible at everything he does. Bryan’s beat up, and I’ve been giving him time to rest and recover. I would love to have Bryan out there all the time, but he’s been home and with his family and he’s doing very well,” Khan said. “But it’s a lot for Bryan being on the road, and a lot of the utility of Bryan stepping away from the ring and resting is him being home with his family and recovering, and trying to be off the road.”
Tony Khan Said That Even Sitting At A Commentary Desk Is Hard For Bryan Danielson Due To His Injuries
Tony Khan went on to explain that even sitting at the commentary desk can be difficult for Bryan Danielson due to the injuries he has sustained throughout his career.
“So, I’ve been trying to take the pressure of the road off Bryan, but when he’s able to travel more and be pain-free, I think it’ll be great. I also think it’s even just sitting in the chair, and moving his head around in the monitor and stuff, it’s hard.”
“It’s harder than people understand with the injuries he’s had. People don’t realize the toll that this business and this sport has taken on this man. He’s done so much for all of us, so it means the world to have him in AEW and be part of this family, but also, that means now he’s done everything he can in the ring for AEW at this point, and I don’t need to drag him out and beat him up every week even more when he’s hurting.”
Bryan Danielson has continued to make occasional appearances for AEW since stepping back from regular competition, but Tony Khan’s comments suggest the promotion is prioritising the former world champion’s long-term health over having him travel on a weekly basis.
