Recently, it was reported that Daniel Bryan signed with AEW. It was also noted that he wanted creative input over his character and AEW planned his debut on September 22nd at AEW’s Grand Slam event, which will take place at Arthur Ashe stadium.
On the latest edition of Wrestling Observer Radio, Dave Meltzer reported that the biggest factor for Daniel Bryan’s potential signing with AEW is that the company’s working relationship with NJPW. It was also noted that he doesn’t know if Daniel Bryan officially signed with AEW but everything so far indicates that the deal is ‘locked-in’.
Previously, when Daniel Bryan is in WWE, he’s very vocal about wanting to wrestle with other promotions. Earlier this year, there were reports that WWE is in talks with NJPW for a working relationship between both the companies, which would allow Bryan to work for NJPW while he was under WWE contract. However, we didn’t get further updates regarding that talks as AEW has been continuing their working relationship with NJPW.
On recent edition of AEW Dynamite: Fyter Fest night, we saw Lance Archer winning the IWGP U.S. Championship from Jon Moxley and also set to defend the title next week against NJPW star Hikuleo.
Daniel Bryan’s last WWE appearance came at April 30th epsiode of Friday Night Smackdown, in which he lost Career vs. Title match against Universal Champion Roman Reigns. As per the stipulation, Bryan was banished from the blue brand and later, it was revealed that his WWE contract expired that day.
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