5 potential twists for Bryan Danielson in AEW before he retires

Bryan Danielson has established himself amongst the greatest AEW signings of all time. Since arriving in the Jacksonville-based promotion in 2021, Danielson has added great value to the Tony Khan-led company.

Keeping his in-ring exploits aside, The American Dragon has contributed significantly to AEW's creative process behind the scenes. Tony Khan speaks highly of the former WWE Champion and hopes to keep him around All Elite Wrestling following his retirement.

Last year, Bryan Danielson informed the fans that the coming few months will witness his final run as a full-time performer. With not much time left for his farewell, Tony Khan would be adamant about making Danielson's retirement tour memorable.

In this article, let's look at five possible twists for Bryan Danielson in AEW before he hangs up his boots.

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#5. Comes up short in the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament

Bryan Danielson has set his sights on main eventing All In 2024. The American Dragon has entered the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament with huge aspirations, hoping to earn a final shot at the AEW World Championship.

In a shocking turn of events, Danielson could fall short of taking the Owen Hart Cup home this year. Instead of handing him a title shot in the most predictable manner, Tony Khan could swerve the fans by denying The Submission Specialist a victory in the prestigious tourney.

A defeat in the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament will garner immense sympathy for Danielson. After such a massive failure, The American Dragon would be bound to find a different way to get into the All In main event.

#4. Defeats Team Elite to enter the All In main event

If Bryan Danielson does not succeed in the Owen Hart Cup, he could resume his rivalry with The New Elite. Danielson could step up to The Young Bucks inside the double-caged Blood & Guts structure, to defend the honor of All Elite Wrestling.

Blinded by their arrogance, The Elite could put up an intriguing stipulation in front of The American Dragon. The Young Bucks could offer Danielson a final opportunity for the AEW World Championship if he manages to thwart the tyrant group inside the deadly double cage.

The storyline could play out similarly to The Authority vs. Daniel Bryan rivalry that culminated in the main event of WrestleMania 30. The Leader of the Yes Movement would then finally put down the evil faction inside Blood & Guts to force his way into the world championship match at All In 2024.

#3. Claudio Castagnoli betrays Bryan Danielson

Following a heartbreaking loss against PAC in the quarterfinals of the Owen Hart Foundation Tournament, Claudio Castagnoli was involved in a tense staredown with Bryan Danielson. The Swiss Superman has come up short in many important matches of late, which may force him to turn his back on The Blackpool Combat Club.

While The American Dragon hopes to end his retirement tour on a high, a heel version of Claudio Castagnoli could deny him that opportunity. The King of Swing has remained in Danielson's shadow since he lost the ROH World Championship, which could put him on a collision course with his fellow stablemate.

To teach Bryan Danielson a lesson, Claudio Castagnoli could cost the former WWE Champion a possible victory in the Owen Hart Cup final. Having not advanced to the next round, Castagnoli would be frustrated if Danielson goes all the way in the annual tournament.

Considering their storied history outside of All Elite Wrestling, Danielson vs. Castagnoli would make up for an intriguing rivalry heading into the summer.

#2. The American Dragon finally wins the AEW World Championship

Bryan Danielson has fallen short whenever he has challenged for the AEW World Championship in his career. The leader of the Yes Movement has lost world title bouts against the likes of Hangman Adam Page, Maxwell Jacob Friedman (MJF), and Jon Moxley.

Although Danielson is supposedly unwilling to achieve world title glory, fans have been vocal about their desire to witness the coronation of The American Dragon. In a surprising chain of events, Tony Khan might go against Danielson's wish and crown him as the AEW World Champion before his retirement.

It would be a feel-good moment for the AEW audience, who have followed The Submission Specialist throughout his journey in the Jacksonville-based promotion. It would serve as the deserving reward for Bryan Danielson, who has selflessly put over younger stars in the past.

#1. Has a program with Shane McMahon

The ongoing rumors of Shane McMahon heading to All Elite Wrestling have created a buzz in the wrestling community. Although Tony Khan is yet to have any conversations with Shane O'Mac, he is seemingly welcome to the idea of a possible working relationship with The Prodigal Son.

If Shane McMahon decides to jump ship to AEW, his path is almost sure to cross with Bryan Danielson. The two men have a storied history together, dating back to their days on WWE Smackdown in 2016. At a time when McMahon served as the Commissioner of the blue brand, Danielson was overseeing WWE’s Tuesday Night programming as the SmackDown General Manager.

Interestingly, Shane McMahon teamed up with The American Dragon at WrestleMania 34 against Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn. For those unaware, this was Danielson's first match after returning from his 2016 retirement.

While it is unclear if they would be foes or allies, a possible program between Shane O'Mac and The American Nightmare would surely be an entertaining prospect.