Current AEW star to make WWE return as a heel and confront Cody Rhodes at Bash in Berlin? Exploring the possibility 

Former AEW EVP and reigning Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes is scheduled to defend his title against Kevin Owens in what promises to be a barnburner at Bash in Berlin later this month. However, the 39-year-old star could be confronted by a top name from AEW at the event, with the latter potentially returning to the Stamford-based promotion as a heel. The star in question is Bryan Danielson.

The American Dragon will challenge Swerve Strickland for the AEW World Championship in a Title vs Career match at AEW All In 2024 this coming Sunday. Danielson, in a recent interview with Fightful, revealed that he did not extend his contract with the Tony Khan-led company after it expired earlier this month, thus implying that he is currently working with the promotion without a contract, possibly on a handshake deal.

Danielson has been outspoken about his interest in continuing to aid and support All Elite Wrestling and about his rapport with the company's President, Tony Khan. However, given that the 43-year-old legend is currently operating without a contract, the possibility of the former WWE Champion returning to his former stomping grounds cannot be entirely dismissed.

---

Cody Rhodes needs a credible challenger to legitimize his WWE Title reign

Cody Rhodes finished his long, toilsome journey of securing the Undisputed WWE Championship by defeating Roman Reigns at WrestleMania XL earlier this year. He has mounted several successful defenses of his title since then, against AJ Styles, Logan Paul, and most recently against Solo Sikoa at Summerslam 2024. The PLE, which aired on August 3, witnessed Rhodes defeat The Bloodline member with an assist from a returning Roman Reigns.

The comeback of The OTC and his ongoing war against Sikoa and his version of The Bloodline is presently being estimated by many to be Smackdown's hottest program. As such, Cody Rhodes could benefit from a storyline where he has to test himself against a credible threat to legitimize his current championship run.

Although the former All Elite executive is set to defend his title against an undeniably qualified opponent in Kevin Owens at Bash in Berlin, The Prizefighter is unlikely to be the wrestler to dethrone Rhodes, considering his previous failed bids at regaining World Championship gold. At such a point, The American Nightmare could face the unenviable challenge of a returning American Dragon, with Daniel Bryan making his comeback to the promotion for a final shot at the WWE Title as a top heel, potentially putting over Rhodes in a star-making bout. The likelihood of this happening is slim, but given the unreliable nature of the pro-wrestling business, it cannot be ruled out completely.

AEW's Bryan Danielson has not totally dismissed a possible WWE return

During a recent interview with Gorilla Position, Bryan Danielson revealed that he would consider returning to WWE only if doing so proved beneficial to the health of the wrestling industry, albeit conceding that he would "never say never". However, later in the same interview he also shared his disinterest in accolades such as a Hall of Fame induction.

While the Blackpool Combat Club member has been open about his interest in continuing his association with AEW, he has also spoken about being at peace with the prospect of his imminent in-ring retirement, potentially following AEW All In 2024. Danielson has also revealed that he may undergo neck surgery sometime in the future.

While odds suggest that the Washington native is likely to resume collaborating with AEW following his retirement from full-time action, Bryan Danielson could also potentially return to his old stomping grounds - for a final major upper-card program with Cody Rhodes, and a place in WWE's esteemed Hall of Fame.