Former WWE manager lashes out at Bryan Danielson after his full-time retirement - "Go do indies"

Bryan Danielson arrived in AEW in September 2021 and, as of now, has wrestled around 110 matches for the company. Widely regarded as one of the greatest wrestlers ever, Danielson has evolved his in-ring abilities over his near 2,000 career matches. With uncertainty surrounding his future, a controversial legend has just lashed out at the former Daniel Bryan of WWE.

The American Dragon dropped the AEW World Championship to Jon Moxley last month. The loss ended Danielson's full-time in-ring career. For weeks, an upbeat Bryan spoke of being at peace with potentially retiring. Days before WrestleDream, the 43-year-old admitted he'd finally realized he's always wrestled for himself, not necessarily the fans, because he loves it. Numerous people have weighed in on Bryan Danielson since, including the legendary Jim Cornette.

The Louisville Slugger remains pro wrestling's most outspoken legend. On the latest episode of Jim Cornette's Drive-Thru, a fan mentioned the aforementioned Bryan Danielson remarks and asked Cornette if the words prove something he's said many times: AEW has more marks in the ring than in the crowd.

The near-50-year industry veteran said he kind of agrees with the fan and recalled managing The Midnight Express, who performed a style he liked and had fun doing as a manager while drawing money for the promotion and working all-around.

"So that was very serendipitous that what we did best was also what we enjoyed doing, and what drew the most money. But if what you do best and what draws money isn't necessarily what you like the most, well that's unfortunate, but instead of doing what you like rather than what fans like or what draws money, sells tickets, whatever... if you don't start doing that instead of what you like to do, at some point the people you work for would say, 'Hey, don't do anymore of this, do more of that!' Because that draws money and sells tickets," Jim Cornette said. [From 1:49 to 2:36]

Cornette continued:

"You're having a wonderful time? Nobody gives a s**t... again, it's great if you become an actor and never get a part you don't particularly like, but sometimes you're going to. Does that mean that you, against the wishes of the director or producer, change the part... to do more of the s**t you do like? Instead of that pesky accent you're supposed to be doing... that's what I'm saying. If you're doing this for fun, quit your job with a real company and go do indies. But if you're on national TV, do what you're supposed to do to draw money," Jim Cornette said. [From 2:37 to 3:26]

Brie Bella recently updated fans on her husband's daily life, but there have been very few concrete Bryan Danielson updates since WrestleDream. The latest backstage report on Danielson returning to the ring did provide some optimism to fans.

Bryan Danielson at AEW Full Gear?

All Elite Wrestling is set to finalize more matches for its sixth annual Full Gear PPV during tonight's live Dynamite. The big event will be held on Saturday, November 23, at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ.

Bryan Danielson has been rumored to show up at Full Gear to continue the Jon Moxley rivalry as AEW goes into its last PPV of the year, Worlds End. It remains to be seen if Bryan Danielson is returning now or if they will hold him off until early 2025. Below is the updated Full Gear lineup:

1. Zero Hour Pre-show: QT Marshall vs. "Big BOOM" AJ with Big Justice of The Costco Guys
2. MJF vs. Roderick Strong or Adam Cole
3. Adam Page vs. Jay White
4. World Tag Team Championship Fatal Four-Way Match: Private Party (c) vs. Top Flight or The Outrunners vs. The Acclaimed or La Facción Ingobernable vs. The House of Black or FTR
5. TBS Championship Match: Mercedes Moné (c) vs. Kris Statlander
6. World Championship Match: Jon Moxley (c) vs. Orange Cassidy

It's been confirmed that the Full Gear Zero Hour pre-show will air at 6:30 p.m. ET, live and for free on all AEW social media channels. The main card will then begin at 8 p.m. ET on PPV.