AEW's Bryan Danielson admits he was "so close" to wrestling retired WWE legend

Bryan Danielson had wrestled in WWE during the early aughts but did not find success then, and subsequently left for the independent circuit. During this time, he wrestled for various promotions all over the world, from Japan to the United Kingdom, before moving back to the United States and rejoining the Stamford-based promotion in August 2009.

For The American Dragon, it all started when he began training under Rudy Gonzalez and WWE Hall of Famer, Shawn Michaels at the Texas Wrestling Academy (TWA) in San Antonio, Texas, in 1999.

While speaking to Danny Stone & Adam Cailler of the Daily Star recently, Danielson looked back at his feud with The Authority between 2013 to 2014. There was a point when Michaels got involved and it appeared the two would lock horns. However, that did not happen, as much as the 43-year-old wanted to face his mentor.

"The one [match] I’ve always wanted is Shawn Michaels, because he helped train me. There was a moment, a brief period of time, in 2013-14 when I thought I was going to get it but I didn’t. So close," he said.

Since retiring from in-ring competition in 2010, Shawn Michaels has only stepped back in the squared circle for one match, which was a tag team contest eight years later between DX and The Brothers of Destruction.

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Former WWE Champion Bryan Danielson has a "Title vs. Career" match at AEW All In

Bryan Danielson has openly talked about retiring from wrestling sooner rather than later owing to his neck injuries over the years.

All In is scheduled to emanate from Wembley Stadium, London, United Kingdom on August 25. Danielson will challenge AEW World Champion, Swerve Strickland, in a "Title vs. Career" Match, which will decide his immediate fate.

He was asked to comment on the upcoming high-stakes bout and he hoped he could win the world title and carry on competing a little while longer. However, he did note that his neck wasn't in the best shape and that he didn't see himself continuing much longer.

"Well, so I hope I win the title, right! If I win the title, I will keep competing until I lose the title but I cant imagine that being a year. Just, my neck is not good, so I cant even fathom wrestling for another year," stated Danielson.

The American Dragon's last match in WWE as Daniel Bryan was against Roman Reigns in April 2021 on SmackDown. He lost the match and as per prior stipulation, was banished from the blue brand.