Bryan Danielson is showing his appreciation for his time in WWE.
On Tuesday, Bryan Danielson published a column on The Players’ Tribune titled “Thank You, WWE” that expressed his appreciation for everything that happened during his tenure with the company. Danielson will make his AEW in-ring debut on Wednesday against Kenny Omega, and he said ‘excited’ is part of what he is feeling, but he also felt the need to express his gratitude for his former employer.
Danielson went on to thank the Superstars he shared the ring with, the people behind the scenes, as well as Vince McMahon (addressed as “the Big Man, who I know hates to be acknowledged”). Danielson then thanked the WWE fans that pushed his career to new heights and said he loved his time in WWE because it was a life-changing experience.
An excerpt of Bryan’s editorial can be seen below:
“And last but certainly not least: Thank you to the WWE fans. You pushed my career to new heights — heights that I never would have reached for, on my own. Thank you for cheering me enthusiastically into the main event at WrestleMania 30, and thank you for booing me vociferously against Kofi at WrestleMania 35. Thank you for crying with me when I was forced to retire, and thank you for celebrating with me when I was cleared to compete. Thank you for hijacking that show in Seattle — the last time my dad ever got to see me wrestle. He signed his first autograph that night: Buddy Danielson, Daniel Bryan’s dad.
Thank you for moments that I will never forget…. moments where I can just close my eyes and feel the goosebumps all over again.
I hope you will continue to follow me in AEW, but I completely understand if you don’t. You’ve given me more than enough — more than I could ever repay. Thank you for all of it.
I loved my time in WWE. Needless to say, it changed my life. I met my wife, had unbelievable experiences and made great friends. Some of you, I may see again…. and I hope that I do. But these last two years have taught us not to take that for granted. So I just wanted to tell you all how much you’ve meant to me. I’m grateful that you allowed me into your lives, and that you came into mine. I’ll cherish these memories forever.
Thank you for reading — and most of all, thank you for caring,” Danielson wrote.
Danielson’s match against Kenny Omega is just one of the many high-profile matches set for AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam on Wednesday night. The updated card is below:
Malakai Black vs. Cody Rhodes
AEW Women’s Championship
Dr. Britt Baker, D.M.D. (c) vs. Ruby Soho
MJF vs. Brian Pillman Jr
Kenny Omega vs. Bryan Danielson
Sting & Darby Allin vs. FTR
CM Punk interview
AEW Dynamite airs at 8 p.m. EST on TNT, WrestleZone will have full coverage of the event. You can also check out this week’s advertised card for AEW Rampage, also being taped at Arthur Ashe Stadium, at this link.
