Former WWE champion Daniel Bryan has reportedly signed a contract with All Elite Wrestling with the Bodyslam.net website reporting that he has “100%” signed on the dotted line.
Bryan’s arrival will be a huge, huge deal to AEW and its audience as the company continues to grow its roster with a mix of indie and established stars.
The Bodyslam.net report says that Bryan wanted less dates, permission to wrestle in Japan, and creative input in his character, three requests which were agreed to.
Giving more credibility to the report, PWInsider.com adds to the story that Bryan was completely out of WWE’s plans when it comes to merchandise and other licensing for the year 2022. With no such agreement in place, WWE would not be able to sell any of his merchandise.
Bryan had an incredible run in WWE which started in 2010 and lasted till 2021 where he won several titles, including the big one(s) at WrestleMania XXX. Concussion problems derailed his career for a few years but was eventually reinstated as a wrestler by the company in time for WrestleMania 35.
He last wrestled for WWE on Smackdown on April 30, losing a title match against Roman Reigns with the stipulation being that if Bryan loses, he would be banned from Smackdown for good. His contract expired immediately after that match.
The New York Dynamite on September 22 at the packed Arthur Ashe Stadium would be an ideal start date for the former champ!
