With Bryan Danielson heading to AEW, we've learned a little more about plans that did and didn't happen within WWE for him on his way out. You may remember a tease of a Kevin Owens/Daniel Bryan team in late 2020, with Owens saying he'd never been tag team champion in WWE. While the idea was pitched, we were informed there were never any real, firm plans for the two as a duo on Smackdown. Also, Danielson's addition to the WWE Universal Title match months later was an audible and not planned as of the WWE Royal Rumble.
It was also confirmed to us what many of us already knew, that Danielson was not originally slated for the WrestleMania main event this year. WWE sources tell us they were well aware that his deal was coming up soon when that was booked, and spoke highly of Bryan Danielson's professionalism in working with Roman Reigns and making their match as good as possible on the way out. One source said that "Bryan handled things so well that a lot of people didn't think he was actually leaving or taking any time off. We couldn't have asked for more."
We're told there was never any serious consideration to Bryan winning the Royal Rumble, even though he was placed in that main event.
When speaking to those within WWE, they said that they feel the door is open for a potential return for Danielson down the line and he left on "very good terms."
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