Bryan Danielson disputes a major backstage rumor about his WWE run

Former WWE Champion Bryan Danielson recently cleared a major rumor about his involvement with the creative during his time with the Stamford-based promotion. The American Dragon revealed that he did not have a big influence on the creative team.

Daniel Bryan was a part of the WWE for over a decade. The veteran quickly became one of the biggest stars of the promotion and managed to become a Grand Slam Champion. During the end of his WWE run, Bryan was reportedly involved in the creative team along with other talents. The former World Champion left the company in 2021 to sign with AEW.

Speaking in an interview with Sports Illustrated, The American Dragon revealed that he didn't have control over his creative direction in the WWE.

"That was the same thing in WWE, even when I was part of the creative team," Danielson said. "The head writer of 'SmackDown' at the time, Ryan Callahan, asked me what I wanted to do, and I remember saying I didn't want to talk about what I wanted to do. I don't think you can be objective about that stuff." [H/T: WrestleInc]

Former WWE Superstar Bryan Danielson does not want to be in the AEW World Title picture

The American Dragon has challenged for the AEW World Title a couple of times ever since he arrived in the promotion. However, the veteran has made it clear that he has no intention of capturing Gold in AEW. Speaking in the same interview with Sports Illustrated, Bryan stated that he does not want to be a part of the main event spot in AEW as his body can not handle the pressure anymore.

“I don’t want to be in that [world champion] position–I don’t feel like that’s my position anymore,” said Danielson. “The quality of wrestling in AEW is so high, it’s really hard to main-event pay-per-views. That’s not something my body can really do anymore. I know there are a percentage of fans who would like that, but I don’t think it’s my place. And here’s the truth: I don’t want anything to do creatively with my own stuff. I also don’t know where people get the notion that I do. It’s very hard in wrestling to be objective about yourself, so I leave that in the hands of other people." [H/T Sports Illustrated]

Bryan Danielson is set to face Shingo Takagi in the first round of The Owen Hart Foundation Tournament at the Forbidden Door PPV. It will be interesting to see who comes out on top at the event.