Bryan Danielson Compliments WWE - Calls Vince McMahon "Overprotective"
Bryan appreciated WWE's "gracious" offer to extend, but wanted to spread his wings.
Bryan Danielson is a class act.
The incoming AEW megastar complimented WWE and old boss Vince McMahon during the post-All Out media scrum on Sunday night. Amongst other things, Bryan said that he "loves" McMahon, and admitted that leaving his old stomping grounds behind wasn't an easy decision.
However, Danielson came to view McMahon as someone who was "too overprotective of [him]", so much so that he was keen to spread his wings and try other things outside WWE walls. He told interviewers that it was important he was "able to push [his] limits" (albeit safely) and work with fresh faces.
In typically admirable fashion, Bryan wouldn't be drawn on any heavy criticism of his ex-employer. Instead, he chose to re-emphasise his affection for Vince and then put over how exciting AEW has become. Of course, there did seem to be a sense of subtle frustration behind his words - it's almost like Danielson had pitched several things to WWE that McMahon knocked back.
Maybe more will come out on that subject soon.
For now, Bryan is determined to contribute to All Elite and have some cracking matches. That sounds really, really good.