Report: Daniel Bryan Signs With AEW

Daniel Bryan is said to be 100% "locked in" to an AEW contract.

by Andy H Murray
Daniel Bryan
AEW

Daniel Bryan has signed an All Elite Wrestling contract, reports Bodyslam's Cassidy Haynes.

Haynes' source states that Bryan is "locked in" to AEW. He has "100%" signed a deal.

The former WWE Champion asked for a number of conditions in order to sign, including working a more relaxed schedule for comparable money, freedom to wrestle in Japan, and a degree of creative control regarding his character. Haynes notes that at least the creative control was consented to.

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As far as where and when Bryan will debut goes, a separate Bodyslam report states that AEW plans on having him show up at the promotion's big Dynamite: Grand Slam show in New York City. This goes down on 22 September. The company had originally intended to wait until its All Out pay-per-view plans were finalised before bringing Bryan in, though yesterday's CM Punk news may have changed this.

Bryan has effectively been a free agent since the 30 April episode of WWE SmackDown, on which he lost a title vs. career match with Roman Reigns. PWInsider reported earlier this week that the internal belief within Vince McMahon's promotion is that Bryan is en route to Jacksonville.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.