Report: Why Bryan Danielson Hasn't Worked For NJPW Revealed

Upon signing with All Elite Wrestling in September of 2021, it was noted that a key factor in Bryan Danielson's decision was the ability to work for New Japan Pro-Wrestling, an option that wouldn't be available to The American Dragon if he had re-signed with WWE.

WWE CEO Nick Khan did reach out to NJPW about beginning a working relationship but New Japan quickly blew off those talks and the promotion has continued to improve relations with AEW to the point they held the Forbidden Door pay-per-view together in June 2022.

18 months on from his AEW debut, Danielson has not appeared inside a New Japan ring. According to Dave Meltzer of the Wrestling Observer Newsletter this is partially because Danielson has been able to do the type of matches he likes in All Elite Wrestling. Another factor, though, has been Danielson wanted to wait until cheering was allowed at NJPW shows again, something that has only been the case for the past couple of months.

AEW CEO Tony Khan did address the possibility of Danielson working the G1 Climax and he admitted it would be hard for the former ROH World Champion to disappear from AEW programming.