AEW reportedly had a “secret plan” for Bryan Danielson and the world title storyline in 2024

As seen during the 2024 AEW WrestleDream PPV event, Jon Moxley defeated Bryan Danielson to capture the AEW world title. The belief is that this was Bryan’s last performance as a full-time wrestler and an injury angle took place after the match ended.

There were initially rumors that Darby Allin was going to end Bryan’s reign as AEW world champion. Dave Meltzer of F4WOnline.com noted the following about what AEW had planned for Bryan and the world title storyline in 2024…

“According to those close to the situation, while the story was out about Darby Allin being planned for the title this year after Bryan Danielson, the secret plan from months ago was always Danielson to Jon Moxley as a heel. The Swerve Strickland to Danielson and then to Moxley story was planned prior to Moxley winning the IWGP title, but apparently the only people who were supposed to know were Tony Khan, Moxley, Danielson and Allin.”

According to Meltzer, Bryan did not want to win the AEW world title but Khan convinced Bryan that it was the best possible moment for All In at Wembley Stadium. While the date wasn’t locked in stone, Bryan “pretty much” chose WrestleDream in Tacoma, WA to be the end date of his full-time wrestling career.

Meltzer added that the new heel version of the Blackpool Combat Club is believed to be Moxley’s idea.