Bryan Danielson has discovered a profound life philosophy through his years in the ring – one that challenges conventional wisdom about avoiding pain and discomfort. Speaking to The Sun Sport, Danielson explained how wrestling has taught him to embrace what many shy away from.

“I think one of the beautiful things about wrestling is that it’s unlike anything else when you’re out there actually wrestling and it hurts. We spend so much of our lives trying to avoid discomfort.”

This revelation came through hard-earned experience. Danielson admitted that his previous approach to life’s challenges was counterproductive. “I found that trying to avoid discomfort has led to many of the mistakes in my life,” he shared, reflecting on a decade-long journey of personal growth.

The transformation in his mindset became a cornerstone of both his wrestling and personal philosophy. Once he embraced this philosophy, managing both his professional and personal lives became so much simpler.

“I’ve really worked in the last 10 years not to try to avoid discomfort,” Danielson revealed. “Even when I’m wrestling, leaning into this discomfort and acknowledging what it is, and then you have the ability to move through it and make better decisions.”

Danielson’s philosophy was tested in dramatic fashion during his 2023 Forbidden Door match against Kazuchika Okada, when he suffered a broken arm with 10 minutes left in the bout. When the referee asked if he wanted to continue, his answer was immediate: “Yeah.”

This approach extends far beyond the wrestling ring. For Danielson, confronting uncomfortable situations head-on has led to improved decision-making and meaningful personal growth—lessons that continue to guide him as both a performer and individual.

Bryan Danielson expressed concerns about wrestling his final AEW match due to severe neck issues. During an interview with Sun Sport News, he shared the emotional experience of his last match against Jon Moxley in Tacoma, where his career began as a spectator.

“That was a match that I really enjoyed. I think the last match that I had—which was in AEW against Jon Moxley in Tacoma, Washington—was incredibly special, because that’s the building where I saw my first-ever wrestling match. The main event that night was The Ultimate Warrior versus Rick Rude.”

The match was attended by his family and friends, providing a heartfelt farewell. Despite the immense pain, Danielson found gratitude and relief in concluding his wrestling chapter. At the time of WrestleDream, Danielson was ready to walk away from the ring for good.

“I was ready to be done. At that point, my neck had been really bad for six-plus months, causing me tremendous pain. I wasn’t sure I could do what I was being asked to do in the match.”

Danielson’s health issues were no secret heading into the Moxley match. While fans were well aware that Bryan’s time in the ring was winding up, only a select few were aware that Bryan believed he was done.

“My mom was in the front row. We knew it was going to be my last match. And as I’m getting choked unconscious, I see my mom in the front row and just mouth to her, ‘I love you.’ This whole career that I’ve had—it wouldn’t have been possible without the support of my family. And the fact that my mom got to be there for that moment is really, really cool.”

Bryan Danielson has dedicated much of his life to pro wrestling. While some would believe that this end was a sad moment for him, the former AEW World Champion made clear this isn’t the case.

“The emotion of knowing, ‘Okay, this is the end of this chapter of my life’—and not feeling sad about it, but happy. Happy that I got to experience all of it, and honestly, almost relieved that it was over… because I was in so much pain.”

Though he returned at AEW All In: Texas, he clarified it wasn’t as a full-time wrestler, leaving his future in the ring uncertain. For now, fans remain on the edge of their seats at what’s to come for Danielson.