Bryan Danielson, the celebrated AEW competitor formerly known as Daniel Bryan, has revealed a surprisingly introspective reason for not following John Cena's farewell tour in WWE. In a recent conversation with journalist Justin Barrasso, the wrestling veteran shared insights into his current life philosophy that extends far beyond the squared circle.
The connection between Danielson and Cena runs deeper than typical colleagues in the professional wrestling industry. Their paths intertwined significantly during their shared tenure in WWE, where they weren't just coworkers but also roommates and came remarkably close to becoming family members. This history makes Danielson's conscious decision to avoid Cena's retirement run all the more noteworthy.
When Barrasso inquired about whether Danielson had been watching Cena's final year of competition, the response caught many off guard. Rather than citing busy schedules or lack of interest, Danielson articulated a deliberate choice rooted in personal experimentation with minimalism and mental clarity.
Danielson described entering what he calls an "experimental phase" of his life, characterized by intentional reduction of media consumption. This approach represents a significant departure from the constant connectivity that defines modern life, especially for public figures in the entertainment industry. The wrestler explained that he's actively seeking to limit external inputs, creating space for reflection and internal processing.
The most vivid illustration of this philosophy came from a recent 13-hour road trip Danielson undertook to visit his mother. In an era where most people would queue up podcasts, audiobooks, music playlists, or phone calls to pass the time, Danielson embraced complete silence. He reported listening to absolutely no media during the entire journey—no music, no podcasts, no radio. The only interruptions to this deliberate quiet came from necessary communications: calls from his wife, a mandatory AEW conference call, and checking in with his mother.
This commitment to sensory reduction naturally extends to his professional domain. Despite wrestling being his lifelong passion and career, Danielson has chosen to limit his consumption of wrestling content as part of this broader lifestyle experiment. This explains why he hasn't watched any of John Cena's carefully crafted retirement run, including high-profile matches like Cena's encounter with AJ Styles in Australia.
The decision carries particular weight given their shared history. The two wrestlers faced each other numerous times in WWE, with their most memorable clash occurring at SummerSlam 2013. On that night, Danielson achieved a career milestone by defeating Cena clean to capture his first WWE Championship. However, the celebration was brutally short-lived as Randy Orton immediately cashed in his Money in the Bank contract, stripping Danielson of the title mere moments later. Despite this pivotal moment linking their legacies, Danielson remains detached from Cena's current narrative arc.
What makes Danielson's stance particularly compelling is the contrast between his thoughtful, philosophical approach and his well-documented appreciation for simpler forms of humor. Those who know him describe a complex personality: a deep thinker who can also find genuine amusement in straightforward comedy. This duality makes his current minimalist experiment feel authentic rather than pretentious—it's a genuine exploration of how he wants to experience life.
His parting words about Cena revealed both respect and genuine goodwill, despite his self-imposed viewing boycott. "I hope it goes really well for John," Danielson stated. "That guy deserves the last year of his career to be awesome." This sentiment acknowledges Cena's immense contributions to the industry while maintaining Danielson's personal boundaries around media consumption.
The wrestling community has reacted with mixed feelings to Danielson's revelation. Some fans express disappointment that such a significant figure would miss Cena's farewell, while others admire the discipline and self-awareness required to implement such strict personal guidelines. Industry insiders note that this approach aligns with Danielson's reputation for authenticity and independent thinking.
This philosophy reflects a growing trend among performers and public figures who are recognizing the mental toll of constant digital engagement. By intentionally creating space away from screens and external stimulation, Danielson is practicing a form of mental health maintenance that many are beginning to embrace. His 13-hour silent drive serves as a powerful metaphor for this broader cultural shift toward digital wellness and intentional living.
The implications extend beyond just missing wrestling matches. Danielson's experiment raises questions about how professionals in high-visibility careers can maintain their mental well-being while staying connected to their craft. His approach suggests that it's possible to remain deeply committed to one's profession while setting firm boundaries around consumption and input.
For Cena, the news that his former colleague and friend isn't watching his final run likely comes as no surprise. Both men have evolved in different directions since their WWE days together, with Cena transitioning toward Hollywood while maintaining his wrestling roots, and Danielson finding new creative freedom in AEW. Their parallel but divergent paths illustrate the different ways wrestling legends can navigate their post-prime years.
Danielson's decision ultimately underscores a fundamental truth about modern fandom and professional relationships: watching isn't always synonymous with caring. His choice to abstain from viewing doesn't diminish his respect for Cena's accomplishments or his hope for a successful conclusion to an iconic career. Instead, it represents a personal boundary that allows him to maintain his own mental clarity while still supporting his colleague from a distance.
As Cena continues his final year with matches against top-tier talent and emotional farewell moments, Danielson will remain focused on his own in-ring work and personal growth. The wrestling world may be watching Cena's every move, but Danielson will be experiencing his own journey—one defined less by external input and more by internal reflection.
This separation might actually honor both men in its own way. Cena gets to control his narrative without the pressure of peer comparison, while Danielson gets to preserve his mental space for his own creative and personal endeavors. In an industry built on spectacle and constant performance, both approaches have validity.
The story serves as a reminder that even in the interconnected world of professional wrestling, personal boundaries matter. Danielson's experimental phase—whether it lasts months or becomes a permanent lifestyle shift—demonstrates that it's possible to step back from consumption while remaining fully engaged in creation. For fans and fellow performers alike, it's a provocative example of prioritizing mental wellness over professional obligation or social expectation.