One week ago, fans were preparing for another loaded episode of AEW Dynamite. The main event saw Blackpool Combat Club’s Claudio Castagnoli and Bryan Danielson team to take on NJPW’s Kazuchika Okada and The Best Friends’ Orange Cassidy. It was the first time Danielson and Okada had shared a ring since their classic match at Forbidden Door that, sadly, saw The American Dragon break his arm. Unfortunately, this match was not much different, as it ended with Danielson laying on the ring apron clutching his face as he appeared to be, yet again, injured.
On today’s episode of AEW Control Center, Tony Schiavone provided an update on Bryan Danielson’s injury and expected return timeline.
“Last week in Philadelphia, on Dynamite, Bryan Danielson and Claudio Castagnoli defeated Orange Cassidy and Kazuchka Okada,” he said. “Big tag team match on Dynamite; however, near the end of the match, Danielson took an Orange Punch from Cassidy and a Rainmaker from Okada. That double shot injured the orbital bone in Danielson’s face. He’s undergone surgery; he’ll be out until later in the year.”
It is worth noting that Danielson came back from the broken arm he suffered at Forbidden Door much quicker than anticipated at AEW All Out in September. During the All Out post-show press scrums, I asked Danielson how he could return so quickly from such a devastating injury. He noted that he was not fully cleared to compete in his Strap Match against Ricky Starks at All Out, but the two men worked the match in a way that made the AEW doctors feel comfortable.
While all injuries are different, Schivone’s note that Danielson will only be out until later this year can only be looked at as a positive sign regarding his recovery.
If you use any quotes from this article, please give a h/t to Haus of Wrestling and credit AEW Control Center