Bryan Danielson Says He Almost Got Paralyzed In Okada Match At Dynamite Anniversary

Bryan Danielson has revealed that he almost got paralyzed during his most recent title vs. title match against Kazuchika Okada.

The AEW World Champion has been open about the neck issues he’s dealing with in his current run and how they resemble the problems that led to his initial retirement in 2015.

While the American Dragon has continued to push through in order to give fans a memorable final run, some latest details regarding his health are making people question if it’s worth it.

During a recent interview with Uncrowned, Danielson opened up about his current struggles. Speaking about his Dynamite 5-year anniversary match with Kazuchika Okada, Bryan revealed that he started losing strength in his legs halfway through it:

“Midway through the match, I started losing strength in my legs, there’s a point later in the match where I’m trying to kick him and I can’t turn over my kicks. That’s something that I have the body mechanics to do because I have been doing it for so long, but here I am and I can’t turn my hip over for this kick.”

Bryan Danielson was later informed that the scary situation stemmed from his ongoing neck issues. He’s also dealing with severe pain in his arm and it’s getting to a point where he hasn’t been able to sleep properly:

“When I got to the back, I went to the trainer right away and they worked on me for like 30 minutes. They said it was stemming from the neck stuff. It’s getting to a point where, physically, we’re seeing the signs. I haven’t been sleeping well because I have been having this shooting pain down my arm.”

Though Bryan also explained that the current health issues are making his decision to walk away much easier. Compared to the last time he was forced to quit; he is in a much better mental state.

Bryan Danielson put his career on the line in the World Title match against Swerve Strickland at the All Out PPV and emerged victorious. He has said that he will retire from a full-time schedule once his current reign ends.

The 43-year-old is scheduled to defend his championship against former friend Jon Moxley at the WrestleDream PPV this Saturday, October 12.