Bryan Danielson Says AEW Doesn’t Have Internal Structure Unlike WWE

There is no doubt that Bryan Danielson is one of the most established names in the world of professional wrestling right now. Being part of both WWE and AEW in his career, he knows the differences between the two and has now stated that AEW doesn’t have an internal structure, unlike WWE.

The American Dragon spent several years working in WWE as one of their top stars and towards the end of his run, Bryan Danielson was even part of WWE Creative as he earned the respect of many in the company.

While speaking on Gorilla Position, Bryan Danielson was asked about the differences between WWE and AEW. Danielson noted that AEW, being a newer company, lacks some of the infrastructure that WWE has. For instance, in WWE, when you arrived at the building, you would go straight to Talent Relations. There, they would provide a schedule for the week, detailing what you needed to do. Although sometimes plans might be finalized late in the day, there was a clear internal structure in place.

In contrast, AEW doesn’t have that same level of organization. There’s no formal process for checking in with Talent Relations or receiving a detailed schedule of media interviews and other tasks. The internal processes, including those involving writers, are less structured at AEW compared to WWE.

“Like anything else, there are positives and negatives on both sides, especially with AEW being a newer company. They don’t necessarily have the infrastructure for some of the things you’d expect in WWE. For example, at WWE, when you arrived at the building, you’d go straight to Talent Relations. At least when I was there—things have probably changed a lot since then—I don’t want to speak to exactly how things work now, but you’d go to Talent Relations, and they’d tell you what’s scheduled for the week: this, this, this, and this. Sometimes, you wouldn’t know what you were doing until late in the day, but there was this internal structure.

At AEW, we don’t necessarily have that structure yet. You don’t check in with Talent Relations when you first arrive to get a schedule of media interviews, sign cards, or complete other tasks. Even the process with writers is more structured and formalized in WWE compared to AEW.”

Danielson expressed his appreciation for AEW’s focus on the TV product, which allows him to spend more time at home with his family. He also values the creative freedom he has in AEW, which he didn’t have before. Despite the trade-offs, he enjoys being part of AEW and helping to build the company. He believes that AEW’s existence benefits everyone, including wrestlers in both AEW and WWE, by contributing to higher salaries across the industry.

”One of the big things I’ve loved about AEW is that we’re essentially a TV company. We focus on the TV product, which allows me to spend more time at home with my family. I also enjoy the creative freedom and the ability to do things I couldn’t before. There are trade-offs, but I love being part of AEW and helping to build this new company. It’s beneficial for everyone, including wrestlers in AEW and even those in WWE who are seeing higher salaries because of the existence of this second brand.”

Bryan Danielson is also part of the Creative team in AEW and explained his role. No matter what, The American Dragon will always be happy about working in AEW and that’s what matters to him.

What do you think of what Bryan Danielson had to say about the differences between AEW and WWE? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!

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