Bryan Danielson rejected WWE’s counteroffer just days before debuting in AEW.

Bryan Danielson's jump to All Elite Wrestling in 2021 was one of the most shocking moves in modern professional wrestling. However, what had not been revealed until now is how close he was to staying in WWE. In an interview with Nick Stav, the former world champion talked about a phone call with Vince McMahon that took place just days before his debut at All Out.

Danielson explained that he had already made his decision at the beginning of August and had given his word to Tony Khan, although the contract was not yet signed. WWE, however, was not ready to let him go without trying to retain him. "I called Vince at the beginning of August and told him, 'I've made my decision and I'm going to do this,'" he recalled.

Despite this, McMahon contacted him again with a last-minute proposal. "He called me once more and said, 'What if we offered you this instead?'" It was then that Danielson reaffirmed his principles. "Sir, I have already given my word. And if I were someone who broke that word... do you think you would still respect me if I did that? One of the things you respect about me is that I do what I say." To which Vince responded, "Damn it, you're right."

For Danielson, that conversation sealed his decision. It was not about money or the spotlight, but about personal and professional integrity. Five days later, he debuted in AEW alongside Adam Cole in one of the most memorable moments in the company's history.

In the same interview, Danielson revealed that both he and Adam Cole signed their contracts with AEW very close to the date of All Out 2021. Despite many fans believing that their debuts were planned months in advance, the reality was much more uncertain. "I didn't sign my contract until two or three days before the event. That's how the professional wrestling business works," confessed the American Dragon.

Danielson explained that, although Tony Khan likely had ideas in mind, nothing was truly set in stone until the last moment. In Cole's case, the situation was even tighter, as Bryan stated that he did not finalize his agreement until the day of the show. "Maybe he had already given his word, but in this business, you never know what might happen," he commented.