Tony Khan Reveals Bryan Danielson’s New Full-Time Role On AEW Dynamite

Bryan Danielson is officially back on AEW television every week—just not in the way fans might have expected.

AEW President Tony Khan announced on social media that “The American Dragon” will be joining the AEW Dynamite commentary team full-time, starting this Wednesday in Philadelphia. The episode will also mark the end of AEW’s residency at the historic 2300 Arena, with the final show from the venue taking place on the September 11th edition of Collision.

What isn’t clear just yet is how Danielson fits into the current broadcast booth. The regular Dynamite lineup features Excalibur, Tony Schiavone, and Taz, but Khan hasn’t said whether Danielson will replace someone or if the announce desk will expand into a four-man team. If a shake-up does happen, it’s possible the odd man out could shift over to Collision, where Nigel McGuinness currently calls the action.

Danielson’s move to commentary comes nearly a year after he stepped away from full-time competition. His brutal defeat at the hands of Jon Moxley at WrestleDream last October signaled the end of his run as AEW World Champion and his full-time in-ring career. Since then, Danielson has made limited appearances, including a win over Max Caster in June and a cameo at All In, where he aided Hangman Page against Moxley.

Fans also got a preview of what to expect from Danielson behind the desk earlier this summer when he provided guest commentary on the August 20th episode of Dynamite and again at Forbidden Door on August 24th. Both outings were well received, with viewers praising his insight and ability to blend technical knowledge with personality.

Now, with a headset on instead of boots, Danielson’s presence on Dynamite will give fans a weekly look into the mind of one of wrestling’s most respected performers. Whether he eventually transitions back into the ring or sticks to the desk, the AEW faithful are guaranteed a fresh voice calling the action every Wednesday night.

AEW Honors Taz at 2300 Arena With Low-Key Tribute Before Dynamite

AEW was set to celebrate Taz on this week’s Dynamite in Philadelphia, but plans shifted just before showtime. Instead of an in-ring ceremony at the legendary 2300 Arena, Tony Khan opted to honor the ECW legend in a more personal way—with a live video posted to social media just an hour before the broadcast.

The eight-minute clip featured Khan sitting down with Taz to reflect on the surprise announcement of his induction into the 2300 Arena Hall of Fame. While AEW had intended to acknowledge the honor on TV, Taz revealed he personally asked for the tribute to be scaled back, explaining that he didn’t want to take the spotlight away from the current AEW roster.

Even with the toned-down approach, AEW still made sure the moment carried weight. Khan confirmed that Taz’s Hall of Fame banner had been officially raised inside the arena before Dynamite went live on TNT and HBO Max, giving fans in attendance a chance to see the recognition firsthand.

The rest of the video saw Taz and Khan breaking down that night’s Dynamite card, blending the tribute with AEW’s usual hype for the show. It wasn’t the big in-ring celebration fans may have expected, but it was a fitting nod to a man whose legacy is forever tied to the 2300 Arena and its hardcore history.

AEW Dynamite Preview 9/3/2025

AEW Dynamite live Wednesday on TBS and HBO Max from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia

  • TBS Championship: Mercedes Moné (c) vs. Alex Windsor
  • AEW World Champion “Hangman” Adam Page, Kenny Omega & Jet Speed vs Don Callis Family (TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher & Josh Alexander) & The Young Bucks
  • 2300 Arena Hardcore Hall of Fame Induction of Taz

Hook Returns to AEW with a New Theme Song — Here’s Why the Change Happened

Hook made his long-awaited return to AEW this week on Dynamite, but fans quickly noticed something different about the presentation — the music. The former FTW Champion no longer walks out to Action Bronson’s “The Chairman’s Intent,” instead making his entrance to Jay Jay Johanson’s “So Tell The Girls I Am Back In Town,” a track that dates all the way back to 1996.

According to a report from Fightful Select, the switch comes after some behind-the-scenes friction between AEW and Action Bronson. The rapper previously described the AEW locker room atmosphere as “weird,” which reportedly didn’t sit well with the company. While things between both sides have since cooled down, AEW had already chosen to move forward with a new theme for Hook. To add to it, the rights to use Bronson’s track had officially expired back in January, making the change inevitable.

Hook’s comeback wasn’t just about a new song — it was about revenge. Appearing at the historic 2300 Arena in Philadelphia, the son of Taz stormed the ring to go after Wheeler Yuta of the Death Riders. Yuta and his crew had taken Hook out of action for months, and the young star wasted no time in getting payback.

It was also a strong night for Hook’s faction, The Opps, who successfully defended the AEW World Trios Championship against Ricochet and the Gates of Agony. With Hook back in the mix, the group looks stronger than ever heading into the fall.

Whether fans miss the old Action Bronson entrance or prefer the eerie vibe of Johanson’s track, one thing is clear — Hook is back, and he’s got unfinished business.

IATSE Union Planning Protest at Tonight’s AEW Dynamite in Philadelphia

Things could get a little more heated than usual outside of AEW Dynamite tonight in Philadelphia. Members of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) Local 8 have announced they’ll be protesting outside the 2300 Arena during AEW’s tapings.

The union claims that AEW is not meeting the standard wages and benefits expected for live entertainment workers in the area. IATSE issued a statement on social media earlier today, saying their goal is to “inform the public” that the company’s current pay structure undercuts fair labor practices and could have long-term effects on jobs across the entertainment industry in the city.

AEW is running a residency at the historic ECW Arena this week, and IATSE’s post included the full schedule of shows, hinting that the demonstrations may not be limited to just Wednesday night’s Dynamite.

The union emphasized solidarity with its members, stating:

“When employers undercut these standards it threatens wages, benefits, and job opportunities for all entertainment workers in the community. We stand in solidarity with our Local 8 kin as they hold employers accountable and fight to protect the fair standards that entertainment workers deserve.”

It remains to be seen if this will have any direct impact on tonight’s tapings, but the presence of protesters outside such a high-profile wrestling event is sure to draw attention.

AEW Dynamite Preview 8/27/2025

AEW Dynamite live on TBS and HBO Max from the 2300 Arena in Philadelphia. The event kicks off AEW’s multi-week residency at the venue.

  • Fallout from Forbidden Door
  • Megan Bayne and Penelope Ford vs. Harley Cameron and Kris Statlander
  • Falls Count Anywhere Match: Darby Allin vs. Claudio Castagnoli
  • Jon Moxley vs. Daniel Garcia

Killswitch (Luchasaurus) Roars Back on AEW Dynamite, Set for Forbidden Door Showdown

AEW fans in Glasgow witnessed a massive return on this week’s Dynamite, as Killswitch (formerly Luchasaurus) stormed back onto the scene after nearly a year on the shelf. The big man is now officially locked in for a high-profile tag match at Forbidden Door, stepping in for the injured Nick Wayne.

The surprise came just moments after an emotional handshake between Christian Cage and Adam Copeland looked to signal a long-awaited truce. Before fans could digest that, Nick Wayne appeared on the screen, leaning on crutches and calling out Cage for the brutal attack that left him with a broken foot last week. Wayne announced he’d be sidelined for several weeks — but quickly teased that his absence might not be the setback it seemed.

That’s when things got wild. The broadcast cut to a chilling vignette inside a medical setting, showing IV bags and monitors before Killswitch suddenly sat up and let out a guttural roar. Seconds later, he emerged in the arena alongside Mother Wayne and Kip Sabian, staring down Cage and Copeland before chaos erupted.

The returning monster immediately made his presence felt, dropping both Cope and Cage with thunderous chokeslams while Sabian ate a beating in the crossfire. By the end of the melee, it was clear where Killswitch’s allegiance stood — right alongside Mother Wayne’s camp.

Killswitch will now take Wayne’s spot at Forbidden Door, teaming with Sabian against the reunited duo of Cage and Copeland in a clash of bad blood and broken trust.

This comeback marks Killswitch’s first AEW appearance since All In: London in August 2024, where he wrestled twice in one night as part of The Patriarchy. Shortly after, he was hospitalized with reported respiratory issues, including pneumonia, and had been off TV since. His return not only adds a powerhouse presence to the storyline but also raises the stakes heading into AEW’s crossover supershow.

With Cope and Cage finally on the same page, and the monstrous Killswitch rising from the shadows, Forbidden Door just got a whole lot more unpredictable.

AEW Dynamite Preview 8/20/2025

AEW Dynamite airs tonight on TBS and HBO Max taped from the OVO Hydro in Glasgow, Scotland

  • We’ll hear from AEW World Champion “Hangman” Adam Page
  • Death Riders vs. Hiroshi Tanahashi & JetSpeed
  • ROH Women’s World Champion Athena & TBS Champion Mercedes Moné vs. AEW Women’s World Champion “Timeless” Toni Storm & Alex Windsor
  • AEW World Tag Team Eliminator Tournament Final: FTR vs. Brodido (Brody King & Bandido)
  • Tony Schiavone interviews Adam Copeland and Christian Cage
  • Will Ospreay and Jon Moxley will go face-to-face
  • Grado to appear

AEW Dynamite Preview 8/13/2025

AEW Dynamite live on TBS and HBO Max from the Andrew J Brady Music Center in Cincinnati, OH

  • Adam Copeland vs. Stokely
  • AEW World Champion Hangman Adam Page and MJF to meet Face-To-Face
  • Jon Moxley vs Kevin Knight
  • TBS Champion Mercedes Mone, Thekla and Skye Blue vs. Alex Windsor, Queen Aminata and Willow Nightingale
  • TNT Champion Kyle Fletcher to meet his Forbidden Door opponent face-to-face

AEW Dynamite Preview 8/6/2025

AEW Dynamite live on TBS and HBO Max from the Wolstein Center in Cleveland, OH.

  • AEW World Tag Team Eliminator Tournament Semifinal: The Young Bucks vs. Brodido (Brody King & Bandido)
  • MJF vs. Mark Briscoe
  • “8 Belts” Mercedes Moné returns
  • Forbidden Door TBS Title 4-Way Qualifier: Queen Aminata vs. Sky Blue vs. Alex Windsor vs. Billie Starkz