Bryan Danielson Reflects on His WWE ThunderDome Experience: A Unique Era of Wrestling
Bryan Danielson, the acclaimed wrestler known for his electrifying performances, these days spread out about his time inside the WWE ThunderDome. This length, which spanned from March 2020 to July 2021, was a distinctive chapter inside the history of professional wrestling, marked by way of the absence of live audiences because of the global pandemic.
As the sector grappled with COVID-19, WWE adapted by using moving its production from the familiar roar of live crowds to the sterile environment of the ThunderDome. This virtual arena, housed to begin with on the Tropicana Field and later the Amalie Arena, changed the audience with large video displays showcasing lovers from their houses. The innovation changed into each a need and a bold test, offering a glimpse into how wrestling might evolve in a international of social distancing.
For Bryan Danielson, who wrestled as Daniel Bryan at some stage in this period, the ThunderDome offered a unique and tough surroundings. Despite the shortage of a live audience, Danielson expressed a sudden fondness for the revel in. In an interview with Gorilla Position, he described his time in the ThunderDome with enthusiasm, highlighting the newness and the shift in overall performance dynamics.
“I loved it. I loved it. Because it was different, right?” Danielson remarked. He elaborated on how the absence of a live crowd altered the way wrestling was experienced and performed. “It’s the idea that the medium has changed, right? … It was more like cinema than theater.” This comparison underscored the significant shift in how wrestling was presented and perceived during this period.
Danielson’s final WWE match occurred on April 30, 2021, against Roman Reigns for the Universal Title. The contest was a dramatic showdown that saw Reigns secure the victory after nearly 30 minutes of intense action. This match, while a significant moment in Danielson’s career, also marked his departure from WWE, as his contract was set to expire. Subsequently, Danielson signed with AEW, ushering in a new chapter in his illustrious career.
During the ThunderDome era, Danielson found himself immersed in a different style of wrestling. He leaned into the technical aspects of British wrestling, a style characterized by its methodical pace and technical precision. The subdued atmosphere of the ThunderDome allowed him to explore these elements more deeply. “The sound and the physicality of it,” Danielson noted, “were more pronounced. … I thought like, ‘Oh, there’s a real opportunity to do that.’” This reflection reveals how the unique setting of the ThunderDome enabled him to experiment and adapt his style.
As Danielson transitions to AEW, he is about to headline the AEW All In PPV in London, England. In a excessive-stakes suit, he’s going to assignment Swerve Strickland for the AEW World Title. The fit carries good sized weight for Danielson, as a loss would result in his retirement. This added layer of drama and private stakes highlights the acute stress and pleasure surrounding his upcoming bout.
