The road diverged quickly for Danielson and McGuinness. McGuinness went to TNA Wrestling, where he contracted hepatitis B and eventually had to retire from professional wrestling due to financial difficulties, while Danielson went to WWE and became a worldwide star. McGuinness soon joined Danielson in WWE, albeit as a commentator.

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“For me, it always felt a little odd and a little bit weird, a little embarrassing,” McGuinness admitted. “His level of success versus now mine because WWE has that mentality that if it didn’t happen in WWE, it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t count. So that was their representation of me, and anything you did in the ring doesn’t matter. For me and Bryan to be there, we obviously were no longer on that same sort of level. And I don’t know if he felt sad for me or embarrassed for me, or just maybe didn’t give a s*** and was just glad I had a job.”

McGuinness continued his broadcasting career in AEW, where Danielson also landed, and while McGuinness made his hatred of Danielson clear from the commentary desk, the two never crossed paths much. McGuinness made a surprise return to the ring at AEW All In in Wembley Stadium, and now will have one last chance to face Danielson, as he’ll face the AEW World Champion in a non-title contest on “AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam.” However, the match is only happening if Danielson is cleared by medical staff, following the graphic assault by the Blackpool Combat Club earlier this month.

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