Danielson left WWE in 2021, putting Reigns over in singles action on “WWE SmackDown” before going to AEW as one of three huge signings that year. 

His run with AEW saw one final title run, a litany of dream matches, and a return to the Tokyo Dome for NJPW Wrestle Kingdom, before finally saying goodbye (for now) to the squared circle. He even laid the groundwork for the Death Riders, founding the Blackpool Combat Club with Jon Moxley and William Regal in 2022. 

When all was said and done, he had accomplished pretty much all there was to be accomplished for a worldly wrestler. 

Danielson’s style blended submission wrestling, striking, endurance, and storytelling to adapt to virtually any opponent of wrestling style. His matches captured a rare sense of intensity, realism, and emotional connection with the fans no matter who it was stood across from him.

He was a true student of the game, taking the USA, Japan, Europe, and Mexico by storm and absorbing the very essence of those wrestling hotbeds.

Whether it was Nigel McGuinness, Swerve Strickland, CM Punk, Kazuchika Okada, Takeshi Morishima, MJF, Kenny Omega, Will Ospreay, Zack Sabre Jr., Brock Lesnar, Triple H, Roman Reigns, John Cena, Kane or AJ Styles – just to name a handful – there wasn’t a single wrestler with their own style that didn’t find themselves complemented by Danielson. 

He truly was the MSG of wrestling, elevating and enhancing with his mere presence.

The very fact that so many up-and-coming wrestlers cite him as their inspiration puts him in the class of Shawn Michaels, Bret Hart, or Ric Flair. And the fact that he has managed to do all of that while remaining one of the most adored people behind the scenes should speak to why he is one of if not the Greatest of All Time.

That just leaves the question, if not Danielson, then who would you say is the GOAT of professional wrestling?