Backstage Update on Danhausen’s Lengthy AEW Absence & Contract Status

Danhausen has been absent from AEW television and programming for almost a whole year.

Fightful Select reported that their sources stated that Danhausen and AEW officials have not been in regular contact with each other for well over six months. Those spoken to reportedly stated that the only contact between the two sides has been AEW giving their approvals for Danhausen’s indies bookings, which is standard protocol for talent under AEW contracts.

It was reported that Danhausen was originally set to return from a torn pectoral injury around a year ago but AEW officials plans for his return changed. This reportedly led to Danhausen expressing his frustrations directly to AEW CEO Tony Khan over this issue.

It was also reported that there had been a few pitches to possibly bring Danhausen back earlier this year. Those spoken to reportedly stated that Bryan Danielson was a big proponent for the push to bring Danhausen back. It was reported that nothing emerged from those plans but Danhausen has been willing to return to work for AEW.

In regards to the potential reason for Danhausen’s current lengthy absence, it was reported that AEW officials are currently under the belief that Danhausen wanted to prioritize his indie bookings over working their Collision shows on Saturdays. Those spoken to reportedly stated that Danhausen had informed AEW officials that there were family-related reasons that prevented him from working those days for the company. These family-related reasons reportedly was something that Danhausen had also stated could, and did, change as the year went on.

In regards to Danhausen’s contract status, it was reported that Danhausen’s contract with AEW runs through Summer of 2025 but AEW officials currently do not have any creative plans for his return.