Don’t expect Bryan Danielson to ever retire in the traditional sense, walking away after an emotional announcement, never to wrestle again. Yet fans should definitely prepare to not see him competing on a regular basis within the next year or so.

Danielson recently broached the subject of winding down his time as an active member of the AEW roster during the press conference after All Out, where he took part in a thrilling, brutal Strap match against Ricky Starks. It’s not imminent, as he’s already been announced for a bout with Zack Sabre Jr. at AEW WrestleDream in just a few weeks in Seattle.

But the American Dragon can see the end of the road for his full-time wrestling days for two reasons: an increasing number of injuries, and a promise he made to his daughter.

Danielson told his daughter he’d wrap things up by the time she turned seven, which will be in 2024. As he explained to SI’s Justin Barrasso, that makes next summer or fall the right time to step away.

In my mind, it’s around August of next year. My daughter will say, ‘Daddy, are you going to be done wrestling when I turn seven?’ And I’ll respond, ‘Well, not exactly when you turn seven, but I’ll be on the home stretch.’

I didn’t get a chance to do All In this year. I would like that chance next year. We have a show, WrestleDream, this October 1 in Seattle where I’m wrestling Zack Sabre Jr. If we have another next year in Seattle? Maybe it will be then. My daughter turns seven in May, so it’s a good time to close down the shop.

That’s sure to be a bummer for anyone who enjoys seeing one of the best pro wrestlers to ever step in a ring ply his trade. On the plus side, Danielson also told Barrasso he plans to take inspiration from the late Terry Funk and have “the ability to show up when I want to show up,” whether that’s several times a year or even less.

In other words, it may be time to say goodbye to Danielson in 2024 but not farewell forever, and that should have many fans breathing a sigh of relief.