WWE Raw’s Extended Hours Bolster In-Ring Storytelling: Bryan Danielson’s Take on the Evolution of Wrestling Focus

September 20, 2025

Bryan Danielson reflects on John Cena’s Legacy, Wrestling’s Evolution, and Life’s transitions

All Elite Wrestling (AEW) performer Bryan Danielson recently appeared on the “Superstar Crossover” podcast, hosted by Josh Martinez, were he engaged in a wide-ranging discussion. He addressed topics including his assessment of John Cena’s enduring impact, a unique viewpoint on the development of contemporary television wrestling, his personal career trajectory, and his perspective on fellow AEW competitors.

The Enduring Impact of John Cena

When prompted for his views on John Cena’s legacy, Danielson shifted the focus from athletic achievements to Cena’s character and selfless actions outside the wrestling arena, notably his ample work with the Make-A-wish Foundation. He emphasized cena’s dedication to improving the lives of children without seeking public recognition. “it’s the charitable contributions that he’s made, and his aversion to publicity surrounding them,” Danielson stated. “He fulfilled more Make-A-Wish requests than anyone, and never sought acknowledgment.”

Danielson also highlighted Cena’s unwavering professionalism and commitment to his craft. “John Cena was consistently the first individual to arrive at the venue,” he recalled. “I’m typically punctual, but he invariably arrived before me, already working.” He further acknowledged Cena’s willingness to elevate other performers, even through repeated losses. “One thing I observe about John Cena is his generosity,” Danielson noted. “For years, he seemed to rarely win a match, yet his star power remained undiminished. He possessed the confidence to embrace those outcomes.”

Raw’s Expansion: A Pivotal Change in Wrestling

Danielson presented a compelling theory regarding a meaningful business decision made by World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) that, in his view, fundamentally altered the landscape of in-ring wrestling in the United States. He attributed this shift to the extension of Monday Night Raw from two to three hours.

“I believe the turning point for American TV wrestling was raw expanding to three hours,” Danielson explained. “That length of content is almost excessive. WWE needed athletes capable of captivating audiences with their wrestling prowess,as you simply cannot fill three hours with interview segments.” He contended that this shift established a new industry benchmark. “To thrive in a major wrestling promotion, you must be able to deliver a compelling match that extends beyond commercial breaks, lasting at least ten minutes.”

Program	Original Length	Current Length
monday Night Raw	2 hours	3 Hours

Life’s “Second Mountain” and Career Reflection

The conversation also delved into Danielson’s career and his evolving perspective on stepping back from full-time competition. He contrasted his current mindset with his initial retirement, which was necessitated by injury.”I wasn’t prepared to conclude my wrestling career previously,” he confessed. “This time, however, I felt entirely ready.”

A key driver of this transition, he shared, was a desire to dedicate more quality time to his family. “I am eager to spend more time at home with my loved ones,” he stated. “Over the past year, I had the opportunity to coach my son’s T-ball team, an experience that would have been unachievable before.” He framed this new chapter through the lens of David Brooks’ book, “The Second Mountain.” “Initially, we pursue a mountain defined by societal success,” Danielson explained. “Upon reaching the summit, we frequently enough realise it wasn’t the destination we truly sought. There’s another mountain calling us.”

Expanding on this philosophy, danielson referenced the work of mythologist joseph Campbell. “Ultimately,we seek a life filled with genuine experiences,” he said. “With children, every morning my eight-year-old daughter leaps into my arms, and I can feel her heartbeat… that is the essence of truly living.”

Insights on AEW Colleagues

Danielson also offered his thoughts on his AEW colleagues, Eddie Kingston and Big Bill, ahead of their upcoming match at all Out, acknowledging their personal journeys. “I greatly admire Eddie’s openness about his mental health struggles and his ability to inspire others through his story,” Danielson remarked. He noted that Big Bill shares a similar narrative of personal growth. “Witnessing his evolution, both as a performer and as an individual, fills me with excitement for their match, and I am genuinely happy for both of them.”

The Evolving Landscape of Professional Wrestling

Professional wrestling continues to evolve, adapting to changing audience preferences and media consumption habits. The emphasis on in-ring athleticism, storytelling, and character development remains crucial for sustained success.The rise of autonomous promotions and streaming services has created new platforms for wrestlers to showcase their talents and connect with fans directly.
Did You Know? The professional wrestling industry generates billions of dollars in revenue annually, demonstrating its significant economic impact.

Wrestlers are increasingly leveraging social media to build their personal brands and engage with their fanbase. A strong social media presence can significantly enhance a performer’s visibility and marketability.
Pro Tip: Fans wishing to follow Bryan Danielson’s career can find updates on AEW’s official website and social media channels.

Does the expansion of television time inherently demand higher in-ring performance standards? how will the evolving media landscape continue to shape the future of professional wrestling?

frequently Asked Questions About Bryan Danielson and Wrestling

• What is Bryan Danielson known for? Bryan Danielson is renowned for his exceptional in-ring skills, technical prowess, and compelling storytelling within professional wrestling.
• What did Bryan Danielson say about John Cena’s charity work? Danielson praised Cena’s extensive work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation, emphasizing Cena’s selfless dedication and humility.
• How did Raw’s expansion affect wrestling? According to Danielson, extending Monday Night Raw to three hours created a demand for longer, more captivating matches.
• What inspired Bryan Danielson to step back from full-time wrestling? He cited a desire to spend more time with his family and pursue personal growth as key factors in his decision.
• What is the “Second Mountain” philosophy? the “Second Mountain” concept, as described by David Brooks, suggests a shift in focus from externally defined success to a more meaningful and fulfilling purpose.
• How critically important is mental health awareness in professional wrestling? Danielson highlighted the importance of addressing mental health and supporting wrestlers who are open about their struggles.

Share your thoughts on Danielson’s insights in the comments below! Don’t forget to share this article with fellow wrestling fans.

How does teh extended Raw format align with Bryan Danielson’s established wrestling ideology of prioritizing narrative and emotional investment?

The Shift in WWE Raw’s Format: A Response too Changing Fan demands

WWE Raw’s recent move to a longer,more expansive format isn’t simply about adding more matches. It’s a strategic recalibration, a direct response to evolving fan preferences and a desire to prioritize in-ring storytelling.for years, wrestling fans have voiced a desire for less promotional time and more focused action. The extended runtime allows for a deeper dive into character advancement, intricate match narratives, and a more satisfying overall viewing experiance. This change is particularly noteworthy when viewed through the lens of performers like Bryan Danielson, known for his commitment to technical wrestling and compelling narratives.

Bryan Danielson’s Philosophy: Wrestling as a Narrative Art Form

Bryan Danielson (formerly Daniel Bryan in WWE) has consistently championed a wrestling style that prioritizes believable conflict and emotional investment. His work in both WWE and AEW demonstrates a dedication to building matches not just around athletic prowess,but around compelling stories.

* Emphasis on Ring Psychology: Danielson’s matches aren’t simply sequences of moves; they’re carefully constructed narratives with clear beginnings, middles, and ends. He utilizes ring psychology – understanding how to elicit specific emotional responses from the audience through in-ring actions – to build tension and drama.

* Character-Driven Conflict: His feuds are rarely about simple good versus evil.They’re about complex motivations, personal betrayals, and relatable struggles.This depth resonates with fans seeking more than just spectacle.

* Technical Proficiency as Storytelling Tool: Danielson’s technical wrestling isn’t just about showcasing skill; it’s about demonstrating dominance, vulnerability, and the physical toll of the conflict. Every hold,every submission,contributes to the narrative.

How Extended raw hours Facilitate Danielson’s style of Wrestling

The longer Raw format directly benefits the kind of wrestling Danielson embodies. Here’s how:

* More Time for Match Build-Up: Extended runtime allows for more detailed promos, backstage segments, and in-ring confrontations that establish the stakes and emotional weight of upcoming matches. This is crucial for building anticipation and investment.

* Longer Match Times: Shorter time constraints often force wrestlers to rush through their matches, sacrificing nuance and storytelling. Extended Raw allows for longer, more deliberate matches where wrestlers can truly explore the narrative potential of the contest. Think of classic NJPW matches – they aren’t just about high spots, they’re about a gradual escalation of intensity and drama.

* Opportunities for Mid-Match Storytelling: The extra time allows for more intricate mid-match sequences, reversals, and near-falls that heighten the drama and keep the audience on the edge of their seats. This is where a wrestler like danielson truly shines,using his technical skills to tell a story within the match itself.

* Reduced Commercial Interruptions (Potentially): While not always the case, a longer show can allow for fewer, shorter commercial breaks, minimizing disruption to the flow of the narrative.

The Impact on WWE’s Overall Product: Beyond Raw

The changes to Raw aren’t happening in a vacuum. They reflect a broader shift within WWE towards prioritizing long-term storytelling and character development.

* Premium Live Event (PLE) Storylines: The extended Raw format allows for more consistent and compelling build-up to PLEs,creating a stronger sense of anticipation and investment.

* NXT Integration: The increased focus on in-ring storytelling aligns with the approach taken in NXT,WWE’s developmental brand,which has consistently been praised for its emphasis on character work and compelling matches.

* Competition from AEW: The rise of All Elite Wrestling, with its emphasis on in-ring action and complex storylines, has undoubtedly put pressure on WWE to elevate its product. AEW’s success demonstrates a clear demand for wrestling that prioritizes substance over spectacle.Wrestling Observer Newsletter consistently highlights AEW’s strong match ratings and compelling narratives.

The Role of Promos and Character Work in the New Format

Extended Raw hours aren’t just about longer matches. They also provide more opportunities for compelling promos and character development.

* Microphone Skills: Wrestlers with strong microphone skills, like The Miz or Sami Zayn, can utilize the extra time to deliver more nuanced and engaging promos that further develop their characters and feuds.

* Backstage Segments: Well-crafted backstage segments can provide valuable insight into characters’ motivations and relationships, adding depth to the overall narrative.

* In-Ring Promos: The ability to cut extended in-ring promos allows wrestlers to directly address the audience and build emotional connections.

Analyzing recent Raw Segments: Examples of Improved storytelling

Recent Raw episodes have showcased the potential of the extended format. Such as, the ongoing storyline between Cody Rhodes and a potential new adversary has benefited from extended promo segments and in