Daniel Bryan, born Bryan Lloyd Danielson on May 22, 1981, in small-town Aberdeen, Washington, is proof that heart beats size in pro wrestling. He didn’t look like a superstar, so he sharpened his skills in tiny gyms and Japanese rings until WWE finally called. Fans first loved him as the “American Dragon,” but the world really noticed during the 2013 “Yes!” Movement—whole arenas jumped and shouted “Yes!” until WWE had no choice but to make him champion at WrestleMania 30.
Away from the ring, Bryan is a proud vegetarian and eco-warrior who once turned villain just to lecture crowds about recycling. Concussion troubles briefly forced him to retire in 2016, yet he fought his way back two years later. In 2021 he moved to AEW, wrestling there under his real name, Bryan Danielson. Today, he’s celebrated as the scrappy, hardworking guy who shows that passion and persistence can beat any odds.
As of June 2025, Bryan Danielson is 44 years old. His estimated net worth is $14 million, and he is 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm or 1.73 m) tall.
Bio/Wiki
Full Name
Bryan Lloyd Danielson
Nickname
Daniel Bryan
Profession
Wrestler, Voice Actor.
Career
Debut
December 1999 in Texas Wrestling Academy (TWA).
Best Known for
Danielson is best known for his technical wrestling mastery, multiple WWE Championships, his “Yes!” movement, and being a top star in WWE and AEW.
Finishing Move
Yes Lock.
Awards
Personal Profile and Background Details
Date of Birth
22 May 1981.
Age
As of today, Bryan Danielson is 44 years old.
Zodiac sign
Gemini
Signature
Nationality
American
Birth Place
Aberdeen, Washington, United States
Residence
Washington, USA
School / College / University
Bryan Danielson went to Aberdeen High School in Washington, where he first dreamed of becoming a pro wrestler during his sophomore year. After graduating in 1999, he aimed for Dean Malenko’s wrestling school in Florida—but it had shut down. No backup plan? No problem. He pivoted fast and joined the Texas Wrestling Academy in San Antonio, training under legends like Shawn Michaels and Rudy Gonzalez. Later, he learned from William Regal, whose technical style helped shape Bryan into the ring master we know today.
Religion
Bryan Danielson grew up in the Unitarian Universalist faith, a progressive, open-minded religion. But for him, the real spiritual moments didn’t happen in church—they happened in the ring or out in the wild. Whether it’s the intensity of wrestling or hiking through nature with his daughter, that’s where he says he feels truly connected, describing it as a kind of oneness.
Race / Ethnicity
50% Mexican
25% Italian
25% British Isles [English, Irish, Scottish]
Food Habits
Bryan Danielson eats mostly plant-based, leaning heavily into fruits, veggies, oats, and greens like arugula and sweet potatoes—his go-to “superfoods.” Years of health scares, including staph infections, nudged him toward cleaner eating. While he avoids dairy and eggs, he’ll occasionally add in salmon once or twice a week, especially to support brain health after past concussions. He’s not a food snob though—chips and salsa are fair game. Bryan also practices intermittent fasting, saying it helps him sleep better and recover faster. For him, it’s all about fueling his body smartly, not sticking to rigid rules.
Hobbies
Bryan Danielson’s favorite hobby? Gardening. When he’s not locking in submission holds, he’s digging in the dirt with a green thumb that could rival any pro. He’s so into it, he’s even thought about going to horticulture school. His social media is sprinkled with proud garden shots—lush greens, blooming veggies, the works.
Tattoo
Danielson is known for having no tattoos on his body.
Physical Attributes and Measurements
Height
- In feet: 5′ 8″
- In Centimetres: 173 cm
- In meters: 1.73 m
Weight
- In kilograms: 87 kg
- In Pounds: 192 lbs
Body Measurements
- Chest Size: 47″
- Biceps Size: 16″
- Waist Size: 34″
Shoe size
12 US
Eye color
Blue
Hair color
Light Brown
Family
Wife
Brie Bella (2014–present)
Father
Donald Orrin Danielson
He worked as a lumberjack before becoming a school teacher and later a dean. His father’s discipline and work ethic influenced Bryan greatly.
Mother
Darlene Jean Danielson (former therapist and language expression teacher)
Siblings
Jeri Ann Nagala (Elder Half-Sister)
Jeri is Bryan’s elder sister. She is married and has 2 sons.
Kelly Marlene Sutera (Elder Paternal Half-Sister)
Kelly lives a very private life. What she does for her living is not known. Since 1986, she has been married to Tom Sutera, and they have 2 kids named Robbie and Alyssa.
Billie Sue Deck (Sister)
Billie also lives a very private life. She has 2 daughters from her past relationship, and her life is to raise her daughters.
Jason Brown (Brother)
In so many sources, there is a mention that Bryan has a brother named Jason. We could not find any details related to him.
Children
Birdie Joe Danielson (Daughter) (born in May 2017)
Buddy Dessert Danielson (Son) (born in August 2020)
Others
Nikki Bella (Sister in law)
Jon Garcia (father-in-law)
John Cena (brother-in-law)
Relationship & More
Marital Status
Married to Brie Bella
Marriage Date
11 April 2014
Girlfriend and Dating History
Brie Bella (2014–Present)
Favorite Things
- Favorite Animal – Several such as ants, dogs, rhinos, elephants
- Movie – When Harry Met Sally… (1989)
- Favorite 90s Sitcom – The Simpsons.
- Favorite Albums – MTV Unplugged in New York (By Nirvana)
- Pizza Topping – Red pepper flakes
Net worth 2025
$14 million
As of June 2025, it’s estimated that Bryan Danielson has a net worth of about $14 million. He isn’t just one of wrestling’s most respected performers—he’s also a savvy professional who’s built a strong financial foundation through multiple income streams. From his high-profile WWE career to his current run in AEW, Danielson has turned passion into paychecks across wrestling, merchandise, endorsements, books, and more.
Let’s break it down piece by piece.
1. AEW Contract and Salary
Estimated Annual Earnings: $2 million+
Since joining All Elite Wrestling (AEW) in 2021, Bryan Danielson has become one of the top stars in the company. Reports from 2024 indicate he earns around $2 million per year, which includes:
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Base salary
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Performance bonuses for major pay-per-views and TV ratings boosts
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Merchandise royalties from AEW’s online store and live events
In AEW, he enjoys more creative freedom and a lighter schedule compared to WWE, which suits both his lifestyle and family priorities. Despite wrestling less frequently, his pay remains at par with other AEW headliners like CM Punk, Chris Jericho, and Jon Moxley.
2. WWE Career Earnings (2009–2021)
Total Estimated Career Earnings: $10–12 million+
Bryan Danielson’s rise to stardom came during his 12-year run in WWE under the ring name Daniel Bryan. Starting with a modest developmental salary, he worked his way up to becoming one of WWE’s highest-paid superstars at the peak of his career.
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Base Salary in Later Years: Around $2 million per year
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Main Event Bonuses: WrestleMania 30, for example, earned him six figures in bonuses alone
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Merchandise Royalties: His “Yes!” t-shirts and gear were best-sellers during the “Yes! Movement” era
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Video Game Appearances: Featured in WWE 2K series annually, bringing in royalty checks
WWE also paid him for media appearances, reality shows like Total Bellas, and special ambassador roles.
3. Merchandise Sales and Licensing
Estimated Earnings: Several hundred thousand dollars per year (varies)
Even outside the ring, Bryan Danielson’s popularity translates to real dollars through merchandise sales and licensing deals.
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In WWE, he was a top-five merchandise seller during 2013–2015.
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AEW also sells Bryan-themed shirts, hoodies, and posters through ShopAEW and live events.
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He earns a cut from action figures, Funko Pops, and other licensed products featuring his likeness.
His mantra of authenticity makes fans more likely to buy his gear—which often includes sustainable or minimalist designs aligned with his personal values.
4. Video Games and Media Appearances
Estimated Earnings: $100,000–$300,000 annually (varies)
Danielson has been featured in numerous wrestling video games:
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WWE 2K series (from 2K14 to 2K22)
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AEW: Fight Forever (launched in 2023)
He earns licensing fees for each game appearance. He’s also made guest appearances on talk shows, reality TV, and podcasts—each bringing in appearance fees or residual payments.
5. Book Sales – Autobiography
Book: Yes: My Improbable Journey to the Main Event of WrestleMania
Published: 2015
Co-author: Craig Tello
Estimated Revenue: $200,000+
Bryan’s memoir became a New York Times Best Seller, offering a behind-the-scenes look at his rise from indie darling to WrestleMania main eventer. The book earned strong reviews and continues to sell in both physical and digital formats.
He likely received:
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An upfront advance (standard for major WWE names)
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Ongoing royalties based on sales
This not only added to his income but helped cement his legacy beyond just wrestling fans.
6. Brand Endorsements and Collaborations
Estimated Earnings: $50,000–$100,000+ annually (varies)
Unlike many pro wrestlers, Danielson keeps a relatively low profile when it comes to flashy endorsements. However, he has partnered with brands that align with his personal values, such as:
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Ora Organic – A plant-based supplement brand
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Citizen Watch Company
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1% for the Planet – Environmental advocacy group
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American Forests – Supporting reforestation projects
These partnerships aren’t always about big money—they’re often passion projects that also offer moderate income.
7. Public Speaking and Guest Appearances
Estimated Earnings: Varies based on events
Bryan Danielson occasionally participates in wrestling panels, Q&A sessions, and comic cons. While not a full-time speaker, his appearances at major conventions like Comic-Con or WrestleCon can fetch $5,000–$25,000 per event depending on demand.
He’s also a popular guest on podcasts and wrestling roundtables where appearance fees or affiliate payouts might apply.
8. Personal Ventures and Hobbies
Though not income-focused, Danielson has expressed interest in areas like:
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Horticulture – He once considered enrolling in horticulture school and even hinted at launching a garden-related YouTube channel or blog
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Sustainability projects – As an environmentalist, he’s involved in community efforts that may eventually lead to entrepreneurial ventures
These haven’t been monetized publicly (yet), but they show a direction his post-wrestling life might head toward.
Pets
