Bryan Danielson’s Retirement: AEW Just Planted Seeds For American Dragon’s Final Opponent

Bryan Danielson's Retirement: AEW Just Planted Seeds For American Dragon's Final Opponent

As a longtime fan who has witnessed Bryan Danielson’s remarkable journey through the grappling world, I am both awestruck and heartbroken as we approach the twilight of his illustrious career. The American Dragon’s final chapter is being penned, and it seems like AEW is sparing no effort to make this farewell tour a memorable one.


Bryan Danielson’s wrestling career is nearing its end. Last year, Danielson declared that he would retire within a year, as he had promised to prioritize his family once his daughter turned seven. As we move towards summer, Danielson has confirmed that this timeline remains unchanged. He mentioned that he would indeed retire if he lost the world title match against Swerve Strickland at AEW ALL IN: London. However, Danielson managed to defeat Swerve to win the AEW World Championship, a first for him in over five years and his inaugural championship in AEW.

As the current AEW World Champion, Danielson’s retirement intentions remain firm. During his initial broadcast following his title win, Danielson made it clear that upon losing the AEW World Championship, he intends to retire from wrestling.

During these developments, Jon Moxley, a fellow member of Danielson’s Blackpool Combat Club, reappeared on AEW TV. His theme song from New Japan Pro Wrestling replaced the “Wild Thing” tune, his passionate promos gave way to mysterious and calm statements, and his BCC associates were exchanged for Marina Shafir, a competitor from GCW Bloodsport. Moxley solidified this new identity when he shattered the BCC at AEW All Out, leading an uneasy assault on Danielson while Wheeler Yuta was compelled to watch helplessly.

AEW Plants Seeds For Bryan Danielson’s Final Opponent

Bryan Danielson's Retirement: AEW Just Planted Seeds For American Dragon's Final Opponent

Has the slayer of the American Dragon just been revealed?

After three weeks of pressing him for a conversation, Jon Moxley finally sat down with Darby Allin – a meeting he had been eagerly waiting for. Moxley acknowledged Allin’s tireless efforts, commending the multiple-time AEW TNT Champion as an exemplar of hard work. However, Moxley made it clear that he wasn’t prepared yet to contest for the AEW World Championship. Intriguingly, Allin, who managed to secure a world title match this summer, agreed to risk that opportunity in a face-off against Moxley at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam on September 25th.

After a brief interval, Nigel McGuinness made an appearance before the live audience. This long-time color commentator for AEW stepped back into the ring during AEW ALL IN: London, participating in a wrestling match for the first time in more than ten years. At this event, McGuinness challenged AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson, goading his old Ring of Honor rival to fight him at AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam in just two weeks.

In simpler terms, it seems like the final part was hurriedly done, given McGuinness’ long-standing wish for another bout with Danielson. Why not save it for a pay-per-view event, giving fans at least a month to eagerly await it instead of just two weeks on television?

That’s because Danielson’s time is numbered, and even more so than originally anticipated.

At the upcoming AEW pay-per-view event, AEW WrestleDream, set in Danielson’s home state of Washington, it seems increasingly likely that this will be the venue for his retirement match. From Moxley’s statements on Wednesday, it appears Allin is being groomed as Danielson’s final adversary. The only explanation for bringing the McGuinness match forward to AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam is that AEW WrestleDream is earmarked for Allin, another Washington resident.

To secure his position, Allin must defeat Moxley during AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam. Will AEW write off Moxley so soon after he returned to TV? Is this win sufficient for Allin to be considered ready for the AEW World Championship title? Can AEW maintain excitement across all aspects of this storyline? These are some of the questions that will need addressing in what promises to be the most significant four-week run of AEW programming yet.

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2024-09-12 18:09