Bryan Danielson Retains AEW World Title in Thrilling Dynamite: Grand Slam Grudge Match

Bryan Danielson Retains AEW World Title in Thrilling Dynamite: Grand Slam Grudge Match

As a long-time wrestling enthusiast who has witnessed the evolution of the sport from its humble beginnings to its current grandeur, I must admit that the match between Bryan Danielson and Nigel McGuinness at AEW’s Dynamite: Grand Slam was nothing short of electrifying. The anticipation for this highly-anticipated bout has been building for years, much like a cork ready to pop from an aging bottle of fine wine.


To start off the annual event known as Dynamite: Grand Slam, AEW presented one of the most eagerly awaited matches in their history. However, Bryan Danielson found himself betrayed by members of the Blackpool Combat Club, leaving many wondering if he’d be able to compete against Nigel McGuinness and if he would need to give up his title. Thankfully (or perhaps unfortunately for McGuinness), Danielson was cleared and prepared for the bout. For quite some time, fans have been eagerly anticipating a final face-off between McGuinness and Danielson, two legendary adversaries, but McGuinness retired while Danielson moved to WWE.

In ROH, a pivotal rivalry of its early days was formed between Danielson and McGuinness. Their last encounter in the ring took place in 2009. Even though they were both offered WWE contracts at that time, unfortunately, his contract didn’t go through in the end.

For years, this incident has fostered a deep resentment between them. Similar to Bret Hart’s longstanding rivalry with Goldberg, McGuinness vows to never give him a moment’s peace as long as they are both alive. However, unlike McGuinness, Danielson had the opportunity for a fitting retirement match; his final bout took place in front of approximately 100 people at a volunteer fire department building. In stark contrast, Danielson won his World Heavyweight Championship in WWE just the following night.

In their intense, potentially final bout lasting fifteen minutes, Danielson and his opponent unleashed every move they had, sparing no tricks – even leaving the kitchen sink unused. McGuinness delivered powerful, hard-hitting lariats, there was classic grappling, intense chops and kicks as both combatants gave their all to outwrestle each other. True to form, McGuinness aimed attacks at Danielson’s taped neck and the injured arm from his match with Kazuchika Okada long ago. Despite a thirteen-year absence from wrestling, McGuinness showed an impressive level of focus and seemed as if he hadn’t lost a step in his game.

At the AEW Dynamite Grand Slam, Nigel McGuinness is pouring all his resources onto Bryan Danielson! Don’t miss it live on TBS! #AEWDynamiteGrandSlam @bryandanielson | @McGuinnessNigel

— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 26, 2024

McGuinness recently clarified to TVInsider that there has been much misunderstanding and false information circulating. In truth, when he decided to leave wrestling, it was solely because he could no longer earn a living as a wrestler. He wasn’t stepping away due to concussions or hepatitis. He was fit and able to continue wrestling. While he was aware of the potential for injuries, he tried to push such thoughts aside.

Stay tuned to ComicBook for more updates out of AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam!

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2024-09-26 04:10