Bryan Danielson has been a pro wrestler who has been respected by his peers and the fans. He has had a career of matches that are brutal or mat-based masterclass grappling. He has inspired critics, fans, and future pro wrestlers based on his skills. This article will be about the top ten greatest matches of his career from various promotions.
10. CMLL (05-04-2024): Bryan Danielson versus Blue Panther
Blue Panther is a long-lasting fixture in big matches for CMLL. Bryan Danielson always wanted to face off against this legend at any chance that he could get. The match was finally made to take place in Arena Mexico, and one of the most heartwarming matches took place. A legend of American pro wrestling versus a legend from lucha libre (Mexican pro wrestling).
9. AEW WrestleDream 2024 (10-12-2024): Bryan Danielson versus Jon Moxley for the AEW World Title.
Blackpool Combat Club had two leaders, and neither Bryan Danielson nor Jon Moxley knew what would become of themselves if they were to have a match that would change the course of AEW. Bryan Danielson was betrayed by his group, and that group wanted to have Jon Moxley lead AEW into the future. Wheeler Yuta was inspired by Bryan and took his side during the betrayal, but that did not last long. He would be the leading factor in Jon Moxley winning the AEW World Title and ending Bryan Danielson's full-time AEW career.
8. AEW Collision (02-03-2024): Bryan Danielson versus Hechicero.
Two mat-based pro wrestlers meet in a match that no one knew could happen. This match opens a lot of American audiences to the skills of Hechicero. Hechicero is from CMLL, and this was an entry point to do many things in AEW in the future.
7. AEW Revolution 2023 (03-05-2023): MJF versus Bryan Danielson for the AEW World Title in a 60 Minute Iron Man Match.
MJF is known for being careless of his actions and his opponents. Bryan Danielson is not just a mat-based pro wrestler; he is a storyteller in the squared circle. The story of this Iron Man match was to show that MJF can have a world title match that lasts over an hour. This match showed that MJF would do anything to win and prevent Bryan from being an AEW World Champion.
6. AEW Dynasty 2024 (04-21-2024): Will Ospreay versus Bryan Danielson.
Will Ospreay is known for having brutal athletic bouts with his opponents and hitting a move called "Tiger Driver '91". This move was so brutal that Will did not want to damage Bryan's neck by hitting it, but that is what ultimately happened. Life and pro wrestling can be beautiful as well as brutal.
5. AEW Dynamite (10-02-2024): AEW World Champion Bryan Danielson versus AEW Continental Champion Kazuchika Okada.
Okada and Bryan have had many matches against each other, but there were two titles on the line. Okada's title would only be on the line for the first 20 minutes. What could happen with that stipulation? Watch it and find out for yourself.
4. WWE Survivor Series 2018 (11-18-2018): Daniel Bryan versus Brock Lesnar.
This match happened at a time when one champion would face another champion from another WWE show. Bryan and Lesnar are both world champions as well as heels at the time. This resulted in a memorable bout that showcased Bryan Danielson's coolness and dynamic abilities.
3. WWE WrestleMania 30 (04-06-2014): Daniel Bryan versus Triple H.
This is the match that started the show, and it is the best match of this event. Bryan Danielson wanted an Undisputed WWE World Heavyweight Title match against Batista and Randy Orton (who was the champion at the time). This win made everyone ready for what the main event would result in. This is one of the best opening matches of WrestleMania history.
2. AEW WrestleDream 2023 (10-01-2023): Bryan Danielson versus Zack Sabre Jr
Zack Sabre Junior is a top pro wrestler for New Japan Pro Wrestling. He barely wrestles in the United States. He was named the best technical wrestler many times, but not as much as Bryan Danielson. The clash here was to prove who is the best technical wrestler of this day, and it became an instant classic.
1. AEW All In (08-25-2024): Swerve Strickland versus Bryan Danielson (Career versus AEW World Title)
This match ranks number one because of the stipulation and the fact that a healthy Bryan Danielson can defeat "The Most Dangerous Wrestler in AEW" (who is in his prime years as a main event talent in AEW). The emotion, the crowd and the goal were clear. This gave Bryan Danielson the best moment of his career without injuries, and he celebrated with his family afterwards.
These are just 10 of the best matches of Bryan Danielson's career, and there are more if you seek them out. What matches do you think are the best of Bryan's career? Let me know what you think, and enjoy the matches listed above!