10 Wrestling Nightmares That Almost Came True

2. Bryan Danielson Almost Didn't Jump To AEW

Kevin Owens Ezekiel
AEW

Bryan Danielson's AEW run has been incredible.

His very first match with Kenny Omega was as special a masterpiece as has ever been promoted in the United States. Held in front of a record crowd against a gorgeous open-air backdrop, the fans went apesh*t just for the stare-down after the bell. The match was built around the idea that he and Omega were so inseparable in terms of ability that they were effectively a knot, and in one incredible spot, this was articulated by Omega countering the Busaiku knee with a powerbomb. The acute timing between the potential impact and the counter was out of this world.

Every 2021 TV match Danielson worked was a minor classic. This incredible sprint of brilliance led him to then-World champion Hangman Page, against whom Danielson worked two MOTYC candidates. From expansive strategy to the most primitive desperate violence, Danielson was outstanding in telling the story of a champion on such form that there was no way of beating him.

Danielson was so convincing with his technical killer character work that he got opponents over just by giving them a comeback sequence.

It almost didn't happen; unlike virtually every other WWE to AEW jump, Danielson was very torn over the prospect. The easy-going optimist wanted to believe WWE could get better and actively enjoyed working there.

Literally, only a thirst for actual blood led him out of the door.

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Michael Sidgwick is an editor, writer and podcaster for WhatCulture Wrestling. With over seven years of experience in wrestling analysis, Michael was published in the influential institution that was Power Slam magazine, and specialises in providing insights into All Elite Wrestling - so much so that he wrote a book about the subject. You can order Becoming All Elite: The Rise Of AEW on Amazon. Possessing a deep knowledge also of WWE, WCW, ECW and New Japan Pro Wrestling, Michael’s work has been publicly praised by former AEW World Champions Kenny Omega and MJF, and current Undisputed WWE Champion Cody Rhodes. When he isn’t putting your finger on why things are the way they are in the endlessly fascinating world of professional wrestling, Michael wraps his own around a hand grinder to explore the world of specialty coffee. Follow Michael on X (formerly known as Twitter) @MSidgwick for more!