9 Ups & 1 Down From AEW Dynamite (17 Nov)

2. Big Bastard Bryan Danielson

Bryan Danielson unleashed the Dragon within last night, embracing full heeldom for his feud with 'Hangman' Adam Page while declaring war on the entire Dark Order.

We'll get to the opening segment in a minute. For now, let's focus on Danielson's short match with Evil Uno. Ostensibly an extended squash, it drew increased aggression, violence, and pissiness from Bryan, who worked like a grumpy ring general. He showed Uno little respect as he inflicted slap after slap on the masked man, whose comebacks were well-timed and well-executed, as the overmatched babyface showed great spirit against the greatest wrestler working today.

So spirited was Uno that he aped Japanese indie standout Yuji Hino by putting his hands behind his back, asking Danielson chop him up in the name of earning respect. Instead, he ended up going out as soon as Danielson applied a triangle sleeper after stomping Uno's face to mush.

Danielson grabbed a microphone and went to town on the Dark Order after the bell, claiming he'd take on every single member and kick their heads in prior to facing Page. Next week, it's Colt Cabana in Chicago.

More an amplification of traits Danielson had already demonstrated than a full-on turn, this was nonetheless masterful stuff from the number one contender. Bryan Danielson is not Daniel Bryan. This is a different man, more dangerous than in any of his WWE guises, and last night's character development was necessary in the face of Page.