9 Ups & 1 Down From AEW Dynamite (5 Jan - Review)

3. Bryan Danielson vs. MJF (feat. Tony Nese)

Bryan Danielson MJF
AEW

Bryan Danielson's Dynamite was a crash course in how wrestling companies should present somebody on home turf.

Over huge in his native Washington, Danielson worked a fun, concise bout with potential spoiler Tony Nese, who started hot, hitting his running knee strike after taking advantage of an early distraction. He was ultimately outclassed, as he should have been, but there's no shame in that. Nese is excellent in his gatekeeper role - and Bryan is one of the greatest wrestlers of all time.

Pure magic followed. A froggy Danielson was still itching for a fight, so he called out MJF. A great promo battle between two of the best talkers in the business followed. It was textbook stuff done well, with MJF armouring himself with shields of arrogance and a number one contendership ladder he felt Danielson could never climb. Slyly, Bryan chipped away at that arrogance, going down the Mom Jokes route, attacking MJF's veneer, and ultimately goading him into accepting a 60-Minute Iron Man match for Revolution.

Provided Danielson can stay undefeated on television until 5 February. These are the terms of their agreement. The initial gauntlet suits MJF - and the stipulation suits Danielson.

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Channel Manager
Channel Manager

Andy has been with WhatCulture for eight years and is currently WhatCulture's Wrestling Channel Manager. A writer, presenter, and editor with 10+ years of experience in online media, he has been a sponge for all wrestling knowledge since playing an old Royal Rumble 1992 VHS to ruin in his childhood. Having previously worked for Bleacher Report, Andy specialises in short and long-form writing, video presenting, voiceover acting, and editing, all characterised by expert wrestling knowledge and commentary. Andy is as much a fan of 1985 Jim Crockett Promotions as he is present-day AEW and WWE - just don't make him choose between the two.