MJF Brings In Ex-WWE Star To Face Bryan Danielson In AEW

Bryan Danielson's march to an AEW World Title shot continues against ex-NXT wrestler...

by Andy H Murray
Bryan Danielson Timothy Thatcher
AEW

Bryan Danielson will face Timothy Thatcher on next week's episode of AEW Dynamite, continuing 'The American Dragon's' march towards a shot at MJF's World Championship.

Danielson has been contesting a series of weekly matches on Dynamite, with the storyline decreeing he must win them all to face MJF at Revolution 2023 (5 March). Konosuke Takeshita, Bandido, and Brian Cage have been felled by Danielson thus far, with MJF lining Thatcher up last night.

Thatcher, a former WWE NXT wrestler, makes sense as Danielson's next opponent, given the events of last night. Bryan suffered a kayfabe arm injury in his bout with Cage and the ensuing post-match beatdown. He cut a furious promo alongside Dr. Michael Sampson later in the night, defying medical advice, and Thatcher - a nasty, gritty in-ring technician - has the perfect toolset to target this new weakness.

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MJF and Danielson will contest a 60-minute Iron Man match should Bryan emerge from this run of matches with his win/loss record intact.

The storyline stems from MJF's treatment of William Regal, who was knocked out by the AEW World Champion on his way out of the promotion. Danielson had remained steadfast in his loyalty towards the Englishman, even after screwing Jon Moxley out of the title at Full Gear 2022, having been brought through the business by Regal years ago.

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Andy has been with WhatCulture for six years and is currently WhatCulture's Senior Wrestling Reporter. 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.