AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2023 delivered a huge main event with Kazuchika Okada facing Bryan Danielson in their first-ever match. Yet, one of the most memorable moments came before the first punch was thrown, as Danielson made his entrance to Europe’s “The Final Countdown” for the first time in the promotion.
AEW commentator Excalibur recently shared the story behind that unforgettable entrance on AEW Unrestricted. As Excalibur began his commentary, chaos erupted in his headset.
Everybody is screaming in my ear just saying, ‘Shut up! You gotta wait for the chorus!’
Excalibur recalled. Even Tony Khan jumped in, repeatedly urging:
The chorus! The chorus! The chorus!
Despite the pressure, Excalibur relied on his experience, having called many of Danielson’s matches during their days on the indie circuit.
I have an internal clock for that song because he used it on the indies for so many years. When that chorus kicks in, I know that’s when the fans are gonna shout.
Excalibur managed to finish his pre-match monologue right as the crowd roared, joining in with the iconic “Final Countdown” chorus. Tony Khan’s reaction was immediate.
Tony gets in my ear and goes, ‘That was f*cking great!’
Expressing his gratitude, Excalibur responded:
Thank you for trusting me.
He elaborated on the immense pressure of calling such a pivotal moment.
It’s a high level of trust to put in one person… I could have very easily trampled what could have been a huge moment.
He said, emphasising the significance of getting it right.
For [Tony] to put me in that position requires a lot of trust, and that’s not something I take for granted.
Which AEW Original’s Contract Has Recently Expired?
AEW Original Dustin Rhodes is reportedly a free agent after his contract with the company expired. Rhodes has been with the company since the first Double or Nothing event in 2019 and recently captured both the ROH World Tag Team and ROH World Six-Man Tag Team Championships. Despite holding both these titles he finds himself without a contract but it is reported that he is in ongoing negotiations with the promotion about a new deal.
H/t to POSTWrestling.com