Nigel McGuinness has revealed how he was able to get a shot at Bryan Danielson at AEW Grand Slam.
On the September 11th edition of Dynamite, it was announced that Bryan Danielson will face Nigel McGuinness at Grand Slam on September 25th at Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York City.
However, the match depends on Danielson being cleared to compete in time for the event. On the same show, in order to get a match against Darby Allin, Jon Moxley claimed that The American Dragon was too injured to defend his World Title in New York.
On the latest episode of Collision, McGuinness explained to Tony Schiavone that it was that uncertainty that allowed him to persuade Tony Khan to give him a match against Danielson, reigniting their legendary Ring of Honor rivalry.
“I can’t [be sure that Bryan Danielson can compete]. And Tony Khan can’t. But let’s be honest, when Jon Moxley convinced Darby Allin to put his title opportunity on the line, he did it out of pure speculation, which is what I said to Tony Khan.
“There’s no way we can know Bryan Danielson won’t be able to show up at Grand Slam. So I said if he is, with Darby Allin no longer able to face him, I would like to. So I’ll be there at Arthur Ashe. The question is, will Bryan?
McGuinness went on to claim that Danielson is scared of him because of their previous encounters.
“My point is this: Bryan, if you’re not there, it’s not because of your condition. It’s because he’s afraid of me. I’ve said it before, Tony, and now I’m gonna show the world why.
“Just look at this. Sixteen years ago, Bryan Danielson and I were bitter rivals on equal standing, clashing for the Ring of Honor World title in matches that had the wrestling world abuzz.
“But there has been no one before or since that has beaten Bryan Danielson so convincingly, so brutally and so thoroughly that no matter how much success he has had in his career, winning the AEW World title at Wembley Stadium, he is still haunted by the memories of facing me in the ring.”
The British star finished by warning Danielson that he plans to end his career at Grand Slam.
“Sixteen years later, I’m in the best shape of my life. Better than him, because he is nothing more than a physical wreck. But don’t worry Bryan, win, lose or draw, you’ll leave Arthur Ashe with the AEW World Title. But let’s not make any bones about it: you show up, I’m gonna try to end your career. Ball’s in your court, Bryan.”
.@McGuinnessNigel explains how his potential match with @BryanDanielson at #AEWGrandSlam came to be and tells the tale of their epic rivalry#AEWCollision is on TNT pic.twitter.com/fp0VLjjUzV
— AEW on TV (@AEWonTV) September 15, 2024
During the same episode, Wheeler Yuta provided an update on Bryan Danielson’s condition, saying The American Dragon is “doing the best that he can.”
Ahead of the match, Nigel McGuinness has declared that “The Fragile Countdown” has begun.
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