Bryan Danielson asked for something to be added to his AEW All In match to make the night extra special.
Performing inside Wembley Stadium for the first time in his career and during the final few months of his full-time run, The American Dragon competed in the main event as he challenged Swerve Strickland for the World Championship. With Europe’s The Final Countdown ringing out through the stadium and with Danielson’s family in attendance, there was a feeling in the air that it would be a night to remember one way or another.
While there was a strong chance that Danielson was going to win the championship, the setting and the added extras gave many that small sense of dread that this could be Danielson’s final match, only adding to the drama. Joining the broadcast booth to call the match was Jim Ross, who has only called the big matches in recent months. Announcing Danielson’s title triumph, Ross had another memorable match to add to his legendary career.
Speaking with Justin Barrasso of Undisputed, the World Champion stated that he asked for Ross to call his match and how much it meant for the voice of wrestling to be there:
“I asked for Jim to be part of the match. He signed me to my first wrestling contract in 2000. I wanted him to be part of the call. Jim is still fantastic. I know he’s had a lot of health issues and I’m sure getting to London was no picnic, but it meant a lot to have him there. I have also developed a really strong friendship with Tony Schiavone, so it meant the world to me that both of them could call the match.”
What’s Next For Bryan Danielson?
Although All In was a night to celebrate, 2 weeks later at All Out the show had a much darker ending for the World Champion. After successfully defending the title against Jack Perry, Danielson was attacked by Jon Moxley and suffocated with a plastic bag. While Bryan Danielson remains in doubt over his involvement at Grand Slam, Nigel McGuinness has taken advantage of the situation and challenged the World Champion to a title match.
Also in the interview, the AEW star heaped praise on Swerve Strickland.