The numbered days for Bryan Danielson kicked off in style at AEW WrestleDream 2023 as he competed in a dream match. Competing in a highly anticipated matchup against Zack Sabre Jr., the former WWE Champion emerged victorious in style.
Originally, Bryan was supposed to main-event AEW WrestleDream 2023 since it went down from his hometown of Seattle, Washington but his matchup against the NJPW TV Champion was placed in the middle of the card. Bryan came out in a thunderous pop from the fans present at the Climate Pledge Arena while his teammate Jon Moxley and long-time rival Nigel McGuinness were present at the commentary desk.
“I’m Hot, Successful. You’re Sitting On Your Swamp A** At Home,” Saraya Blasts AEW Fan On X
Sabre gained the initial upper hand in this dream bout at AEW WrestleDream 2023 by targeting the surgically repaired hand of his opponent. Bryan continued to battle through the injury and gained back control by hitting a series of his patented Yes Kicks.
In the final moments of this match at AEW WrestleDream 2023, Bryan hit a Regal-Plex and Busaiku Knee for a two-count. Ultimately, Bryan secured the win with an exposed knee to the jaw of Sabre Jr. for a three-count. Once the match was over, Bryan extended his hands to Sabre but the latter refused and rolled out of the ring.
Bryan Danielson with a top rope attack transitioned into a series of submissions!
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🔗 https://t.co/sT1hBzcprU@bryandanielson | @zacksabrejr pic.twitter.com/cCEf8veI7N— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) October 2, 2023
Will Zack Sabre Jr. make Bryan Danielson tap tonight?!
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🔗 https://t.co/sT1hBzcprU@bryandanielson | @zacksabrejr pic.twitter.com/G4AZAkChGG— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) October 2, 2023
Bryan Danielson extends his hand in respect…But Zack Sabre Jr. didn't want anything to do with it.
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🔗 https://t.co/sT1hBzcprU@bryandanielson | @zacksabrejr pic.twitter.com/lxd73cryDJ— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) October 2, 2023
AEW WrestleDream 2023: Bryan Danielson starts farewell tour
It’s believed that AEW WrestleDream 2023 has begun the retirement tour for Bryan as he’s previously admitted to having a limited phase in wrestling capacity. His injury-marred career continued through Forbidden Door, this year prior to which he picked up an arm injury before finally returning before All Out to face Ricky Starks.
While speaking during the post-AEW All Out media scrum, Bryan stated the following about his retirement,
“It’s not like, all that’s to say that’s not a no, it’s a how do I make this work with while still keeping the meaningful things in my life, the things I find to be important, putting them in top priority. There are puzzles to figure out and sometimes the pieces don’t fit and I had a good run and it might be time to move on.”
It’s not clear what plans Bryan has after AEW WrestleDream 2023 but a rematch against Sabre could be in store given that the two weren’t on the same following their dream bout.
