5 Best Challengers For Bryan Danielson’s AEW World Title

Bryan Danielson saved his career at AEW All In.

The American Dragon beat Swerve Strickland for the AEW World Championship in front of over 50,000 fans at London’s Wembley Stadium. Danielson’s post-match celebration saw his family and BCC comrades join him in the ring.

The new AEW World Champion is set to address his “wrestling future” tonight on Dynamite. Assuming Danielson just doesn’t straight away relinquish the title, he could put his championship on the line against these five men in the weeks to come.

Ricky Starks

Bryan Danielson and Ricky Starks had one of the best AEW PPV matches of 2023 at last year’s All Out. The Dragon put over the match as one of his favorites during an interview in the lead-up to All In. Danielson and Starks were absolutely terrific in the strap match that was originally set to feature CM Punk.

AEW fans haven’t seen Starks in quite some time even though he’s still under contract with the company. Starks has tremendous charisma and is great in the ring. He and Danielson have established chemistry. AEW could create a title program between Starks and Danielson to set up Starks’ televised return.

Jay White

Jay White, at one point, was the hottest free agent in the world. The Switchblade signed with AEW after an illustrious career in New Japan Pro Wrestling. Fans wanted to see White beat MJF for the AEW World Championship at Full Gear 2023, but we know how that match turned out. White was last seen in action on 7/6 Collision when he suffered an injury while competing against “Hangman” Adam Page.

Fightful reported that White had showed up for AEW’s tapings in mid-August, but didn’t receive the go-ahead to compete. A heel Jay White could be a major foil to a babyface World Champion Bryan Danielson, assuming Tony Khan finally turns him solo in the aftermath of a, hopefully near, in-ring return.

Kazuchika Okada

Some fans thought Kazuchika Okada versus Bryan Danielson I underdelivered mostly because the American Dragon injured himself mid-match. The pair went to war at Wrestle Kingdom 18 dishing out a modern-day classic in the process. Their last meeting was the chaotic Anarchy in the Arena match at Double or Nothing 2024.

The Elite could make Okada versus Danielson III happen because they still have (kayfabe) control over AEW. Matt and Nick Jackson could just announce Okada as Danielson’s opponent for the AEW World Title and the whole arena would explode with excitement. I don’t know for sure, but I have a feeling Tony Khan might give us this match for free on AEW Dynamite.

Zack Sabre wants a rubber match against Bryan Danielson

Zack Sabre Jr. and Bryan Danielson had some epic battles in 2023 and 2024. Danielson emerged victorious in their WrestleDream 2023 outing. Zack would even the score in their masterpiece of a match at NJPW The New Beginning in Osaka 2024.

A rubber match between these two technical wizards needs to happen. Fans want it. Zack wants it . Danielson would probably want it as well. Tony Khan may just very well up the stakes and have Zack challenge Danielson for his world title.

The question is — where would it be?

AEW has to book Nigel McGuiness vs. Bryan Danielson

Wembley was the right place for Nigel McGuiness to make his epic in-ring return. The illustrious British wrestler arrived to huge pop at All In. McGuiness entered the Casino Gauntlet match as the surprise entrant. He dished some brutal punishment on his opponents but failed to earn a guaranteed shot at the AEW World Title.

McGuiness wanted Danielson as his opponent for All In because of their illustrious history. These two had some wars back in Ring of Honor. McGuiness continues to mock Danielson on commentary during weekly AEW shows and PPVs. It’s as if he’s teasing a major match against his archrival.

WrestleZone will have full coverage of Bryan Danielson’s announcement as it airs on AEW Dynamite.

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