AEW Dynamite: Grand Slam served up a dream match that fans have been waiting to see for a long time. In a non-title match, AEW World Champion Kenny Omega faced Bryan Danielson in the in-ring debut of “The American Dragon.” After an epic match, the contest ended in a time limit draw.
Before the two men even locked up, the crowd was deafening, as their cheers filled Arthur Ashe Stadium. The competitors felt each other out, and Danielson gained the upper hand early on. The loud crowd reacted to every strike and every shift in momentum. “The American Dragon” drove Omega to the outside and dove onto him.
Big time impact by the American Dragon @bryandanielson – Watch #AEWDynamite: Grand Slam LIVE NOW on @tntdrama! pic.twitter.com/Iw1fhCTbHT
— All Elite Wrestling (@AEW) September 23, 2021
Danielson targets the champion’s arm with a diving knee off the top rope. Omega eventually takes control and grounds his opponent. The two foes trade chops, and Danielson’s chest turns red from the brutal impact.
“The American Dragon” blocks a moonsault and, fueled by the fans’ cheers, rallies with his trademark flurry of offense. Omega floors Danielson with a hurricanrana and dives onto him outside the ring.
Danielson briefly locks in the Cattle Mutilation and drills Omega with a diving knee to the face. He hits the “Yes!” kicks, but Omega plants him with a snap Dragon suplex on the ramp. Omega plays to the crowd and nails him with a V-trigger. Omega subsequently takes control and hits a nasty Buckle Bomb.
Danielson nearly steals the win with a roll-up, but Omega blasts him with a knee to the neck. “The American Dragon” drops Omega with an avalanche back suplex, but he lands on his own arm. The champion blasts Danielson with a nasty knee, but the fan-favorite fires back with a rolling elbow. Omega hits an avalanche dragon suplex for a near fall.
Bryan counters the One-Winged Angel into a reverse hurricanrana and rocks Omega with a kick to the head. Omega counters the signature win into a knee to the head for a two count. Danielson dodges a phoenix splash and kicks Omega some more. “The American Dragon” stomps Omega and goes for the LeBell Lock, but the champion reaches the ropes.
A certified CLASSIC from @KennyOmegamanX and @bryandanielson! #AEWGrandSlam #AEWDynamite #AEWonTNT pic.twitter.com/lVN7QgEDql
— TDE Wrestling (@tde_gif) September 23, 2021
Both men trade thunderous blows in the final minute until time expires, so the match ends in a time limit draw.
They keep fighting after the bell, and The Elite save Omega from Danielson. The Young Bucks and Adam Cole superkick Danielson, but Jurassic Express and Christian Cage make the save.