Bryan Danielson, also known as Daniel Bryan in WWE, is of course widely regarded as one of the greatest professional wrestlers of all time. Throughout his illustrious career spanning multiple promotions, Danielson has consistently delivered exceptional in-ring performances.
Here, we’ll explore some of the best Bryan Danielson matches across his tenures in Ring of Honor (ROH), WWE, and All Elite Wrestling (AEW).
Ring of Honor (ROH) Classics
Bryan Danielson vs. KENTA – ROH Glory By Honor V
Considered by many to be Danielson’s magnum opus, this match against KENTA (also known as Hideo Itami in WWE) at ROH Glory By Honor V is a masterclass in professional wrestling.Â
The bout featured a perfect blend of technical wizardry, high-flying moves, and hard-hitting strikes. As ROH World Champion, Danielson put on a clinic against the undefeated KENTA, showcasing his versatility and cementing his status as one of the best in the world.
Bryan Danielson vs. Nigel McGuinness – ROH Unified 2006
Another standout performance came against Nigel McGuinness at ROH Unified in 2006. This title unification match was a grueling, physical encounter that pushed both men to their limits.
The technical prowess on display, combined with the intense rivalry between the two, created an unforgettable spectacle that still holds up as one of Danielson’s finest outings.
WWE Milestones
Daniel Bryan vs. John Cena – SummerSlam 2013
Danielson’s WWE run, under the name Daniel Bryan, produced numerous memorable matches. His clash with John Cena at SummerSlam 2013 stands out as a career-defining moment.Â
The match saw Bryan near the height of his popularity, challenging for the WWE Championship. The in-ring chemistry between the two was palpable, resulting in a thrilling contest that culminated in Bryan’s first WWE Championship win.
Daniel Bryan vs. Triple H – WrestleMania 30
The opening match of WrestleMania 30 saw Bryan take on Triple H in a high-stakes bout that would see the winner go on to the main event of the night.Â
The intensity and storytelling in this match were off the charts, with both men delivering one of the best WrestleMania openers of all time. Bryan’s victory set the stage for his triumphant main event later that night, making this match a crucial part of his WWE legacy.
Daniel Bryan vs. Brock Lesnar – Survivor Series 2018
In what many consider one of the best WWE matches of the past decade, Bryan faced off against Brock Lesnar at Survivor Series 2018.Â
This David vs. Goliath encounter showcased Bryan’s resilience and technical prowess against Lesnar’s raw power and intensity. The match’s use of psychology and storytelling were exceptional, with Bryan’s performance elevating him even in defeat.
AEW Showstoppers
Bryan Danielson vs. Kenny Omega – AEW Grand Slam 2021
Danielson’s AEW debut match against Kenny Omega at Grand Slam 2021 lived up to the immense hype surrounding it.Â
The 30-minute time limit draw was a wrestling clinic, featuring two of the best in-ring performers of their generation. This match set the tone for Danielson’s AEW run and reminded fans of his world-class abilities.
Bryan Danielson vs. “Hangman” Adam Page – AEW Dynamite (January 5, 2022)
Following a time limit draw in their previous encounter, Danielson and Page delivered an instant classic on the January 5, 2022 episode of AEW Dynamite.Â
The match was a bloody, intense affair that showcased both men’s technical skills and storytelling abilities. This bout further solidified Danielson’s status as one of AEW’s top performers.
Bryan Danielson vs. Zack Sabre Jr. – AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2023
At the cross-promotional event Forbidden Door, Danielson faced off against British technical wizard Zack Sabre Jr. The match was a masterclass in mat-based wrestling, with both men showcasing their vast repertoire of holds and counters.
This encounter highlighted Danielson’s ability to adapt to different styles and deliver world-class performances against a variety of opponents.
Read More – Greatest Bryan Danielson AEW Matches (Ranked)
Honorable Mentions
While it’s impossible to cover all of Danielson’s greatest matches, some other notable encounters include:
- vs. Samoa Joe (ROH)
- vs. CM Punk (WWE Over The Limit 2012)
- vs. AJ Styles (WWE)
- vs. Kazuchika Okada (AEW x NJPW Forbidden Door 2023)
- vs. MJF (AEW Revolution 2023)
