Adam Cole wishes he could have worked with Bryan Danielson during their time in All Elite Wrestling (AEW), but he’s happy he got to share a ring with the American Dragon once.
Cole was back in action on Wednesday’s AEW Dynamite and picked up a hard-fought win against Malakai Black of the House of Black. It was his first match in 423 days, and the former NXT Champion showed little signs of the dreaded ‘ring rust.’
They both debuted for AEW on the same night, during the conclusion of the All Out 2021 pay-per-view. Unfortunately, each man battling respective injuries prevented them from doing much together in the ring. Cole spoke with the Stick to Wrestling Podcast and admitted he’s disappointed they never wrestled a singles match in AEW.
“Bryan is so universally loved, respected and admired. Not just by fans, but literally by every wrestler I’ve ever met. I mean, Bryan is without question one of the greatest of all-time to ever do this and I look back at the one match we had on SmackDown and I think back so fondly of that night and that moment.”
Holding Out Hope
Cole looks back fondly on their AEW debuts, and the excitement he felt sharing a ring with Danielson, even in a non-wrestling capacity.
“It was an honor to step into the ring with Bryan Danielson so, I got so excited at the idea because we both debuted the same night here at AEW and I thought, oh my God, we’re gonna get the chance to do it again and at AEW in front of the AEW fans, I can’t wait.”
Danielson is now out of action indefinitely and facing another possible neck surgery later this year, if stem cell therapy does not treat his ailments. Cole is happy Danielson is focusing solely on his health, but is hoping they do meet one day day down the road.
“So at least now for the time being, it seems like that probably won’t happen so of course, that’s a bummer for me but Bryan’s health and Bryan’s safety and Bryan’s legacy is the most important thing so I’m glad that Bryan is able to rest and heal and again, Bryan’s one of the greatest to ever do it and selfishly, I do wish I could have stepped into the ring with him again but who knows? Never say never. Maybe someday, maybe someday.”
Adam Cole and Bryan Danielson’s sole singles match took place in November of 2019 on an episode of WWE SmackDown.