Bryan Danielson finally has a way to get another crack at Kenny Omega and the AEW World Championship. The path however is through theAEW World Championship Eliminator Tournament – and his journey starts with Dustin Rhodes tonight. Danielson has been on fire in AEW, but he would be wise to not look past the veteran talent of Rhodes – and even then, either Eddie Kingston or Lance Archer will be next in line.
Don’t Count Dustin Rhodes Out
After a long stare down, Rhodes and Danielson would lock up for the first time ever, with a quick handshake first. Rhodes would get a hammerlock on Danielson, who was able to slip out and get a headlock. Danielson was rolled off, and Rhodes would limber up a bit before the next lock up. Rhodes would hit a good armdrag, but Danielson is faster to his feet.
Trying to use his power, Rhodes went for a test of strength before being taken down. The legs were grabbed, and Danielson would hit some knee strikes before grabbing a leg lock and cranking back. Bow & Arrow Stretch was applied, but Rhodes smartly grabbed the ropes.
Back to his feet he’d be able to hit an uppercut, before being sent outside and would be nailed with a dive. Rhodes would have a counter however, and would come off the apron with a flipping senton! Back in the ring, Danielson hit a low dropkick before laying in those mid kicks and european uppercuts.
Bryan Danielson Works Hard To Get The Win
Rhodes would be able to hit a German Suplex, but Danielson came back with some strikes, a front chancery and would look for an armbar. Unable to get the full extension, we’d see Danielson stomp the elbow, before we’d see Tony Nese in the crowd as Danielson went up top. Rhodes would get Danielson with a superplex, before they traded hands.
The classic powerslam would land, and Rhodes nailed a huge elevated back DDT for a near fall! Danielson was nearly caught there, and he’d be caught with some punches in the corner. Rhodes would come back with a dropkick in the corner, before having to endure some kicks. He avoided a super hurricanrana and sent Danielson down, before almost ending up in the Lebell Lock.
Danielson got the hold, but Rhodes would be able to get a foot on ropes. Rhodes would fire up and trade strikes with Danielson, but the uppercut would be blocked with a backslide. Danielson would look to stomp a head in, before calling for the running knee. Rhodes would turn into it with a lariat before a piledriver for two! Danielson fought to get a choke hold on, and Rhodes would be trapped in the middle of the ring and passed out.
Rhodes is not the best opponent for someone like Danielson, unable to work the same pace or wrestle a technical style. It was an awkward match at spots as it got started, but it would find it’s groove by the end. Some good spots, counter wrestling, and a solid finish. Match Rating: 3/5 (***)
Will Bryan Danielson make the finals? Let us know what you think in the comment section down below.
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